Feel The Power

Before Henry Ford began to mass produce the farm tractor there was a reign of natural horse power that was a breakthrough in breeding.
You have to go back to a visionary horse breeder who realized that the industrialization of Europe would require stronger horses to pull much larger machinery.
The breeder's name was Remi Vander Schueren from a tiny village in Belgium name Vollezele.
Schureren started to experiment with interbreeding 3 types of draft horses that already existed in Belgium. The end results was one breed that he called the Belgian draft horse.
This breed was very powerfully built at 16 to 17 hands at maturity.  They were able to pull up to 4,000 lbs.  The most amazing paradox of this beast bred for strength was it's very gentle nature.  
They had no issues being attached to wagons or machinery.
This magical combination of traits enabled them to be highly sought after in industries that required heavy pulling tasks critical to their success. Examples include brewing, forestry, mining, agriculture and shipping.
As exports spiraled throughout Europe, the Belgian government saw the potential in the U.S.
The1903 St. Louis World's Fair was the perfect time to showcase this impressive work horse.
American farmers quickly saw the impact these massive animals could have on their farms.  Demand skyrocketed.
By 1912 the export of these popular horses were bringing in massive revenue to the Belgian nation.  The Vollezele breeders were recognized by the royalty of the day for their impact on the nation's fame and fortune. This was unusual in that era to put the limelight on a tiny village for an entire nation's success.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the end started with both German and Allied armies requisitioning these fine animals to bring heavy weapons, supplies and ammunition to the front lines.
Few survived that dangerous mission.
Beginning with Ford's mass produced Fordson tractor mechanical horse power replaced nature's horse power.
Bred for show purposes today one glance at these magnificent horses and you can see the glory of their past days when the early days of the Industrial Revolution was taking hold.
We are honored to give tribute to these powerful and gentle giants by our introduction of an Amish farmer who relies on these Belgian horses to his family's success in our latest Lancaster PA video.


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