Top 7 Largest Horse Breeds In The World

Horses, with their majestic beauty and impressive strength, have been companions to humans for thousands of years. Among the diverse breeds of horses, some stand out due to their sheer size and stature.

Despite their imposing stature, they are often gentle giants, showcasing the fascinating blend of power and grace that horses embody. They are often bred for plowing on the fields, pulling carriages, or simply admired for their majestic presence.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 largest horse breeds in the world.

7. Australian Draught Horse (Up to 17 Hands, 1980 Pounds)

The Australian Draught Horse is a heavy draft breed that is native to Australia. Australian Draught Horses typically stand between 16 and 17 hands tall (around 64 to 68 inches). This horse breed weighs around 1320 to 1980 pounds.

They are well known for their well-developed crest and wide chest, hindquarters, and legs. They are distinguished by their sturdy build and beautifully feathered hooves. Whether you are new to equestrianism or have years of experience, they are a wonderful breed that you will love to ride.

6. Dutch Draft (Up to 17 Hands, 2,200 Pounds)

The Dutch Draft Horse, also known as the Nederlands Trekpaard, is a breed of heavy draft horse that originated in the Netherlands. Dutch Draft Horses stand between 16 to 17 hands tall (roughly 64 to 68 inches).

Their overall weight comes at 750 to 1000 kg (approximately 1650 to 2200 pounds). However, this horse breed is known for their calm temperament and good stamina. They were bred in the early twentieth century in the province of Zeeland, and may for that reason be known as the Zeeland Horse or Dutch: 'Zeeuws Paard’.

They were created from the Zeeland horse with Belgian and Belgian Ardennes elements. But today, the Dutch Draft Horses have been used for sustainable agriculture, fishing, and nature management.

5. Suffolk Punch Horse (Up to 18 Hands, 2200 Pounds)

The Suffolk Punch Horse, also known as the Suffolk Sorrel, is an English breed of draught horse. Suffolk Punch Horses generally stand between 64 to 72 inches (16 to 18 hands) in height.

This horse breed often weighs roughly 900 to 1000kg (2000 to 2200 pounds). The breed was developed in the early 16th century and remains similar in phenotype to its founding stock. The Suffolk Punch was developed for farm work and gained popularity during the early 20th century.

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Now, Suffolk Punches are used for draught work, forestry, and advertising.

4. Belgian Draft (Up to 18 Hands, 2200 Pounds)

The Belgian Draft Horse, also known as the Belgisch Trekpaard or Cheval de trait Belge, is a draft horse breed originating from the Brabant region of central Belgium. Belgian Draft Horses usually stand between 16 to 18 hands tall(roughly 64 to 72 inches) and weigh 1800 to 2200 pounds).

It’s worth noting that the American Belgian Draft Horse is generally taller and less heavily built compared to its European counterpart. Despite their large size, Belgian Draft Horses are known for their gentle temperament and love for work.

They have been used throughout history for various purposes, including farm work, heavy haulage, and even in parades.

3. Clydesdale (Up to 18 Hands, 2200 Pounds)

The Clydesdale is also a breed of draught horse that is native to Scotland, specifically from the Clydesdale or valley of the River Clyde. Clydesdales typically stand between 16 to 18 hands high (approximately 64 to 72 inches) with their weight ranging from about 1800 to 2200 pounds.

Despite their large size, Clydesdales are lighter than they were in the past. They are known for their distinctive coat colors, usually bay, dark brown, or black, often with prominent white markings.

The Clydesdale horses were traditionally used for heavy work, both in farming and in road haulage. But today, they are primarily used as carriage horses and are often seen in parades and processions.

2. Percheron (Up to 19 Hands, 2600 Pounds)

The Percheron is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne River valley in western France. Percherons typically stand between 15 to 19 hands high (approximately 60 to 76 inches).

Their weight ranges from about 1,800 to 2,600 pounds (approximately 816 to 998 kg) with the American Percherons being much heavier at an average of 1,900 pounds (860 kg), and their top weight at 2,600 pounds (1,200 kg).

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They were initially bred as war horses but have since been used in various capacities, including farming and pulling coaches.

1. Shire (Up to 19 Hands, 3,600 Pounds)

Credit: Northwest Carriage Museum

The Shire Horse, originating from the United Kingdom, is renowned for its remarkable size, often considered the largest horse breed in the world. Shire Horses are characterized by their tall stature, with heights ranging from 17 to 19 hands (approximately 68 to 76 inches).

This breed has held world records at various times for being both the largest and tallest horse. In terms of weight, Shire Horses typically weigh between 1,800 and 2,400 pounds. Their substantial weight contributes to their immense strength, making them ideal for heavy work.

The largest horse in recorded history was a Shire gelding named Mammoth (also known as Sampson), who was foaled in Bedfordshire in 1846. He stood over 21.2 hands (approximately 219 cm) and weighed an estimated 3360 lb (around 1524 kilograms).

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