Imagine standing next to a horse so tall you feel like a hobbit. That’s what it’s like with the giants of the horse world. These breeds aren’t just big; they’re majestic, powerful, and full of history.
These horses have been the muscle behind humanity’s greatest achievements, from the towering Shires to the hefty Belgian Drafts. They’ve plowed fields, pulled carriages, and even carried knights into battle.
Today, they’re still working hard, whether it’s in parades, on farms, or just being amazing pets. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in the presence of one of these magnificent creatures or want to know which breed could make a giraffe jealous, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the world of the largest horse breeds.
19 Largest Horse Breeds
- Dutch Draft
- Percheron
- Belgian Draft
- Clydesdale
- Shire
- Suffolk Punch
- American Cream Draft
- Lithuanian Heavy Draft
- Russian Heavy Draft
- Vladimir Draft
- Dole Gudbrandsdal
- Irish Draught
- Ardennais
- Comtois
- Boulonnais
- Jutland
- Friesian
- Australian Draught
- Fjord
What’s the Biggest Horse Breed in the World?
The Shire horse holds the title of the biggest horse breed in the world. Shires have an impressive size, typically standing between 16 to 18 hands (64 to 72 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighing over 2,000 pounds.
Exceptional Shires have reached heights of up to 19 hands (76 inches) and weights approaching 3,000 pounds. Bred originally for their strength and stamina, Shires were essential for heavy agricultural and industrial tasks.
Despite their immense size, they are gentle and calm, making them easy to handle. Their massive build and historical significance in pulling heavy loads and working long hours cement their reputation as the largest horse breed.
Who was the Biggest Horse Ever?
The biggest horse ever was a Shire named Mammoth. He stood a towering 21.2 hands tall—7 feet 2 inches at the shoulder—and weighed an incredible 3,300 pounds.
Born in England in 1848, Mammoth was truly a giant among horses. His immense size and strength made him legendary, and he still holds the record as the tallest and heaviest horse ever recorded.
If you can imagine a horse that size, you’d look up at him like he’s a skyscraper.
Biggest Horse Breeds
Some of the world’s largest horses are:
Dutch Draft
The Dutch Draft is one of the largest horse breeds out there. These horses are built like tanks—strong, sturdy, and powerful.
They usually stand around 15 to 17 hands high and weigh between 1,500 to 1,700 pounds, sometimes even more. Their broad, muscular bodies, thick necks, and solid legs make them perfect for heavy work.
Bred in the Netherlands after World War I, Dutch Drafts were used to pull plows and carts and do all sorts of farm work. Their strength and endurance were crucial in rebuilding the country’s agriculture.
Nowadays, they are still used for farming, forestry, and pulling carriages in parades and competitions.
Dutch Drafts have a calm and gentle temperament, which makes them easy to handle despite their size. They’re reliable and hardworking, ready to pull their weight—literally.
Regarding care, these horses need a lot of food to keep their energy up. Think hay, grain, and plenty of fresh water.
They also need space to move around and stretch those big muscles. Regular grooming is essential to keep their thick coats clean and healthy, especially the feathering on their legs.
Percheron
The Percheron is a real heavyweight among horse breeds. Picture a tall, powerful, and elegant horse all at once. They typically stand between 15 and 19 hands high and weigh anywhere from 1,800 to 2,600 pounds.
Their muscular build, strong legs, and arched neck give them a graceful yet commanding presence.
Percherons have a rich history. They originated from the Perche region of France and were originally bred as war horses, carrying knights into battle.
Over time, they became known for their strength and stamina, making them perfect for farm work, pulling carriages, and even working in forestry. They’re still used in farming, parades, and draft horse competitions.
Percherons are known for their calm and willing nature. They’re hardworking and eager to please, making them great partners in any job. Their intelligence and adaptability mean they can handle various tasks with ease.
Taking care of a Percheron means providing a lot of food—think high-quality hay and grain to keep their energy up. They also need plenty of space to move around and stretch their legs. Regular grooming is a must, especially since they often have thick, shiny coats.
Keep an eye on their hooves and ensure they’re clean and well-trimmed.
Belgian Draft
The Belgian Draft is a giant in the horse world. Think of a horse that’s both powerful and gentle. They usually stand around 16 to 18 hands high and weigh between 1,800 to 2,200 pounds.
These horses are built like boulders—muscular bodies, broad chests, and strong legs, yet they move with surprising grace.
Bred in Belgium, they’ve been around for centuries. They were originally used for farming and hauling heavy loads. Their incredible strength and calm temperament made them perfect for plowing fields and pulling carts.
Today, you’ll see them in parades, draft horse shows, and even modern farms.
Belgian Drafts are known for their easy-going and friendly nature. They’re hardworking and reliable, always ready to lend their muscle.
Caring for them involves feeding plenty of hay and grain to match their size and energy needs. They need spacious pastures to roam and regular grooming to keep their thick coats and manes in top shape.
Clydesdale
The Clydesdale is one of the largest and most recognizable horse breeds. Picture a tall, majestic horse with a flowing mane and feathered legs.
Clydesdales usually stand between 16 and 18 hands high and weigh around 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. They have a powerful build, broad chest, and striking white markings on their legs and face.
Originating from Scotland’s Clyde River Valley in the 18th century, these horses were bred for heavy farm work and hauling loads. Their strength and steady pace made them ideal for plowing fields and transporting goods.
Today, they’re famous for pulling the Budweiser beer wagons in parades and commercials.
Clydesdales have a friendly and calm demeanor. They’re gentle giants, making them great for both work and show.
Taking care of them means providing lots of quality hay and grain. They need open spaces to exercise and regular grooming to manage their thick coats and the feathering on their legs.
Read also: Difference Between Clydesdale and Regular Horse.
Shire
The Shire is a true giant in the horse world. Imagine a horse that stands between 16 and 18 hands tall and weighs over 2,000 pounds. They have a muscular build, a broad chest, and long, powerful legs with beautiful feathering around their hooves.
Bred in England, Shires were originally used for war, carrying knights in heavy armor. Later, they became essential for farming and hauling heavy loads. Today, they’re still used in farming, as well as in parades and draft horse competitions.
Shires are known for their gentle and calm nature. Despite their size, they’re easy to handle and willing to work.
They need a diet rich in hay and grain to fuel their big bodies and plenty of space to roam and exercise. Regular grooming is crucial, especially for their feathered legs, to keep them clean and healthy.
Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk Punch is a big, sturdy horse with a heart as solid as its frame. It stands around 16 to 17 hands high and weighs between 1,600 and 2,000 pounds. It has a strong, compact body and a broad, deep chest. Its rich chestnut color is a trademark, making it easy to recognize.
Originating from Suffolk, England, in the 16th century, these horses were bred for farm work. Their strength and endurance made them perfect for plowing fields and pulling heavy loads.
Unlike many other draft breeds, they were bred for agricultural tasks.
Suffolk Punches are known for their calm, hardworking, reliable, and willing natures, making them great partners for farmers.
They need a good diet of hay and grain to keep their energy levels up and regular exercise to stay fit. Grooming is straightforward, but their solid build requires careful joint and hoof health monitoring.
American Cream Draft
The American Cream Draft is a real standout among big horses. They usually stand around 15 to 16 hands high and weigh between 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.
Their most striking feature is their beautiful, cream-colored coat, pink skin, and amber eyes that give them a unique and elegant look.
Originating in Iowa in the early 20th century, the American Cream Draft was bred for farm work. A mare named Old Granny is the breed’s foundation, and her rare champagne-colored coat became a defining trait.
These horses were developed to be strong enough for heavy farm work but still gentle and manageable.
American Creams are known for their calm and friendly nature. They’re easy to train and willing to work, making them great for farming and driving.
They need a good diet of hay and grain and benefit from regular exercise to keep their muscles strong. Their light-colored skin can be sensitive, so they need protection from too much sun.
Lithuanian Heavy Draft
The Lithuanian Heavy Draft is a robust and powerful breed. They usually stand between 15 and 17 hands tall and weigh about 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. These horses have a solid, muscular build, broad backs, and strong legs, making them perfect for heavy labor.
Bred in Lithuania in the 19th century, the Lithuanian Heavy Draft was created to meet the demands of agriculture and industry. It was developed by crossing native horses with heavier draft breeds to produce a horse that could handle tough farm work and pull heavy loads.
These horses are known for their calm and hardworking temperament. They’re reliable and ideal for plowing, logging, and pulling heavy carts.
They need a diet rich in hay and grains to fuel their work and plenty of room to move around. Regular grooming is important to keep their coats and hooves in good shape, especially when working in muddy or rough conditions.
Russian Heavy Draft
The Russian Heavy Draft is a big and sturdy breed. They typically stand around 14.2 to 15.2 hands high and weigh between 1,400 to 1,800 pounds.
They have a solid, muscular frame, thick necks, and strong legs designed for power and endurance.
Developed in Russia in the 19th century, these horses were bred for their ability to pull heavy loads and work in harsh conditions. They’re a mix of local Russian horses and imported heavy draft breeds.
Russian Heavy Drafts are calm and hardworking. They’re reliable and steady, perfect for farming, logging, and pulling heavy carts.
They need a good-quality hay and grain diet to keep their energy up and plenty of space to move around. Regular grooming helps keep their coats and hooves healthy, especially since they often work in rough conditions.
Vladimir Draft
The Vladimir Draft is a true heavyweight among horses. They stand between 15.2 and 16.2 hands high and weigh around 1,500 to 1,800 pounds. Their muscular build, broad backs, and strong legs give them an impressive and powerful look.
Bred in Russia’s Vladimir region in the early 20th century, these horses were created by crossing local draft mares with imported Shire and Clydesdale stallions.
The goal was to develop a breed that could handle heavy farm work and long-distance hauling in tough conditions.
Vladimir Drafts are known for their strength and endurance. They’re calm and reliable, perfect for heavy pulling tasks, from logging to plowing fields.
They need a good diet of hay and grain to maintain their strength and energy, along with regular exercise. Grooming is essential to keep their coats and hooves in good shape, especially given their size and workload.
Dole Gudbrandsdal
The Dole Gudbrandsdal, often called the Dole, is a strong and compact horse. Standing around 14.1 to 16 hands high and weighing between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds, these horses have a muscular build, a thick neck, and strong, sturdy legs.
Originating in Norway’s Gudbrandsdal Valley, the Dole breed dates back to the Middle Ages. Bred from local Norwegian horses and later influenced by Friesian and heavy draft breeds, they were developed to thrive in rugged terrain and cold climates.
Doles were primarily used for farm work and pulling heavy loads, but they are also versatile enough for riding and driving.
Dole Gudbrandsdals are hardworking and have a docile temperament. They’re steady and reliable, making them great for plowing fields, logging, and pulling carriages.
They need a good diet of hay and grains to fuel their work and enough space to move and exercise. Regular grooming helps maintain their thick coats and strong hooves, especially given their often challenging working conditions.
Irish Draught
The Irish Draught is a big and versatile horse, standing between 15.2 and 17 hands high and weighing around 1,400 to 1,700 pounds. They have a solid build, deep chests, powerful hindquarters, and strong legs, yet they’re surprisingly agile.
The Irish Draught has been around since the 18th century. It was bred in Ireland to be tough and adaptable, handling heavy labor and lighter riding tasks easily.
These horses were originally used for farming, pulling carts, and even riding into town.
Irish Draughts are known for their friendly and willing nature. They’re hardworking, calm, and versatile, perfect for everything from farm work to competitive sports like show jumping and eventing.
To stay fit and healthy, they need a balanced diet of hay and grain and regular exercise. Grooming is straightforward, but keeping an eye on their hooves and joints is essential due to their active roles.
Ardennais
The Ardennais, or Ardennes, is a robust and powerful draft horse. Standing around 15 to 16 hands high and weighing between 1,500 and 2,200 pounds, they have a muscular build, broad chests, and strong, short legs. Their thick coats help them withstand harsh weather.
Originating from the Ardennes region of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, these horses have a history that dates back thousands of years. They were bred for heavy farm work, forestry, and hauling loads in tough terrains.
Their strength and endurance were invaluable for plowing fields and pulling artillery in wartime.
Ardennais horses are known for their calm and patient temperament. They’re steady and dependable, ideal for demanding tasks like logging and farm work.
Their diet should include high-quality hay and grains to support their energy needs, and they require ample space for exercise. Regular grooming, especially in colder climates, helps maintain their thick coats and overall health.
Comtois
The Comtois is a sturdy and muscular draft horse. They stand between 15 and 16 hands high and weigh around 1,500 to 1,800 pounds.
Comois have thick necks, broad chests, and strong legs, a distinctive chestnut coat with flaxen manes and tails.
Originating from the Jura Mountains in France, the Comtois breed dates back to the Middle Ages. They were bred for both agricultural work and as war horses, valued for their strength and resilience.
Today, they’re still used for farming, forestry, and pulling carriages in parades.
Comtois horses have a calm and willing nature. They’re hardworking and reliable, making them ideal for heavy labor.
They need a diet rich in hay and grains to maintain their energy levels and regular exercise to stay fit. Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, especially in rough working conditions.
Boulonnais
The Boulonnais is a striking draft horse known for its elegant yet powerful physique. Standing between 15.2 and 16.3 hands high and weighing around 1,500 to 1,800 pounds, it has a solid, muscular build, a broad chest, and a short, strong back. Its sleek gray or white coat gives it a refined, majestic appearance.
Hailing from northern France, the Boulonnais breed has a history stretching back to Roman times. Originally used to haul fishing boats, they later became famous for transporting goods and heavy loads. Today, they’re celebrated for their beauty and strength, often seen in parades and ceremonial events.
Boulonnais horses are known for their gentle and docile temperament. They’re hardworking and patient, making them excellent for farm work and driving.
Their care includes a good-quality hay and grain diet, ample exercise space, and regular grooming to maintain their smooth coats and overall health.
Jutland
The Jutland is a big, solid draft horse. Picture a horse standing around 15.2 to 16 hands high and weighing between 1,400 and 2,000 pounds. They have a muscular build, broad chest, and strong legs, covered in a thick, chestnut coat with a shiny mane and tail.
Originating from Denmark’s Jutland Peninsula, these horses were bred in the 19th century to be powerful workhorses. They were used for farm work, logging, and pulling heavy loads in rural and urban settings. Their strength and reliability made them essential for agricultural and industrial tasks.
Jutland horses are known for their calm and friendly demeanor. They’re hardworking and dependable, ideal for heavy labor and pulling tasks.
Their care involves a diet rich in hay and grains to maintain their energy and regular exercise to keep their muscles in shape. Regular grooming helps keep their thick coats and hooves in top condition.
Friesian
The Friesian stands out among the largest horse breeds, known for its striking appearance and graceful build. They stand between 15.2 and 17 hands high, weighing around 1,200 to 1,500 pounds.
They have a muscular frame, elegant arched neck, long, flowing mane and tail. Their coat is almost always black, giving them a majestic look.
Originating from the Friesland region of the Netherlands, the Friesian has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. They were used as war horses and later for farming and carriage driving.
Today, due to their flashy appearance and high-stepping trot, they’re famous for dressage, show driving, and even riding in films.
Friesians are known for their gentle and willing nature. They’re intelligent, calm, and versatile, making them great for various roles. They need a good diet of hay and grains, plenty of exercises to keep fit, and regular grooming to manage their long mane and tail.
Australian Draught
The Australian Draught is a big, muscular horse built for heavy work. It stands around 16 to 18 hands high and weighs between 1,600 and 2,000 pounds. It’s both strong and sturdy, with a broad chest, powerful legs, and a solid, compact frame.
Developed in Australia in the early 19th century, this breed is a mix of Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron, and Suffolk Punch bloodlines. They were bred to handle tough farm tasks and heavy hauling in Australia’s terrain.
Australian Draughts are known for their calm and cooperative temperament. They’re hardworking and reliable, ideal for farm work and logging.
They need a diet rich in hay and grains to keep their energy up and plenty of room to exercise. Regular grooming helps maintain their coat and hooves, especially given their demanding roles.
Fjord
The Fjord horse is a compact powerhouse. Though they stand only about 13.2 to 14.2 hands high and weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds, they’re incredibly strong and sturdy for their size.
Their distinctive appearance includes a thick neck, strong back, and a unique mane that’s often trimmed to stand upright, showing off their black-and-white stripes.
Originating from Norway, the Fjord horse has been used for centuries, dating back to the Viking era. They were bred for their versatility, handling everything from farming and logging to riding and driving. Their strength and sure-footedness make them ideal for working in rugged terrains.
Fjords are known for their friendly and willing nature. They’re intelligent, gentle, and versatile, perfect for work and pleasure.
They need a balanced diet of hay and grain and regular exercise to keep fit. Their thick coats require consistent grooming to stay clean and healthy.
How is Horse Height Measured?
Horse height is measured in hands. One hand is equal to four inches. To measure a horse, you go from the ground to the highest point of the withers, the ridge between the shoulder blades.
You use a measuring stick or tape that shows hands and inches. For example, if a horse is 15 hands, that means it’s 60 inches tall at the withers. If it’s 15.2 hands, it’s 62 inches tall.
Simple, straightforward, and no fancy tools are needed.
What is the Average Weight for Large Horse Breeds?
The average weight for large horse breeds usually falls between 1,500 and 2,200 pounds. These hefty horses, like Shires or Clydesdales, are built for strength and stamina.
Their solid, muscular bodies pack a lot of power, which is why they’re so good at pulling heavy loads or working long hours in tough conditions.
So, when you think of a big horse, picture something around that weight range. It’s like having a small car standing in the barn.
Interesting read: How Much Do Horses Weigh?
Conclusion
Wrapping up our look at the largest horse breeds, it’s clear these giants are more than just their size. They have stories and histories as big as their hooves.
From the hardworking Shire to the elegant Friesian, each breed brings something unique to the table. They’ve plowed fields, pulled carriages, and even starred in parades.
But beyond their muscles and might, they’re gentle, willing partners ready for any task. Whether you’re a fan of their power or their personalities, these big horses show that being large can also mean having a big heart.
They’re true legends on four hooves, proving that sometimes, bigger really is better.
