24 Types of Draft Horses Ranked By Their Enormous Size

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In the equine world, draft horses stand tall, quite literally! These majestic giants grow to immense sizes, have remarkable strength, and exhibit a gentle demeanor. From the elegant Shire to the hardworking Belgian Draft, these colossal breeds have left an indelible mark on agriculture, transportation, and other equestrian sports. However, it’s essential to note that while estimating their impressive dimensions, individual horses within each breed may vary in height and weight. And as with any living beings, these gentle creatures possess unique qualities and personalities. Let’s explore the 24 types of draft horses ranked by their size and discover how their power, grace, and versatility come together.

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Of all the types of draft horses, the Shire is one of the largest and most powerful in the world. It originates from the United Kingdom. On average, Shires stand around 16 to 19 hands (64 to 76 inches) tall at the withers and weigh an impressive 1,800 to 2,400 pounds. Known for their immense strength, Shires possess a muscular build with broad chests and sturdy legs covered in luxurious feathering. With their large expressive eyes and long, arched necks, Shires exude power and grace. Their coats come in black, brown, bay, grey, chestnut, roan, and rarely sorrel. They can also have white markings. Furthermore, this gentle giant has a calm and patient temperament, making them ideal for heavy work and driving. Their docile nature and willingness to please make them beloved companions and reliable workmates.

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The Belgian Draught is another type of draft horse known for its sheer power and endurance. It originates from Belgium, as its name suggests. Standing at an average height of 16 to 17 hands (64 to 68 inches) and weighing between 1,800 to 2,300 pounds, these robust horses are among the strongest in the draft breed group. Belgian Draughts features a compact, muscular body with a deep chest, a well-arched neck, and feathered legs that add to their regal appearance. Their coats are mostly bay, but they also exhibit black, chestnut, and roan variations in bay, blue, and strawberry. Despite their imposing size, they possess a gentle and kind disposition, making them fantastic work partners and suitable for novice handlers. Furthermore, their unwavering strength and amiable temperament make them valuable assets in agriculture, logging, and urban settings.

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Originating in Scotland, the Clydesdale is an iconic type of draft horse known for its striking appearance and charming personality. Clydesdales are impressive and elegant, standing at an average height of 16 to 19 hands (64 to 76 inches) and weighing 1,500 to 2,200 pounds. They exude charisma with their feathered legs, muscular bodies, and distinctive white facial markings. They have a consistent coat pattern and color consisting of bay and brown, and sometimes gray, black, or roan. They also have white markings on their face, legs, and sometimes on their body. Clydesdales are not only powerful workhorses, but they also make excellent show and parade horses due to their affable nature and cooperative spirit. Furthermore, their friendly demeanor and intelligence make them a favorite among draft horse enthusiasts worldwide.

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The Percheron, hailing from France, is a versatile and hardworking type of draft horse. Percherons are strong and agile, with an average height of 16 to 17 hands (64 to 68 inches) and weighing between 1,900 to 2,100 pounds. They boast a muscular, compact build with a broad chest, a slightly arched neck, and smooth, feather-free legs. Their coats can be black, gray, chestnut, bay, roan, or sorrel. Known for their high energy and intelligence, Percherons excel in various tasks, from heavy farm work to carriage driving and competitive events like dressage. Furthermore, beneath their robust exterior lies a gentle and even-tempered horse, making them well-suited for work and companionship.

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The Suffolk Punch is Britain’s oldest type of draft horse, cherished for its rarity and unwavering strength. These compact horses stand at an average height of 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches) and weigh between 1,600 to 2,200 pounds. Suffolk Punches possess a distinctive chestnut coat, often with a white blaze on their face and minimal feathering on their legs. Their robust build, broad chest, and short, muscular neck are indicative of their power. Despite their brawn, Suffolk Punches are gentle giants, displaying an even-tempered and docile nature. Furthermore, their exceptional work ethic and docility make them valuable assets in agricultural settings and for rural tasks.

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The Ardennes is a formidable draft breed originating from Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. With an average height of 15 to 16 hands (60 to 64 inches) and a weight range of 1,500 to 2,200 pounds, Ardennes horses are known for their compact yet robust build. They possess a muscular neck, deep chest, and feathered legs, enhancing their distinctive appearance. Common coat colors include bay, roan, chestnut, and palomino. Black coats are rare. Despite their imposing size, Ardennes horses are gentle and reliable, displaying a cooperative and friendly temperament. Furthermore, their incredible strength and hardworking nature have made them popular for heavy hauling and farming tasks.

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In our list of the types of draft horses, the Auxois is a powerful and versatile French draft horse breed known for its strength and endurance. Standing at an average height of 15.3 to 16.3 hands (61 to 67 inches) and weighing between 1,500 to 2,200 pounds, Auxois horses possess a muscular and stocky build. This breed mainly exhibits colors of bay, black, or roan and rarely chestnut or gray. They have a straight, well-arched neck and smooth, feather-free legs. Auxois horses are known for their calm and even-tempered nature, making them pleasant and dependable partners for various tasks. Furthermore, they excel in agriculture, forestry, and carriage driving, showcasing their adaptability and hardworking attitude.

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The American Cream Draft is a rare and distinct draft horse breed native to the United States. These magnificent horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16.3 hands (60 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,600 to 2,000 pounds. What sets them apart is their unique cream-colored coat and pink skin. American Cream Drafts have a muscular build, broad chest, and well-sloped shoulders. They are renowned for their docile and friendly temperament and make excellent family horses and work partners. Furthermore, their rarity and versatility have led to preservation efforts to protect this treasured American breed.

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Next on our list of types of draft horses is the North American Spotted Draft. It is a striking and eye-catching draft horse breed originating from the United States and Canada. These impressive horses stand at an average height of 15 to 17.3 hands (60 to 69 inches) and weigh between 1,250 to 2,200 pounds. They exhibit a robust and muscular body with a broad chest, strong legs, and captivating coat patterns with spots and splashes of light to dark brown shades. This breed exhibits pinto coloring in the tobiano, overo, or tovero patterns, with base colors ranging from brown, black, and bay. The North American Spotted Draft is known for its friendly and willing temperament, making them highly trainable and enjoyable to work with. Furthermore, their versatility makes them suitable for work and pleasure, excelling in various disciplines.

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The Irish Draught is a versatile and powerful type of draft horse native to Ireland. These majestic horses stand at an average height of 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches) and weigh between 1,300 to 1,500 pounds. Known for their athletic ability and muscular build, Irish Draughts possess a well-proportioned body with a deep chest, powerful hindquarters, and sturdy legs. This breed has a wide variety of primarily solid coat colors. They range from gray, chestnut, and other less typical colors like white, black, brown, dun, champagne, cremello, palomino, perlino, grullo, and roan. Furthermore, their friendly and docile temperament makes them beloved companions and reliable work partners. Irish Draughts are surprisingly agile despite their size and excel in various disciplines, including jumping, eventing, fox hunting, dressage, driving, and agricultural tasks.

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The Dutch Draft breed is on our list of types of draft horses. It is also known as Nederlands Trekpaard in Dutch and is a remarkable draft horse breed originating from the Netherlands. These impressive horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16.3 hands (60 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,400 to 2,500 pounds. Dutch Drafts showcase a harmonious build with a muscular body, a deep chest, and sturdy legs. Their coats are usually chestnut, reddish-brown, gray, and rarely black. They have an even temperament and intelligence. Furthermore, they are versatile and capable partners for work and recreational activities. Furthermore, their unwavering strength and cooperative nature make them valuable assets in agriculture, logging, and rural settings.

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The Jutland is Denmark’s native draft horse breed, celebrated for its strength and reliability. These powerful horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16.3 hands (60 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,500 to 1,900 pounds. Jutlands are usually chestnut in color and have a robust build with a broad chest, a short and muscular neck, and strong legs. Despite their size, they are known for their gentle and docile temperament, making them ideal for various tasks. They are primarily chestnut but may exhibit other colors like bay, gray, black, or roan, frequently paired with white markings. Jutlands are expertly suited for agricultural work, driving, and forestry. Furthermore, their calm and cooperative demeanor makes them an excellent choice for novice handlers.

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The Breton is the next horse on our list of types of draft horses. It originates from Brittany, France, and is a tenacious and hardworking draft horse breed. These compact horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16 hands (50 to 64 inches) and weigh between 1,600 to 2,100 pounds. Despite their slightly smaller size, Bretons possess a muscular body, a broad chest, and strong legs. They traditionally have chestnut coats and flaxen-colored manes and tails. However, they exhibit other colors like bay, roan, and grey. They excel in heavy farm work and driving because of their remarkable endurance and willing nature. Furthermore, Bretons are characterized by their intelligent and cooperative temperament, making them amiable companions and invaluable partners in various agricultural and rural tasks.

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The Gypsy Vanner is a captivating breed of horse originating from Ireland. These striking horses stand at an average height of 13 to 16 hands (52 to 64 inches) and weigh between 1,100 to 1,700 pounds. Gypsy Vanners are recognized for their luxurious, flowing manes and tails and abundant feathering on their legs. The most common colors and patterns are piebald (black and white) and skewbald (brown and white), odd colored (any other color and white) and blagdon (a solid color with a white splash), or splash blagdon (a solid color with heavy white splash). However, they do exhibit other colors as well. Furthermore, with their gentle and affectionate nature, they make exceptional family horses and driving partners. Gypsy Vanners are both versatile and trainable, excelling in various disciplines, including riding, driving, and therapeutic riding programs.

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Next on our list of types of draft horses is the Boulonnais, an ancient and elegant French draft horse breed cherished for its grace and strength. These majestic horses stand at an average height of 14.3 to 16.3 hands (57 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,400 to 1,750 pounds. Boulonnais horses possess a sturdy yet refined build, with a deep chest, powerful legs, and minimal feathering. This breed has a gray coat color. However, it rarely exhibits chestnut and black coat color. Renowned for their calm and patient nature, they are a pleasure to work with. Boulonnais excel in various tasks, from heavy agricultural work to carriage driving and equestrian competitions. Furthermore, their versatility and gentle demeanor make them beloved companions and reliable workmates.

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The Rhenish German Coldblood, originating from Germany, is a robust and hardworking type of draft horse. These powerful horses stand at an average height of 14.3 to 16 hands (57 to 64 inches) and weigh between 1,800 to 2,200 pounds. Rhenish German Coldbloods boast a strong build with a broad chest, muscular neck, and feathered legs. They most often exhibit roan coats, though chestnut is sometimes seen. They also have black points or a flaxen mane and tail. Furthermore, their reliable and amiable temperament makes them excellent partners for farm work and forestry. Rhenish German Coldbloods are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them suitable for various tasks. In addition, their gentle disposition and willingness to please endear them to handlers and owners alike.

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The North Swedish Horse, originating from Sweden, is a hardy and versatile draft horse breed. These sturdy horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16.3 hands (60 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,200 to 1,700 pounds. North Swedish Horses boast a robust and compact build, deep chest, strong legs, and minimal feathering. They are most commonly seen in brown, blackish-brown, yellowish-black, black, chestnut, buckskin, palomino, smoky, and gray coat colors. Known for their friendly and even-tempered nature, they are a pleasure to handle and work with. Their endurance and strength make them ideal for various agricultural tasks, from plowing fields to hauling heavy loads. They can also excel in trotting and forestry. Furthermore, their adaptability and willingness to work have made them treasured assets in Swedish farming communities.

The Lithuanian Heavy Draft is another horse on our list of types of draft horses. It is a strong and resilient breed native to Lithuania. These powerful horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16 hands (60 to 64 inches) and weigh between 1,800 to 2,100 pounds. Lithuanian Heavy Drafts showcase a sturdy build with a broad chest, muscular neck, and feathered legs. The coat colors they exhibit consist of bay, chestnut, black, grey, or roan. They have a calm and gentle temperament and are well-suited for farm work and forestry tasks. Furthermore, the Lithuanian Heavy Drafts are known for their endurance and strength, making them reliable partners for heavy hauling and agricultural duties.

The Vladimir Heavy Draft, hailing from Russia, is a formidable and hardworking type of draft horse. These powerful horses stand at an average height of 15.3 to 16 hands (61 to 64 inches) and weigh between 1,400 to 1,800 pounds. The Vladimir Heavy Draft possesses a muscular build with a broad chest, strong legs, and feathered fetlocks. They are mostly seen with bay color coats and, less frequently, brown and black. They also exhibit white markings. Known for their steady and good-natured temperament, they are cooperative and reliable partners for agricultural work and driving. Vladimir Heavy Drafts are highly adaptable, excelling in various tasks, from fieldwork to pulling carriages. Furthermore, their willingness to work and gentle demeanor make them prized assets in their native Russia.

The Australian Draught is a massive and adaptable breed on our list of types of draft horses. This breed originates from Australia. These robust horses stand at an average height of 15 to 17 hands (60 to 68 inches) and weigh between 1,300 to 2,000 pounds. Australian Draughts possess a robust build with a deep chest, strong legs, and minimal feathering. They commonly exhibit coat colors with black, white, brown, gray, or roan. Known for their intelligence and willingness to work, they excel in various agricultural tasks, including plowing and hauling heavy loads. With a calm and friendly temperament, Australian Draughts are reliable and dependable companions. Furthermore, their versatility and endurance make them well-suited for rural and urban settings alike.

The Soviet Heavy Draft, originating from Russia, is an imposing and hardworking type of draft horse. These powerful horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16 hands (60 to 64 inches) and weigh 1,500 to 2,200 pounds. Soviet Heavy Drafts boast a muscular build with a broad chest, strong legs, and feathered fetlocks. The predominant colors of this breed are chestnut, brown, and bay. Renowned for their gentle and amiable temperament, they are highly trainable and dependable. Soviet Heavy Drafts are ideal for agricultural work, forestry tasks, and heavy hauling. Furthermore, their strength and cooperative nature make them valuable assets in their native Russia and beyond.

The Cleveland Bay originates from Britain, where it is celebrated for its elegance and versatility. These refined horses stand at an average height of 16 to 16.3 hands (64 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,400 to 1,600 pounds. Cleveland Bays showcase a harmonious build with a deep chest, a well-arched neck, and smooth, clean legs. They are often bay with black points and white markings. They are gentle and willing partners known for their kind and sensible temperament. Cleveland Bays excel in various disciplines, including carriage driving, jumping, eventing, and fox hunting. Furthermore, their graceful appearance and friendly demeanor make them a favorite among equestrians and admirers worldwide.

The Noriker, also known as the Austrian Draught, is a striking, sturdy draft horse breed native to Austria. These powerful horses stand at an average height of 15 to 16.3 hands (60 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,300 to 1,800 pounds. Norikers possess a muscular build with a deep chest, strong legs, and abundant feathering on their legs. Their coat colors vary from black, bay, chestnut, and more rarely leopard-spotted, blue roan, and tobiano. They have a calm and patient temperament and are a pleasure to work with. Norikers excel in various tasks, from farm work to carriage driving and therapeutic riding programs. Furthermore, their versatility and reliability make them valued partners.

Last on our list of types of draft horses is the Comtois, a delightful and versatile draft horse breed hailing from France’s Franche-Comté region. These charming horses stand at an average height of 14.3 to 16.3 hands (57 to 65 inches) and weigh between 1,300 to 1,800 pounds. Comtois horses showcase a sturdy build with a deep chest, strong legs, and feathered fetlocks. Their coat colors consist mostly of bay silver, but they exhibit black silver, bay, black, and chestnut. Their friendly and easygoing temperament makes them a pleasure to handle and work with. Comtois excel in various tasks, including agriculture, logging, and leisure riding. Furthermore, their agility and cooperative nature make them beloved companions and valuable partners in rural and urban environments.

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24 Types of Draft Horses Ranked By Their Enormous Size