THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE 



211 



The draft horse shows of Belgium are very notable 

 events, because of the large amount of prize money 

 awarded the horses exhibited. The annual June show at 

 Brussels is by far the largest exhibit of one breed made 

 in Europe. The number of entries often runs well up 

 toward i,ooo, with hundreds of stables represented from 

 all parts of Belgium, although the provinces of Liege, 

 Namur, Brabant and Hainaut contribute the more famous 

 horses. In addition to the annual show at Brussels many 

 agricultural associations also hold fairs in Belgium, at 

 which local horses are exhibited. These serve to stimulate 

 interest among the small owners. 



FIG. no.— BELGIAN STALLION "LEOPARD" 



The Belgian draft horse in America. — The first au- 

 thentic importation of horses from Belgium to America 

 was in i866 when A. G. Van Hoorebeke introduced them 

 to Monmouth, Illinois. These horses were designated as 

 Boulonnais at first, but a few years later were given the 

 correct name of Belgians. There were but few importa- 



