Brabants - History

Belgians in the U.S.A.

The American Belgian was created in a systematic way starting with the formation of the American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses, now the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America, in 1887. At first, primarily stallions were imported to improve the offspring of domestic mares, however, members of this group began importing mares as well. Initially, any draft horse originating in Belgium was acceptable, however by 1905, the only horses allowed were those registered in the Belgian national studbook. Belgian type draft horses from other countries were not allowed.
In 1912 a two year old red roan colt with white socks called Farceur was imported from Belgium. He was descended primarily from the Gros de la Dendre or Flemish type horse. Farceur is considered to be one of the main foundation sires of the modern American Belgian. Large scale importation of Belgians to the U.S. ended in the late 1930s. By this time the only color horse being imported was chestnut, hence this is the dominant color seen in modern American Belgians.

The modern American Belgian is taller, leggier and much lighter bodied with a longer back than the modern European Belgian. The modern American Belgian has almost no feathering on the lower legs and has considerably thinner legs than the modern European Belgian. The color favored in the U.S. is chestnut with white points.

A few breeders are importing and breeding the Brabant (European Belgian) again in the U.S. Outcrosses to the modern American Belgian are made to return to the “old style” Belgian draft horse commonly seen in the mid 1900s. All of these horses are registered with the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America.

The American Brabant Association was formed in 1999 by a small core group of Brabant owners to preserve and promote the Brabant in the U.S. The association publishes two newsletters, two brief updates and a member-breeder list each year.
For more information visit : www.ruralheritage.com/brabant

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