Top 5 Draft Horse Breeds for Beginners: Calm, Strong, and Easy to Train

Discover the best draft horse breeds for beginners, including the Percheron, Belgian Draft, Clydesdale, and more. Learn about their temperament, size, uses, and care tips to find your perfect match

Best Draft Horse Breeds for Beginners: A Quick Overview

Draft horses are gentle giants, making them excellent for beginners due to their calm temperaments, versatility, and strength. Among the best draft horse breeds for novices are the Percheron, Belgian Draft, Clydesdale, Shire, and American Cream Draft. Each has unique qualities that suit different needs and preferences.

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Understanding Draft Horse Qualities

When selecting a draft horse as a beginner, focus on these qualities:

• Temperament: Look for breeds known for calm and patient dispositions.
• Trainability: Choose horses that respond well to basic training.
• Size and Strength: Ensure the horse’s size matches your experience level and intended use.

1. Percheron

Characteristics

• Height: 15.1 to 18.1 hands
• Weight: 1,800–2,600 pounds
• Temperament: Calm, intelligent, and eager to please

The Percheron is highly versatile, excelling in farming, driving, and riding. Its manageable size and friendly demeanor make it a top choice for beginners. Percherons are also easy to maintain compared to other large draft breeds.

Notable Fact: Percherons originated in France and were prized for their stamina and elegance. Today, they are among the most popular draft horses worldwide.

2. Belgian Draft

Characteristics

• Height: 16 to 17 hands
• Weight: 1,800–2,200 pounds
• Temperament: Docile, hardworking, and reliable

Belgian Drafts are ideal for beginners due to their calm nature and willingness to work. They are often used in plowing, logging, and pulling competitions, showcasing their immense strength.

Pro Tip: Belgian Drafts have lower maintenance requirements and are generally more affordable compared to other breeds.

Resource: Learn more about Belgian Draft history and care at American Belgian Draft Horse Corporation.

3. Clydesdale

Characteristics

• Height: 16 to 18 hands
• Weight: 1,800–2,200 pounds
• Temperament: Friendly, sociable, and adaptable

Known for their iconic feathered legs and majestic appearance, Clydesdales are gentle giants. They thrive in environments with regular interaction, making them great for beginners interested in both work and companionship.

Fun Fact: Clydesdales are famously associated with Budweiser’s promotional campaigns, highlighting their elegance and charisma.

4. Shire

Characteristics

• Height: 17 to 19 hands
• Weight: 2,000–2,400 pounds
• Temperament: Gentle, patient, and loyal

The Shire is one of the largest horse breeds, yet its calm demeanor makes it beginner-friendly. Ideal for pulling heavy loads and farm work, Shires are valued for their strength and easygoing nature.

Caution: Due to their size, ensure you have adequate space and resources before selecting a Shire.

5. American Cream Draft

Characteristics

• Height: 15 to 16.3 hands
• Weight: 1,600–2,000 pounds
• Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and willing

The American Cream Draft is a rare breed with a distinctive cream coat and amber eyes. Their manageable size and calm demeanor make them perfect for beginners who appreciate unique aesthetics and functionality.

Preservation Efforts: Visit the American Cream Draft Horse Association for information on breed preservation and care.

Comparison Table of Draft Horse Breeds

Breed	Height (hands)	Weight (lbs)	Temperament	Primary Use
Percheron	15.1–18.1	1,800–2,600	Calm, intelligent	Farming, riding
Belgian Draft	16–17	1,800–2,200	Docile, hardworking	Plowing, pulling
Clydesdale	16–18	1,800–2,200	Friendly, sociable	Driving, companionship
Shire	17–19	2,000–2,400	Gentle, patient	Heavy hauling
American Cream Draft	15–16.3	1,600–2,000	Gentle, affectionate	Farm work, riding

Tips for Beginners Working with Draft Horses

• Start Small: Begin with a mid-sized draft breed to avoid being overwhelmed by size and strength.
• Learn Proper Care: Understand feeding, grooming, and exercise requirements.
• Seek Guidance: Work with an experienced trainer to develop skills in handling and training.
• Invest in Equipment: Use appropriately sized tack and gear designed for draft horses.

Additional Resources

For comprehensive guides on horse care, visit Horse Illustrated or consult local draft horse organizations.