Joe introduces us to the American Brabant (aka European Belgian). This breed was developed in central Belgium in the 1700s primarily for warfare, carriage driving and agricultural work. There are low numbers of this breed in the midwest but more in the eastern states, Washington and California. they were once considered endangered and the organization is working to keep the heritage alive. They are in much need of help promoting the breed using any means.
www.americanbrabant.com
Joe interviews Tim Kesler and Tom Schmdt, Brabant owners and member of the American Brabant Association at the their annual field days in Minnesota.
Footage of a half Belgian/half Brabant and a full Belgian team are featured to show their different body types, leg feathering and coloring.
Tom discusses the difference between cross bred Brabants and purebred. Purebred is lighter and more suited to occasional work and calmer. Cross bred Brabants have a little more "pep" and work better in the field to get work done.Tom uses his horses to cut and bale hay, plowing snow, sleigh and hay rides.
Footage to teams working in the field:
Jason Julian hooks to a hay Tedder with his team of three Brabants.
The breed is excellent in the wood for logging. Tom discusses the breed's disposition with two main accolades:
Docile
Accept their surroundings better (not easily scared)
Safer
Accept work more readily.
Better suited for teamsters working alone
Good in public - parades, etc.
Bred as stockier, shorter and therefore better for work unlike modern purebred Belgians and Percheron.
Economical to keep as they convert their feed well. Mostly had with very little, if any, grain needed.
Footage of Jason Julian's son driving four-up baling hay.
Footage of Tom mowing hay.
For information visit their website, email or call:
www.theamericanbrabantassociat...
claybankmare@yahoo.com
951-551-9469