The Government of Flanders has awarded a grant of €81,000 to a Flemish association dedicated to preserving the Belgian draught horse and its cultural significance.
The grant was announced by Flemish Minister for Environment and Agriculture Jo Brouns during a visit on Thursday to the Stal Hermeshof draught horse breeding farm in Maaseik, Limburg.
The Belgian draught horse was recognised in 2018 as part of the Flemish intangible cultural heritage, but the breed has been under threat for several years.
In the early 20th century, Belgian draught horses were Belgium’s top export, with thousands used worldwide in agriculture, ports, and industry. However, only about 550 foals are born each year in Belgium, nearly 440 of them in Flanders.
Inbreeding rates are rising, and there is a shortage of young breeders.
“The draught horse is more than just an animal. It is a part of Flemish identity that we must cherish and reinforce together,” Minister Brouns emphasised. “Without this support, the Belgian draught horse risks gradually disappearing.”
The grant will support 235 breeders affiliated with the VFBT - which represents Flemish carthorse rearers - by helping with breeding costs, veterinary care, and administrative work.
Breeders will also receive a bonus of €150 to €300 for young stallions that undergo medical exams and inspections.
An official stud book will be established, documenting genetic tests through DNA analysis, while a €165 bonus will be provided for each registered Belgian draught foal.
For its part, the VFBT will allocate funds for scientific research into issues such as inbreeding, chronic lymphoedema, and other hereditary diseases.
