If you think you like horses because they are large and imposing, well you are in the right place. Dogs have been man’s best friends for ages, whereas horses have been man’s friend for hundreds of years but some breeds of horses have been well known for their size, strength, history, and other features. This guide takes time to explore the tallest horse breeds, their history, growth, uses, and trivia to enhance your understanding of these friendly massive animals.

1. Shire Horse

The Shire Horse commonly referred to as the greatest horse breed in the world can be said to be the tallest horse breed in the world. They are strong and graceful horses, coming from England where they were initially bred as draught horses. The acquisition of these horses was essential for farming, and industrial with the ability to pull plow and transport products over large distances. A capacity to perform such demanding duties gave these professional figures significant value during the period before the industrial age.

Now Shire horses are used as beautiful and calm draft horses for parades and other events, for example, competitions. Their great size and colored feathery shins really make their appearance unforgettable. Out of all the registered horses Sampson an enormous Shire horse holds the record of the largest horse recognized to be 21.2 hands tall.

• Height: Usually 16 to 19 inches at the shoulder; the tallest was Sampson, a Shire, who measured 21.2 inches tall.
• Weight: 1,800 to 2,400 pounds.
• Uses: Originally, this breed was employed for agricultural purposes, hauling and carting, and brewery; currently, used for parades and shows.
• Fun Fact: Shire horses are always characterized by their feathered legs and friendly nature though they are giant in size.

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2. Clydesdale Horse

Known from adverts for Budweiser beer, Clydesdales represent one of the most popular types of tall horses. The breed comes from Scotland and was selectively bred for gardening and manufacturing work, but mainly for pulling power in coal mines and on farms. Such stamina made the farming women an influential kind and indispensable grain of the Scottish farming civilization.

Clydesdales are now very popular for their elegance and are usually used in official functions and another related parades. Not only do they have a proud walking style (high stepping), but they also have feathered legs, as well as unique coat patterns. Another famous Clydesdale, named Poe, is an impressive height of 20.2 hands – that pretty much makes him a very tall horse.

• Height: Sixteen to eighteen hands; it is not rare to have exceptional ones that are above twenty hands.
• Weight: 1,600 to 2,300 pounds.
• Uses: When being used initially for farm and haulage work; now taken to shows and promotional events.
• Fun Fact: Because of their white feathered legs and high-stepping action these birds draw crowds.

3. Belgian Draft

Such a friendly breed is the Belgian Draft raised for its tall size and known for its muscular strength and trustworthiness. These were farming horses bred in Belgium for hard agricultural and forestry labor mainly. Their large muscles were also vital for hauling plows and carts stacked with foods and forest produce such as timber respectively.

Belgian Drafts are not very big but still, they are reported to have friendly personalities. Belgian Draft Brooklyn Supreme is one of the largest horses ever, it even weighs more than 150 centers and is 19,2 hands high. Today, such horses may be observed in pulling contests and fairs of traditional breeds.

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• Height: From 16-18 hands; the tallest horse Brooklyn Supreme is the record holder and was 19.2 hands tall.
• Weight: 2,000 to 3,000 pounds.
• Uses: It is applied in farming and forestry as well as in pulling of heavily laden carriages; preferred in competitions.
• Fun Fact: Belgian Drafts are friendly horse even though they are large breeds.

4. Percheron

It is a French breed which means that it is both large and beautiful and it is among the most successful breeds of the tall horses. Percherons came about from the region Perche in France and as originally developed were used for warfare: used to carry knights into battle. Suffice it to note that over the centuries, they shifted simple animal pulling to farming and carriage work which were valued for their mightiness and versatility.

Today’s Percherons are used for parades, shows, etc, can be ridden. Arabian bloodline is predominant in them, thus they possess a fine head and a quality movement. As beautiful as they are useful; Percherons remain a popular horse among different people across the globe.

• Height: 15.2-18 hands.
• Weight: Around 2,000 pounds.
• Uses: From the military painting of the 19th century to the present-day parades and riding.
• Fun Fact: Percherons are bred with relationships to Arabian horses, which is why these animals are slender.

5. Dutch Draft

The Dutch Draft is the bigger-forming variation which is powerfully built and is bred predominantly for sheer size. These were bred after the First World War in the Netherlands to cater to the heavy draught requirement in farming. They are almost uniquely philanthropic because, due to their capacity to haul huge burdens, farmers of the Zeeland and Groningen provinces particularly favored them.

Today these cattle are hardly commonly used cattle breeds, however, they are known for their hardiness and gentle character. All the more, their appearance as short compact muscular females with feathered legs is rather imposing. They are not as fast-going as other draft breeds but are strong and very dependable.

• Height: 15.2-17 hands.
• Weight: 1,800-2,200 pounds.
• Uses: Originally employed in agriculture; now an endangered livestock that is valued for its stamina.
• Fun Fact: Surprisingly for their size, Dutch Drafts are very docile and can be easily trained.

6. American Cream Draft

Native to America, the American Cream Draft is simply one of the few breeds that exhibit a golden fur coat and great size. Descended from horses brought to Iowa in the early 1900s, these horses were bred for farm use and are the only draft breed to originate in the United States.

The most unique characteristic of the American Cream Draft is blue amber eyes as well as a creamy golden coat. As their numbers declined with the introduction of machines, these people devoted themselves to the painstaking breeding of this breed. Today they are used in heritage shows and parades.

• Height: 15-16.3 hands.
• Weight: 1,600-2,200 pounds.
• Uses: Farmwork and shows.
• Fun Fact: They are born with amber eyes and have quite a unique white, creamy colored coat.

7. Australian Draught Horse

This is a crossbreed of a number of tall horse breeds; the Australian Draught is a giant line of horses. This one is a product of selected breeding from Shires, Clydesdales, Percherons, and Suffolk Punches to mention but a few, placing it squarely in the heavyweight category.

Australian Draught horses are used mainly for agricultural purposes and show-pulling competitions. They are also used by people who keep their animals for show rings due to their strength as well as brilliant looks. These horses are the result of cross-breeding and are more suitable in their generation for each breed.

• Height: Up to 17.2 hands.
• Weight: Around 2,000 pounds.
• Uses: Whether farming, working, or in shows, these are strengths in horses in Australia.
• Fun Fact: This breed was bred from Shire, Percheron, and Clydesdale genetic standard imaging.

8. Suffolk Punch

Suffolk punch breed is one of the oldest breeds in England and is particularly famed for its strength and endurance. Originating during the 16th century, these horses were raised solely for farm use – their feature includes a hefty body and astounding capacity for tow heavy loads.

Unlike many other draft breeds, Suffolk Punches come in only one color: chestnut. Their steadiness and labor have caused them to become well-loved by farmers for generations now. Yet, their numbers are now vulnerable and so they should be protected.

• Height: 16.1-18 hands.
• Weight: 1,600-2,000 pounds.
• Uses: Originally it was used in agricultural work; is now on the verge of extinction.
• Fun Fact: This breed can only be of chestnut color and this makes it easy to identify it.

9. Boulonnais

Known as the “White Marble Horse,” the Boulonnais is high on reinforcement and thinly built. This breed originates from France and was used in the Roman military by Julius Caesar’s army. This made them suitable for cavalry duties as well as duties on farms.

Presently, horses of Boulonnaitle; are famed for their elegance and beauty. These are often used in parades and shows whereby you realize their superb finishing and muscular physique. The above species are rare which makes them more fascinating to horse lovers.

• Height: 15.1-16.3 hands.
• Weight: 1,400-2,000 pounds.
• Uses: Originally used as a cavalry saddle; currently, it is a favorite for shows and parades.
• Fun Fact: The Boulonnais horses were said to have been employed by Julius Caesar in his battles.

10. Jutland

The Jutland is a Danish breed and muscular and reliable by temperament. In the past, those horses were employed for carrying carriages and for other rigorous hikes to perform agricultural activities. Because of their reliability, they became the preferred tool of Danish farmers. These types of horses are short and heavy-boned mainly because they are the strong breeds of horses.

While not as large as some of the other draft breeds, Jutlands have taken their proper place in Danish history. What is more, they do not feel provoked, easily get tired, and are ready to work, so it is comfortable to use them for ceremonial purposes and pulling competitions.

• Height: 15-16.1 hands.
• Weight: Up to 1,800 pounds.
• Uses: Formerly often used in agriculture, lumbering, and hauling carriages or wagons.
• Fun Fact: Jutland horses are favorites in battles and movies because of their muscular and archetypal appearance.

11. Russian Draft

The Russian Draft is a small, strong breed of horse that has been an important labor resource to Russian agriculture. Readily adaptable to the cold weather, these horses were bred specifically for their Middle Eastern environments and also their ability to undertake heavy duties. They are most appreciated for their capability to haul massive loads in the easiest of ways.

Despite being a dwarf in size to some other draft breeds, the Russian Draft is muscular making up for the lack of size through hard work. The kind of horses people read about in fairy tales and still found in the farming regions as draft animals that to this very day help with plowing and pulling sleds.

• Height: 14.2-15 hands.
• Weight: 1,280-1,550 pounds.
• Uses: Agricultural work, haulage skiing and lumbering.
• Fun Fact: Among many features that can be admired while watching this show, one could mention its strawberry roan coat.

12. Italian Heavy Draft

Italian Heavy Draft is one of the breeds which is muscular and sturdy but at the same time possesses great mobility; comes from Italy. They were originally developed for work starting from agriculture to warfare purposes, and they were known for two major qualities: speed and endurance. Due to their stubborn character and muscular physique, they were best suited to the pulling of artillery and other machinery.

Currently, this breed is utilized in agriculture and also, for ceremonial uses in Italy. They are greatly preferred by farmers and horse lovers due to their flexibility in different ground surfaces. Lively chestnut colored coats and strongly built, they are not only good to look at but are also well built.

• Height: 14.2-15.3 hands.
• Weight: 1,320-1,540 pounds.
• Uses: Farmer activities, use in war, and celebrations.
• Fun Fact: The Italian Heavy Draft is originally intended for working high and heavy throughout the day; hence, the horses are reliable when it comes to endurance.

FAQs

Q: Who was the tallest horse ever documented?

A: Sampson or Mammoth was the tallest horse of all time and was a Shire. It was a giant of a horse and the carthorse itself measured 21.2 hands (7 feet 2.5 inches) high and was over 3,300 pounds.

Q: Can one ride tall horses?

A: Indeed, you can ride many tall horse breeds such as the Percheron, Shire, or Clydesdale. Still, they need some special tack for them due to their size.

Q: What’s the relationship between the height of a horse and the breed?

A: Early drafts were bred as strong and staminal animals and so formed big and tall animals to help in pulling overburdens and performing agricultural operations.

Q: Do individuals who own more extended horses feel that these creatures are much more difficult to manage?

A: However, taking care of giant equines entails using more feeds than other breeds, and buying large stalls and equipment, but the procedure of cleaning washing, and sustaining their health is the same as small breed horses.

Q: What is the tallest horse breed and which of those are the least common?

A: The American Cream Draft and the Suffolk Punch are two of the world’s rarest tall horse breeds today; both breeds are seeing population dips.

Conclusion

Great animals like tall horses are symbols of the greatness of nature, that harmoniously combines power and kind disposition. A brief overview of the record-breaking Shire, the graceful Percheron, the everyday reliable Clydesdale, and how each breed’s history and usefulness are like no other. People are attracted to their height, their function in farming, or their participation in the parades, these lovely creatures are still adored.

If you have read through the tall lather part with positive insight, please do not hesitate to contact us. Let us know in the comments below your preferred breed of horses, OR head to some of our other articles and find out more about these amazing animals. Don’t forget to vote in our poll: “Out of the tall horse breed, which one do you think is the most interesting?”