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20 Biggest Horse Breeds (With Pictures)

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The horse, a wildly loved animal, can be a favorite for those of all ages. Like ice cream toppings, everyone prefers something different.

In this case, we will be looking at some of the largest horse breeds. These horses are not just tall but can weigh up to 2,500 pounds. These horses are good for riding, entertainment, and more!

Below is a list of the 20 largest horse breeds! Enjoy! 

eating grass horse peeking on a wooden fence

Three Largest Horse Breeds 

Although horses come in all heights, weights, shapes, and sizes, there are a few breeds that tower over the others. Here are the top three largest horse breeds that are sure to excite you! 

BreedAverage Height Average Weight Origin Average Price
Shire Horse 65-76 inches 1,800-2,400 poundsEngland $2,000-$20,000
Clydesdale Horse 63-72 inches 1,800-2,000 poundsScotland $2,500-$5,000
Percheron Horse 64-68 inches 1,900-2,000 poundsFrance $1,000-$10,000

Shire Horse 

two beautiful Shire horses hooked up on sleigh through the snow

The Shire horse first originated in England. This horse was originally used for carrying both knights and their armor. Later they were used for pulling carts full of ale barrels to consumers. Today, this horse is used for sightseeing transportation, thanks to its great strength and courageous personality.

This horse may stand at around 65-76 inches tall and weigh around 1,800-2,400 pounds. The Shire horse comes in a variety of colors, including brown, gray, and black.

This horse may cost around $2,000-$20,000, depending on age, breed, gender, and the seller. 

Clydesdale Horse 

Little boy riding a big beautiful Clydesdale horse on the farm

The Clydesdale horse first originated in Scotland. Originally used for industrial work and heavy farming, it is today used for logging, agriculture, and draft work. This horse may be around 63-72 inches tall and weigh around 1,800-2,000 pounds, depending on age, gender, diet, and activity level.

The Clydesdale horse may be distinguished by its broad shoulders, large build, and arched back. This horse comes in a variety of colors, including bay, brown, gray, and black.

When looking to buy the Clydesdale horse, one can expect an average price range of $2,500-$5,000, depending on the seller, gender, and age.

Percheron Horse

beautiful big percheron horse

The Percheron horse first originated in France. This horse stands at around 64-68 inches tall and weighs around 1,900-2,000 pounds.

The Percheron was originally used for war, pulling carriages, and transporting goods. Today Percherons are used for pulling carriages as well as hayride wagons.

The Percheron horse is known for its large eyes, straight face, and broad features. This horse may be various colors, including black, chestnut, bay, and gray. A Percheron horse may cost around $1,000-$10,000, depending on the seller, gender, and age. 

17 More Big Horse Breeds 

Although horses are known to be large animals, different breeds have different heights, weights, and shapes. After the top three largest horses, here’s a list of the 17 next largest horse breeds, including their average height, weight, and origin! Thank you, and enjoy! 

Horse Breed
(Ranking considers both weight and height)
Average HeightAverage Weight Origin Average Price 
Belgian Draft Horse 64-68 inches 1,900-2,200 poundsBelgium $5,000-$10,000
Suffolk Punch Horse62-66 inches 1,800-2,200 poundsEngland $2,300-$3,200 
Lithuanian Heavy Draft Horse60-64 inches 1,800-2,000 pounds Lithuania $7,000-$12,000
American Cream Draft Horse64-67 inches 1,600-1,800 poundsUnited States $1,000-$2,300
Vladimir Draft Horse 62-65 inches 1,600-2,700 poundsRussia $5,000-$10,000
Ardennais Horse 60-64 inches 1,500-1,700 pounds Belgium$2,500-$5,000
Dutch Draft Horse 58-61 inches 1,500-1,700 poundsThe Netherlands $4,000-$1,000,000
Brabant Horse 64-68 inches 1,500-2,000Belgium  $3,500-$7,000
Jutland Horse 60-65 inches 1,400-1,700 pounds Denmark $6,000-$13,000
Comtois Horse 57-64 inches 1,400-1,700 poundsFrance $3,400-$5,200
Australian Draught Horse64-67 inches 1,300-1,900 poundsAustralia $2,500-$3,500
Irish Draught House 62-67 inches 1,300-1,500 poundsIreland $1,200-$9,500
Russian Heavy Draft56-59 inches 1,300-1,400 pounds Russia $2,500-$5,000
Boulonnais Horse 63-67 inches 1,200-1,600 pounds France$3,600-$4,300
Friesian Horse 58-67 inches 1,200-1,400 pounds The Netherlands $3,000-$12,000
American Quarter Horse 57-64 inches 950-1,200 pounds United States $7,000-$15,000
Fjord Horse 52-56 inches 900-1,2000 pounds Norway $3,000-$10,000

https://www.deephollowranch.com/biggest-horse-breeds/

Belgian Draft Horse 

girl riding a Belgian Draft Horse

The Belgian Draft horse first originated in Belgium. Its original use was for hauling and farm work. Today, this horse is used for plowing, logging, and carrying sleighs and carriages. The Belgian Draft Horse is around 64–68 inches tall and may weigh around 1,900-2,200 pounds.       

This horse may be defined by its short legs, hefty chest, and muscular, toned body. This horse comes in a variety of colors, including light blondes, browns, and tans. The Belgian Draft horse may cost around $5,000-$10,000, depending on size, the seller, and gender. 

Suffolk Punch Horse

Suffolk Punch Horse on green meadow

The Suffolk Punch horse first originated in England. Originally used for draft work on farms and pulling material during wartime, it is today used for commercial operations, draft work, as well as advertising.

A Suffolk Punch horse may have an average height of 62-66 inches and may weigh 1,800 to 2,200 pounds, depending on age, activity level, and gender. 

The Suffolk Punch horse can be defined by its large build, short legs, and muscular neck. This horse comes in a chestnut color of varying dark and light tones. When looking to buy this horse, one can expect an average price range of $2,300-$3,200, depending on the seller, age, and gender. 

Lithuanian Heavy Draught Horse

The Lithuanian Heavy Draught horse first originated in Lithuania. Originally used for farm work and, in some cases, meat production, the horse is today used for plowing small farms and riding.

This horse may be 60-64 inches tall and weigh 1,800-2,000 pounds, depending on age, gender, activity level, and diet. 

The Lithuanian Heavy Draught horse can be defined by its hefty jaw, large build, and muscular appearance and may come in chestnut, black, and gray. This horse may cost around $7,000-$12,000, depending on age, gender, and the seller. 

American Cream Draft Horse 

American Cream Draft Horse Running on Snowfield

The American Cream Draft horse first originated in the United States. Originally used for agriculture and farm work, it is today used for shows, farm work, and riding.

The American Cream Draft horse may have an average height of 64-67 inches and weigh around 1,600-1,800 pounds, depending on gender, activity level, and diet. 

This horse may be defined by its calm, intelligent personality and fluffy mane. This horse comes in various cream colors, ranging from light to dark. When looking to buy the American Cream Draft horse, one can expect an average price range of $1,000-$2,300, depending on the seller, gender, and age. 

Vladimir Draft Horse 

Vladimir Draft Horse running in an open field

The Vladimir Draft horse first originated in Russia. Originally used for agricultural and draft work, it is today used for similar purposes in agriculture and farming. The Vladimir Draft horse may be around 62-64 inches tall and weigh around 1,600-2,700 pounds, depending on diet, activity level, and gender. 

The Vladimir Draft horse may be defined by its stout build, energized personality, and large size, which are optimal for farming purposes. Coming in various colors, this horse may come in browns, blacks, and bays.

This draft horse may cost around $5,000-$10,000, depending on size, gender, and the seller. 

Ardennais Horse 

Ardennais Horse eating grass in meadow

The Ardennais horse first originated in Belgium. Originally used as war horses in the 11th century, they are today used for competitive events as well as draft work. This horse may be an average height of 60-64 inches and weigh around 1,500-1,700 pounds, depending on activity level, gender, and diet.

The Ardennais horse may be distinguished by its gentle and loving personality, along with its long mane, short legs, and broad back. This horse may come in colors such as grays, browns, and chestnuts.

When looking to buy the Aredennais horse, one can expect an average price range of $2,500-$5,000, depending on the seller, gender, and age. 

Dutch Draft Horse

Dutch Draft Horse standing on meadow

The Dutch Draft horse first originated in the Netherlands. This horse was originally used for heavy farm work. Today, this horse is used for similar work in agriculture and farms.

The Dutch Draft horse may be around 58-61 inches tall and weigh around 1,500-1,700 pounds. A Dutch Draft is defined by the characteristics of a massive body, strong build, and hefty muscles.

This horse comes in a variety of colors, including gray, bay, chestnut, and sometimes black. The Dutch Draft horse may cost around $4,000-$1,000,000, depending on the seller! 

Brabant Horse 

Brabant Horse leaning on green truck

The Brabant horse first originated in Belgium. This horse was originally used for farm work and is today used for agriculture, plowing, shows, and the pulling of sleighs and carriages.

This horse has an average height of 64-68 inches and may weigh around 1,500-2,000 pounds, depending on age, gender, diet, and activity level.

The Brabant horse can be defined by its stocky build, short legs, and arched back. This horse comes in a variety of colors, such as browns, blacks, grays, and, in some cases, reds.

When looking to buy the Brabant horse, one can expect an average price range of $3,500-$7,000, depending on the seller, age, and gender. 

Comtois Horse 

two brown comtois horses standing in a forest eating hay

The Comtois horse first originated in France. Originally used for draft work and pulling carriages, it is today used for hauling wood and, in some cases, meat production. These horses are highly popular and common in France.

This horse may have an average height of 57-64 inches and weigh around 1,400-1,700 pounds, depending on age, diet, and activity level.

The Comtois Horse may be defined by its deep girth, large build, and straight neck. When looking to buy this horse, one can expect an average price range of $3,400-$5,200, depending on the seller, age, and gender.  

Jutland Horse

The Jutland horse first originated in Denmark. Originally used for farming labor, it is today used for similar work on agricultural farms. This horse may also be popular for horse shows and, in some cases, for riding! 

The Jutland horse may be around 60-65 inches tall and weigh around 1,400-1,700 pounds, depending on age, gender, activity level, and diet. This horse may be defined by its compact body, long fur, and muscular build. The Jutland horse may come in many colors, such as chestnut, gray, bay, black, and various browns.

This horse may cost around $6,000-$13,000, depending on age, gender, and seller. 

Australian Draught Horse 

The Australian Draught horse first originated in Australia. Originally used for farming work, it is today used for similar purposes in agriculture and farms. This horse may have an average height of 64-67 inches and weigh around 1,300-1,900 pounds, depending on activity level, diet, age, and gender.

The Australian Draught horse can be defined by its intelligent, kind personality and its large and muscular build. This horse may be various shades of gray, black, and beige. When looking to buy the Australian Draught Horse, one can expect an average price range of $2,500-$3,500, depending on the seller, age, and gender. 

Irish Draught Horse

Beautiful White Irish Draught Horse in an open field

The Irish Draught Horse first originated in Ireland. Originally used for draft and farm work, it is today used for police work in the UK and working on farms. This horse may have an average height of 62-67 inches, with an average weight of 1,300-1,500 pounds, depending on activity level, diet, and gender.   

The Irish Draught horse can be defined by its athletic and muscular build as well as large bodily structure. The horse comes in a variety of colors, including gray, chestnut, brown, and black.

When looking to buy the Irish Draught horse, one can expect an average price of $1,200-$9,500, depending on the seller, gender, and age. 

Russian Heavy Draft Horse

The Russian Heavy Draft horse first originated in Russia. This horse was originally used for draft work in agriculture and is today used for its high milk yield. This horse has an average height of 56-59 inches and weighs around 1,300-1,400 pounds, depending on diet, activity level, and age. 

The Russian Draft horse may be defined by its short yet muscular appearance with a thick mane. This horse comes in a variety of colors, including bay, chestnut, browns, blacks, and grays.

When looking to buy the Russian Heavy Draft horse, one can expect an average price range of $2,500-$5,000, depending on age, seller, and gender. 

Boulonnais Horse

white-brown-Boulonnais-horse-grazing-in-field

The Boulonnais Horse first originated in France. This horse was originally used for pulling carts of fruits and vegetables around Europe. Today, this horse is used for the production of horse meat. This horse may be an average height of 63-67 inches and weigh around 1,200-1,600 pounds, depending on age, activity level, and gender.

The Boulonnais horse may be defined by its social personality, large build, and rounded rib cages. A prospective buyer should expect an average price of $3,600-$4,300, depending on gender, age, and seller. 

Friesian Horse 

black Friesian Horse running in an open field

The Friesian horse first originated in Friesland, which is in the Netherlands. Originally used as a draft horse, today, it is used in the discipline of dressage. This horse may have an average height of 58-67 inches and weigh around 1,200-1,400 pounds, depending on diet and activity level. 

The Friesian horse may be defined by its large build, sloping shoulders, and low tail. This horse comes in a variety of black hues, ranging from grays to dark blacks. When looking to buy the Friesian horse, one can expect an average price range of $3,000-$12,000, depending on the seller, age, and gender. 

American Quarter Horse 

American Quarter Horse standing in a wide open field in Arizona USA

The American Quarter horse first originated in the U.S. Originally used for performances, it is today used for similar events, including performances for parties, shows, and entertainment events.

This horse has an average height of 57-64 inches and may weigh around 950-1,200 pounds depending on activity level, gender, diet, and age. 

The American Quarter horse can be defined by its stocky build, muscular body, and deep and broad chest. This horse comes in a variety of colors, such as blacks, browns, and grays.

When looking to buy the American Quarter horse, one can expect an average price range of $7,000-$15,000, depending on gender, the seller, and age. 

Fjord Horse 

two Fjord Horses together

The Fjord horse first originated in Norway. Originally used for war by the Vikings, it is today used for riding and, in some cases, as a therapy animal. This horse has an average height of 52-56 inches and may weigh around 900-1,200 pounds, depending on gender, activity, age, and diet.

The Fjord horse can be defined by its compact, muscular body, arched back, and large build. This horse comes in a variety of colors, including reds, cream, browns, blacks, and grays. When looking to buy the Fjord horse, one can expect an average price range of $3,000-$10,000, depending on age, the seller, and gender. 

Special Note

The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you believe your horse is injured or displaying abnormal symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to ensure proper care is taken for your furry friend! 

Sources