Both Belgians and Clydesdales are beautiful horses. Both horses are majestic and gracious, and both have a high level of intelligence. Equus caballus is the scientific name of all horses, and this tells us they have some things in common. Each breed is unique and has its own characteristics.
Both the Belgian horse and Clydesdale, are as different as they both are similar. What are the differences and similarities between these two horse breeds? Below, we will discuss all of these topics and more.
Visual Differences
A Glance
The Belgian Horse
- Adult height: 64 to 68 inches
- Average weight (adult): 1,800-2,200 pounds
- Lifespan 16-20 years
- Exercise 2+ hours per day
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly? Yes
- Pet-friendly places:
- Trainability: High
Clydesdale
- Adult height: 68 to 72 inches
- Average weight (adult): 1,800-2,000 pounds
- Lifespan: 20-25 Years
- Exercise 2+ hours per day
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Family-friendly? Yes
- Pet-friendly places:
- Trainability: High
You may notice that the Clydesdale horse is taller than a Belgian horse. Once they reach adulthood, Clydesdales can grow up to 6 feet tall (72 inches). Belgian horses are usually between 64 and 68 inches high as adults. Clydesdales can be bay or white and have markings anywhere on the body, including legs, heads, and underbelly.
Belgian horses are distinguished by their chestnut, brown, sorrel, or blonde manes. Sometimes white hairs are seen growing randomly throughout their coats. The Belgian has a smaller head and a shorter tail than the Clydesdale. Clydesdales, like Belgians, are strong and large. However, the Clydesdales tend to appear a little more rugged. Both breeds are still among the strongest and biggest in the world.
Belgian Horse Overview
The Belgian Horse is a powerful and strong horse. Draft horses are bred for hard work and loyalty to their owners. Belgian horses, which are used as both work and display animals, are very popular around the globe, including in the United States. Many farmers and caregivers also train them as riding horses for profit and enjoyment.
Belgian horses are able to pull massive weights. They can be used for a variety of tasks, including plowing fields, pulling wagons, and hauling lumber. Due to its docile, affectionate, and interactive nature, this horse breed is often referred to as a “gentle giant”. The horses are not as easily “spooked”, like other horse breeds, and they can be ridden in public places with many people.
Personality/Character
Belgian horses can be playful and fun when not working, but become serious once they are called to duty. The horses are only happy when they have something to work on, whether that is jumping, working in the fields, or teaching children how to ride. Belgians will work with anyone, including strangers. This is different from Clydesdales who are more picky and independent.
Training
Belgian horses are intelligent and docile. They have a high level of eagerness to please. This makes them great horse for training in many different ways. They can be trained for riding, jumping, showing, or working in the field or on wagon trails. They are easy to train and don’t tend to be stubborn. They will usually try something once, but they may avoid activities that have been deemed failures.
Suitability
Both horse enthusiasts and beginners will enjoy these horses. These horses are friendly and loyal, yet they are also gentle, powerful, and docile. They possess all the qualities that make a good friend and confidant. They can also help with the farm and garden when needed. Also, they can help transport firewood from the far end of the land to the near end. This horse is a good investment for many reasons. It is important to remember the large commitments required in terms of feeding and grooming this sensitive breed.
Clydesdale Horse Overview
Clydesdales are well-known for their appearance in Budweiser advertisements, but they’re much more than that. They are also draft horses, like Belgians, but they are larger and can pull more weight. At first glance, these animals appear to be tall, heavy, and intimidating.
These horses can be used for agricultural purposes, but, as they have shown in the media, their real passion is to spend time with humans and to help transport goods or people. They are energetic horses who enjoy working or exercising. These horses are more independent than Belgian horses. They may take some time to get used to humans, but they do respect and trust them.
Personality/Character
When they’re not working, these horses are playful and social. They are eager to work and need to be regularly exercised, hauled goods or involved in farm plowing.
Training
Clydesdales can be more difficult to train than Belgian horses because they are independent. The Clydesdale may require a bit more patience from a handler. However, the handler must always have a firm but loving hand. Once trained, Clydesdales are gentle, loving, easy to ride, and hardworking.
In general, these animals are easy to handle and manage. They prefer to be taught by people they know and trust, rather than strangers who are paid to train them. Clydesdales are open, honest, and full of emotion. They should be treated accordingly.
Suitability
Clydesdales are suitable for horse riders and handlers of all levels, from moderate to professional. Due to their luxurious and long manes, they require more grooming than other horse breeds. This includes the Belgian horse. They have a lot of affection and love to give their humans. Adopting them during adolescence is ideal, but adults can also adapt to new environments if they are treated with love and patience.
The conclusion of the article is:
These two horse breeds have many similarities, as well as being unique. They are farm animals, and they should be treated accordingly. Both enjoy human company, but the Belgian appears to be more receptive to it. Clydesdales, if they are raised properly, can become the most human-friendly horses. What type of horse is your favorite? Which horse do you prefer, the Clydesdale? Or the Belgians? Your comments are welcome in the section below.
Which horse is more powerful, the Belgian or the Clydesdale?
Belgian horses are often bigger and more muscular than Clydesdales. Belgians, known for their enormous strength, are frequently employed in pulling competitions and are widely regarded as the strongest breed of horse in the world.
What is the quickest and most powerful horse?
The Thoroughbred is often regarded as the world’s fastest horse breed over longer distances, with maximum speeds of 40 to 45 miles per hour. With a top speed of 50 miles per hour, the American Quarterhorse is possibly the world’s quickest horse over short distances.
What is the world’s smartest horse?
Bill Key, who was born a slave, overcame several challenges to become a veterinarian and businessman. Jim, Key’s horse, became known as the world’s smartest horse and joined him on his work with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Why are Arabian horses the best?
Arabians have substantial, robust bones and thick hoof walls. They are known for their endurance, and the breed’s dominance in endurance riding competition proves that well-bred Arabians are powerful, sound horses with exceptional stamina.
What is the most difficult horse breed to train?
The Faroese are not just one of the most difficult horse breeds to get as a novice, but also practically impossible. The Faroese have long been famed for their tenacity, and regrettably, they are one of the world’s most endangered horse breeds. What is the most powerful war horse destrier The term destrier refers to a type of horse, not a breed; the finest and toughest warhorses.
Which horse triumphed over Man of War?
Ashok occurred. SARATOGA, New York –Man o’ War, the magnificent two-year-old from Glen Riddle Farm, suffered his first defeat here tonight in the Sanford Memorial. In a neck-and-neck finish in this six-furlong run, he was obliged to yield to Harry Payne Whitney’s Upset.
What is the name of the knight’s horse?
The destrier was the most well-known horse of Europe’s medieval age, notable for transporting knights into battle. Most knights and mounted men-at-arms, on the other hand, rode smaller horses known as courses and rounceys. (A typical generic word for medieval war horses was the charger, which was interchangeable with the other designations).
What kind of horses did Vikings ride?
Icelandic horses: the original Viking horses
What is the most powerful horse?
Belgian Proposals Belgian Draft No. 1: Belgian Drafts The Belgian draft is the world’s strongest horse. The Belgian Draft reaches up to 18 hands tall and 2000 pounds, making it taller than many of the world’s strongest horses. Belgian horses are exceptionally muscular and strong, despite not being the biggest or stoutest breed on our list.