THE BELGIAN DRAFT HORSE 



215 



show as great depth and strength as is desirable. Among 

 a few breeders the back is often criticized for a slight 

 tendency to sag, giving a sway-back appearance. 



Uses of the Belgian draft horse. — The short, stocky legs 

 and low-set, blocky body make this breed very useful for 

 slow, heavy hauling over city streets, thus it ranks high 

 for heavy draft over smooth roads. The Belgian draft 

 horse is especially adapted for crossing on common mares, 

 lacking in weight and 

 substance for the pro- 

 duction of heavy 

 draft horses. This 

 cross is particularly 

 successful when grade 

 Clydesdale mares are 

 used, as it gives an 

 increased depth of 

 body with a corre- 

 sponding shortening of 

 the legs, and a general 

 massiveness of form 

 not easily secured by 

 the use of any other 

 breed of draft stal- 

 lions. Such animals command a fancy price in the horse 

 market. 



Distribution of the Belgian draft horse. — In recent 

 years this breed has enjoyed a widespread distribution 

 because of its desirability for the heaviest kind of work. 

 Large numbers have been taken to Germany," France, 

 Holland, Sweden, Austria and other European countries ; 

 to Argentine Republic and other South American coun- 

 tries as well as to both the United States and Canada. 

 In the United States, the Belgian has been longest known, 

 and the largest number are found in Iowa, Illinois, In- 

 diana and Ohio, although in recent years it has been 

 distributed wherever heavy draft horses are needed. 



Fig. 112. — Belgian Mare "Gamine" 



