There are hundreds of horse breeds around the world.
Horses have been domesticated for hundreds if not thousands of years, leading to plenty of variation between different breeds.
Some of these breeds are very small, but others are substantial.
Most large horses are draft horses.
In other words, they’re bred to pull heavy equipment and supplies.
Most of them are not riding horses — they’re too large.
Many of these breeds are still used for pulling things even today.
The 11 Largest Horse Breeds
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The Shire horse is easily the largest horse in the world.
They range from 17 to 19 hands tall and can weigh up to 2,400 pounds.
They were selectively bred to be large for farm and industrial work.
In the past, this breed towed barges, pulled carts, and handled heavy plows.
They’re used for both farm and industrial work.
However, because most farms are mechanized these days, these horses are nearing extinction.
Their numbers continue to lower, as many don’t want to keep large horses unless they have a practical need for them.
Multiple groups are looking to revive this breed, though.
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This horse is a bit better known than the Shire Horse.
They are somewhere between 16 to 18 hands high and weigh between 1,800 to 2,000 pounds.
The famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses are usually at least 18 hands high and weigh up to 2,300 pounds.
King LeGear is perhaps the biggest Clydesdale around, standing at a high 20.5 hands high.
He weighed 2,950 pounds, which is bigger than a Shire Horse.
These horses are known for their energetic nature.
They are used for agriculture, industrial, and forestry purposes that require strength.
This is mostly due to their large size, which makes them somewhat challenging to keep.
There is no record of when the Clydesdale horse began.
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This region was once known in Perche, which is where the breed gets its name from.
This horse varies in size quite a bit.
They can be anywhere from 15 to 19 hands high, which is a huge variety of sizes.
While they were known in France, their actual history and development are unknown.
They may be as old as 496 A.D. This breed is unlike other draft horses because Arabian and oriental horses heavily influence them.
Because of this influence, this horse has a lighter neck than some other breeds.
Today, since coaches are hardly used, they are mostly utilized in horse shows, parades, and driving.
They are still able to perform forestry and farm work as necessary.
Unlike most draft horses, these also make good riding horses.
4. Belgian Draft Horse
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The Belgian Draft didn’t develop as its own breed until after World War II.
The Belgian Draft is taller than most horses, but it is also lighter.
This means it can’t carry as heavy of a load as other draft horses on this list, though it is still considered a heavy horse.
They usually weigh around 2,000 pounds and stand around 16.5 hands high.
With their heavy weight, these horses are also capable of pulling heavy loads.
Two Belgian Drafts were recorded to pull 17,000 pounds.
Today, these horses are most common in heavy farm work and forestry.
This is one of the few draft breeds that are not on the edge of extinction.
They are generally shorter than most other draft breeds, but this breed still has some pretty giant horses.
The most well-known Belgian Draft was named Brooklyn Supreme.
This horse stood 19.2 hands tall and weighed over 3,000 pounds.
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This horse breed is quite old and relatively tall.
They are the tallest horse in Britain, standing between 16.1 and 17.2 hands high.
They weigh around 2,000 pounds in most cases, though bigger horses are possible.
These are still popular today for forestry and farm work.
We don’t exactly know when this breed first came about.
However, we have mentions that date back to 1586, so we know the breed has changed little since that time.
This horse likely has close genetic ties with some pony breeds, despite being massive.
This is one of the rarer horse breeds on this list.
They are ancient and have reached a genetic bottleneck due to the massive losses during the World Wars.
In America, the breed is a bit better off.
However, crossbreeding with Belgian Drafts is allowed in the United States, while the British still do not allow this.
For this reason, the British also do not allow crossbreeding with American Suffolk Punches.
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The Dutch Draft is a newer breed of horse.
They didn’t appear until after World War I, in which Ardennes and Belgian Draft horses were commonly bred together.
This led to a whole new breed of horse – the Dutch Draft.
It became popular in Zeeland and Groningen, mostly for farm work and similar heavy-pulling jobs.
However, it didn’t have much time to become popular until World War II, where it suffered heavy losses and became a rarer breed.
This is likely one of the strongest horse breeds.
Despite this, they are much smaller than some of the other draft horses.
Still, they are much larger than most other breeds out there.
This horse breed is a giant conglomeration of other horse breeds on this list.
They are basically a hybrid, with the genetics of Clydesdales, Percherons, Shires, and Suffolk Punches all wrapped up in this one breed.
They didn’t become their own breed until 1976 when they started their studbook.
To make the horse suitable for this country, many large horses were used.
Eventually, this led to a new breed.
This horse is famous throughout Australia, where it is the dominant draft breed.
Many are not registered, so the exact number of horses around today is challenging to figure out.
This horse is relatively large, though it is smaller than many of its ancestors.
It can stand between 16.2 and 17.2 hands high and weighs between 1,300 to 1,900 pounds.
Despite their relatively smaller size, they are just as strong as some of the other horses on this list.
They are also very gentle and docile, which makes them easy to work with.
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The American Cream Draft is the only draft horse developed in the United States that is still in existence.
Even this horse is still a rare breed today.
They are best known for their gold champagne color, which is where they get part of their name from.
For this reason, this breed comes in both champagne gold and chestnut, depending on whether or not the horse gets the champagne gene.
This breed usually only has amber eyes.
This breed first popped up in Iowa during the early 20th century.
The breed struggled to get traction during the Great Depression.
However, several breeders worked to improve the breed, and the breed registry was created in 1944.
Since farming has become mechanized, this breed has fallen out of popularity.
The breed has been growing steadily since then, though they are still considered to be critical.
9. Russian Heavy Draft/Ardennes
The Russian Heavy Draft is a Russian horse breed.
It was bred originally in Imperial Russia during the second half of the 19th century.
This breed is one of several draft breeds that were being developed at the time.
However, it is an older breed in general and is smaller than most other draft breeds around today.
This little horse is quite powerful for its size.
In some countries, the horse is also raised for meat.
This draught horse was created during the 19th and 20th centuries.
They are used most for heavy draft work, as you could probably guess.
Currently, the breed is near extinction.
This horse usually stands around 15 to 16 hands high.
They are not as large as some other breeds on this list, though they are still decently powerful.
They come in various colors as well, including bay, chestnut, black, grey, and roan.
Soviet Heavy Draft
As the name suggests, this horse was developed during the Soviet era in Russia.
This horse was initially derived from the Belgian Brabant and was developed for heavy labor and agricultural work in the Soviet Union.
It was recognized as a breed in 1952.
This is one of several breeds that were all developed simultaneously, including the Russian Heavy Draft, which is often confused with this horse.
The Soviet Heavy Draft is known to be massive with a free-moving gait.
They were mostly used for draft work in agriculture, though they are sometimes seen in industrial work.
I love attending Mardi Gras parades for their grand, colorful atmosphere, and the horses that participate are always a highlight for me.
One breed that stands out is the mighty Clydesdale, which pulls the iconic Budweiser wagon.
It got me thinking – are Clydesdales the largest horses out there, or are there other massive breeds to discover?
Out of the approximately 200 horse breeds around the world, seven stand out as the largest.
These include the Shire Horse, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Suffolk Punch, Irish Draught, and Dutch Draft.
While they share many similarities, each breed also possesses unique characteristics that set them apart.
If you’re a horse enthusiast or simply curious about the world’s biggest horses, this blog post is for you.
We explore seven breeds in detail, providing you with fascinating information on their history, characteristics, and more.
So, read on and discover the wonders of the world’s largest horse breeds.
Largest Horse Breeds in the World
It’s a comprehensive overview of the different horse types and breeds.
The world’s most impressive and versatile horses tend to be among the largest and are frequently employed for a wide range of purposes, including draft work and showing.
In this list, we’ll examine the seven largest horse breeds, each known for their imposing size and remarkable power.
Colors: black, bay, brown, or grey
Shires are the current record holder as the largest horse breed in the world.
Shires are descended from England’s “great horse,” which was ridden into battle and graced the tournament fields carrying knights in shining armor.
The steed of the English knight was bred to mares from Holland in the late 1800s and produced Shire horses.
This new English horse breed was big and strong.
It was used as a draft and farm animal.
The Shire is a British breed that is well-known for its large size.
These horses can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand over 17 hands tall at the withers.
They have thick coats, which are typically bay, brown, black, gray, or chestnut.
Like Clydesdales, they have feathers on their lower legs.
Once a popular choice for pulling heavy loads, Shire horses are a breed of gentle giants and are considered by many to be the largest horse breed in history.
Colors: bay, chestnut, sorrel, or roan
Belgians are one of the tallest breeds of horses in the world.
They are known for their strength, power, and ability to work long hours without tiring.
Belgian horses are also known for their calm dispositions and gentle natures.
They are often used in roles such as packhorses or draft animals, as they are able to pull heavy loads without complaint.
However, Belgians are not just working beasts – they are also intelligent and sensitive creatures that bond closely with their owners.
Due to their large size and strength, Belgians require experienced handlers who can provide them with firm but kind leadership.
It is an ancient horse that influenced the development of other breeds, such as the Clydesdale and the Shire.
Belgian horses’ average height is 16 to 17 hands tall, and they weigh between 1,800 to 2,200 pounds.
Belgians are typically bay, chestnut, sorrel, or roan.
The most desired color of an American Belgian is chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.
Belgians regularly compete in pulling contests, where they dominate the competition.
Big Jake, a Belgian, was named the tallest horse in the world by Guinness World Records in 2010.
Note: Some of the largest equines in the world are actually quite gentle.
The Belgian horse breed, for example, is known for being calm and easy to work with despite its large size.
3. Clydesdale Horse
3. Clydesdale Horse
Colors: bay, black, chestnut, grey, or Sabino
Country of Origin: Scotland
Clydesdale horses are one of the biggest breeds in the world.
They are known for their calm dispositions and immense strength.
Clydesdales are also very handsome horses with luxurious coats and feathers on their legs.
They are also extremely versatile and able to be used for a variety of purposes, including draft work, riding, and even driving.
Clydesdales are popular with many people because of their striking appearance and calm personalities.
The Clydesdale originated in the county of Clydesdale, Scotland, and was used to work fields and pull carts.
The modern Clydesdales’ are still used on small farms, pulling competitions, and during parades.
Because of their gentle nature and natural athletic ability, Clydesdales make excellent riding horses.
A mature Clydesdale typically weighs between 1,800 to 2,200 pounds, and they stand up to 18 hands tall at their withers, making them among the tallest horse breeds in the world.
Clydesdales have thick coats that are commonly bay, black, grey, and chestnut, with or without roaning.
The most common color scheme of a Clydesdale horse is bay, with white markings on its face, feet, and legs.
Some horses also have white on their bodies, usually under the belly.
The feathering on Clydesdale’s lower legs that are typically white.
Colors: gray, black, roan, chestnut,
Country of Origin: France
The Percheron is a true giant in the world of equines.
Towering above most other horses, they are known for their immense strength and raw power.
Originally bred for the demanding work of farms and fields, Percherons have earned a well-deserved reputation for their tireless work ethic and unwavering determination.
Whether working in the fields or competing in shows, the Percheron’s size and strength make them a force to be reckoned with.
In the world of horses, few can match the sheer power and majesty of the magnificent Percheron.
Today, they are still used as a draft horse but are also popular for use in shows, parades, and driving.
They also make good riding mounts for a variety of equine activities and are often crossbred with lighter breeds, especially Thoroughbreds.
Their heads are large and expressive, with kind eyes and gentle noses.
Percherons are intelligent and versatile horses that are easy to train and are known for their friendships with other horses and their loyalty to their owners.
The Percheron is a French horse and is immensely popular worldwide.
A Percheron once held the title of the world’s tallest horse.
Their sizes range considerably, from as small as 15.1 hands to as tall as 19 hands.
The Percheron breed was significantly influenced by lighter oriental horse breeds such as Arabian.
This crossbreeding with lighter horses didn’t diminish the Percheron’s size or strength but did contribute to the horse’s elegant appearance.
Percherons are typically gray or black.
Their size varies significantly with the country of their breeding.
For example, in France, a typical Percheron weighs between 1,100-2,600 lbs compared to 1,900-2,600 lbs in the US and 1,800-2,200 lbs in Great Britain.
The same disparity can be found in their height; in France, the typical Percheron is between 15.1-18.1 hands; in the United States, they range from 16.2 to 17.3 hands; and in Great Britain, they average 16.1 hands tall.
Percherons are best known for their willingness to work, hardiness, and ability to adapt to harsh climates.
They are good-natured horses that are easy keepers.
Percherons are a versatile breed and make an excellent riding horse.
The Suffolk Punch is a British equine known for its massive size and strength.
Originally from Suffolk and Norfolk in eastern England, the breed has been present in the region for centuries, with a history dating back to the 1500s.
The Suffolk Punch was bred for draft work, such as farming and other heavy-duty tasks; they have become an enduring symbol of power and endurance in the world of horses.
The Suffolk horse has changed little over the past three hundred years.
The Suffolk Punch is a gentle giant and is known for being good-natured and easy to handle.
The Suffolk Punch is also known for its hardy constitution, and it can thrive in all kinds of climates.
Among my list of large horses, the Suffolk stands out for its singular purpose.
Unlike other horses bred for a variety of tasks, the Suffolk was created specifically for agricultural work, making it a true specialist in the field.
However, this specialization has also made the breed vulnerable to changing times.
The number of Suffolk Punch horses began to dwindle in the late 1940s, and by the 1950s, the breed had come perilously close to extinction.
Despite this, the Suffolk remains a unique and beloved breed, celebrated for its power, strength, and unwavering dedication to hard work.
Today there are so few Suffolk horses that they are listed as “Critical” on the American Livestock Breeds Conservatory.
Suffolk horses have distinct coat color characteristics; all are shades of chestnut with no white markings.
They typically weigh from 1,900 to 2,200 pounds, making them one of the biggest horse breeds in the world.
Interesting fact: The horse breed got its name, “Suffolk Punch,” because of its rounded appearance.
6. Irish Draught Horse
Colors: bay, brown, grey, chestnut, black, dun.
Country of Origin: Ireland
The Irish Draughts are known for their hardiness and versatility, and they have been used for centuries as workhorses on Irish farms.
We recently visited Ireland and saw many Irish Draught horses pulling carriages.
Today, Irish Draughts are still prized for their strength and stamina, and they are also frequently crossed with Thoroughbreds and warmbloods to produce the popular Irish Sport Horses, which excel in disciplines such as show jumping and eventing.
The Irish Draught is powerful with a robust build, and it is distinguished by its large, expressive eyes.
These horses are intelligent and loyal partners, and they have a reputation for being kind and gentle-natured.
7. Dutch Draft Horse
7. Dutch Draft Horse
Colors: bay, grey, or chestnut
Country of Origin: Netherlands
The Dutch Draft breed is a massive, calm animal with good stamina.
They are often used for work and draft purposes because of their size and strength.
Dutch Draft horses are intelligent and have a friendly disposition, making them good companions.
Dutch Drafts come in a variety of colors, but the most common are bay and chestnut.
These animals are native to the Netherlands, where they have been bred for centuries.
Dutch Drafts are becoming increasingly popular in other countries as well due to their versatile skillset and gentle nature.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a calm personality, the Dutch Draft horse is the perfect breed for you.
The most massive horses in the world are draft horses.
These horses are bred for their size and strength and are used mainly for pulling heavy loads; they are built for work, such as plowing, logging, or pulling heavy loads on sleds or carriages.
While most draft horses are used for pulling equipment or wagons, some make good riding steeds.
Horses have been used in warfare and helped shape the world, they’ve worked vast acres of farmland so we could have a stable source of food, and they transported people across continents to expand nations.
A draft horse was essential to humans until the advent of the industrial revolution and the development of the internal combustible engine.
This new machine was more efficient and eventually replaced draft horses in most industries.
However, some smaller farms in the United States and Europe often still use a draft horses, such as Amish and Mennonite farmers.
The modern draft horse is used at shows, pulling competitions, and or as exhibition animals pulling wagons.
During a recent visit to a training facility for jumpers, I was struck by a unique sight: a student riding a Percheron.
Many draft horses were crossbred with lighter horse breeds to create many popular warmbloods.
Draft breeds aren’t just desired for their enormous strength,, but also for their excellent temperament.
Draft horses are, without a doubt, the most sizeable of all horse breeds.
These impressive animals can weigh between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds and stand at least six feet tall at the withers.
While these animals are certainly impressive in size, they are also known for their gentle nature.
Many draft horses enjoy being ridden and trained, and they make wonderful companions.
Whether you are looking for a working partner or a beloved family pet, a draft horse is sure to meet your needs.
Common Traits Among the World’s Largest Horses
Each horse is a unique individual with its own set of characteristics and personality traits.
Big horses are no exception, and many of the traits that make them so massive are found across multiple individuals.
Whether it is their incredible strength, impressive size, or tireless work ethic, the commonalities between these horses are what makes them so remarkable.
Despite their individual differences, each shares a connection to their breed and a deep bond to the history and traditions of their lineage.
The largest horse breeds are typically very strong and muscular, with thick bodies and large feet.
They usually have calm dispositions, making them ideal for work purposes.
Impressive strength: Many of these horses were originally bred for farm work, and as a result, they tend to be highly muscular and able to pull heavy loads with ease.
Docile temperament: Despite their size and strength, many of these horses have a gentle and docile temperament, which makes them well-suited for work alongside humans.
Well-defined muscular structure: The biggest horses often have well-defined muscles that contribute to their impressive strength and stamina.
Calm and patient disposition: In addition to being docile, these horses are often known for their calm and patient dispositions, which make them easy to train and handle.
Origin: Many of the world’s biggest equines originated in Europe, where they were used for farm work, transportation, and military purposes.
High energy: Despite their calm and patient dispositions, many of these horses have a high energy level and require regular exercise and training to stay healthy and happy.
Strong work ethic: Many large equines were bred for work, and as a result, they tend to have a strong work ethic and a deep desire to please their handlers.
Versatility: While many big horses were originally bred for specific purposes, such as farm work or transportation, they have also proven to be versatile and adaptable to a wide range of activities, including riding, driving, and even jumping.
Long life span: On average, big horses tend to have a longer lifespan than smaller breeds, with many living into their late twenties.
Check out the YouTube video below; it provides additional information about the biggest horses in the world.
Most draft breeds are from cold-weather regions in Europe and have furry feet called feathers.
Feathers keep the lower legs of draft horses warm but also lead to skin irritation if not properly maintained.
Even though draft breeds have a lot of similar characteristics, they also have some differences, such as conformation, coat colors, and temperament.
Belgian horses
Belgian horses
Belgian horses
The biggest horse: Characteristics of Working Horse Breeds
There is something special about large horses.
They often have a gentle demeanor and are known for their kindness and patience.
Research has shown evidence of genetic influence on behavior that supports the hypothesis that breeds differ in character.
While every animal is unique, members of a particular breed do tend to exhibit certain characteristic behaviors and temperaments.
For example, draft horses are generally known for being less sensitive to touch and moving around less in their stalls than lighter horses.
On the other hand, Arabian horses are often particularly reactive to sudden movements and can be more high-strung than some other breeds.
These behavioral differences are a result of the distinct genetic makeup and breeding history and are part of what makes horses such fascinating and complex animals.
By understanding the unique qualities of each breed, we can deepen our appreciation for the remarkable range of equine behavior and personality.
Although “draft” is not a breed, the kinds that make up the classification of draft horses have common personalities and temperaments.
Draft breeds are gentle-natured.
Draft horses have a gentle and forgiving nature; they are also proud, alert, and have common sense.
Keep in mind all horses are individuals, but generally, I’ve found most draft breeds to be happy, easy-going, eager when asked to work, and typically have a desire to please.
Though these large horses are all generally calm and cheerful, there are small differences in their temperaments.
For example, Percherons have more energy, and Clydesdales are considered hotter than Belgians but still calm in comparison to other smaller breeds.
To read a well-research study on the differences in equine breeds, check out the study published in Sciencedirect entitled: Horse personality: Variation between breeds.
What is the largest horse ever?
Though horses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, there is one horse that stands out above the rest as the largest horse ever.
His name was Sampson, and he was a Shire horse born in 1846.
Sampson was a giant of a horse, measuring an astounding 21.5 hands high at the withers, easily making him the tallest of all.
He weighed in at over 3,000 pounds, making him nearly twice the size of a normal horse.
Despite his massive size, Sampson was gentle and even-tempered, making him a popular attraction at fairs and carnivals.
At a towering 21 hands tall, or 7 feet (2.13 meters) at the shoulder, Zeus the Belgian is an immense creature and comes in second place.
What is the most dangerous horse breed in the world?
However, horses are individuals, and some of the calmest and most level-headed individuals may be members of these breeds.
What is the rarest draft horse breed in the world?
The American Cream Draft is the rarest draft horse breed in the world; there are only 400 registered.
These large cream-colored horses originated in the United States in the 1900s and descend from a common mare.
Large draft horses display a higher-than-average rate of progressive swelling, hyperkeratosis, and limb fibrosis.
This condition affects large horse breeds and can be fatal.
Especially horses, I’ve been around them most of my life but I am always learning more and enjoy sharing with others.
I have raised some winning horses and had some that didn’t make it as racehorses, so we trained them in other disciplines.