About NABC
History of the Breed
The origins of this remarkable breed can be traced back to the 1850s and one man’s vision. Realizing stronger horses would be required to pull heavier machinery during the industrial revolution of Europe, horse breeder Remi Vander Schueren began to interbreed the four draft horse types found in Belgium. The result was a single breed, which he named the Belgian draft horse.
The government of Belgium played a very prominent role in horse production. The official stud book was established in 1886 and the National Show in Brussels became the great annual showcase. The government encouraged the efforts of large and small breeders alike to affix the type. A system of district shows was established to determine which horses should be eliminated from the breeding program. Many of the grand champions of Brussels became the leading sires of the breed and they provided the pattern for everyone to aim for. The result was a rapid improvement as the draft horses of Belgium came to be regarded as both a national heritage and treasure. The Belgian draft horse became one of Belgium’s greatest exports.
The first importation of Belgian horses into Canada was in 1902; it was followed by many others made by the Quebec provincial government, and also by private individuals at their own risk.
Future of the Breed
The Belgian Draft Horse has made great strides over the past decade. The increase is evident in both quality and quantity. The future holds great promise for the breed which sees its popularity and demand increasing yearly.
Fairs and exhibitions realize more and more how popular the draft horse events are with their patrons. It is at these competitions that the draft horse exhibitor is doing what he/she loves best; showing their stock, socializing with their fellow exhibitors, and conversing with the public on the subject most dear to his/her heart – Belgian horses. We see the Belgian draft horse rising in prominence.
People own Belgians for many reasons and each has his/her aspirations – be it showing, raising stock, working, parading, pleasure, etc. The personal satisfaction of doing what you enjoy most with your Belgians is very rewarding and a good advertisement to encourage future investors.
Belgian Draft Horse Associations world-wide boast of increasing memberships. The interest of owning a Belgian is high and a challenge goes out to keep this enthusiasm mounting.
History of the North American Belgian Championships
In the mid ‘80s, the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America and the Canadian Belgian Horse Association made a pact to have a championship show in North America every four years to showcase the best of the best. And so began a beautiful partnership of alternating the shows between locations in Canada and the United States to provide a premium show for Belgian horse breeders on both sides of the border. In 1988, the first North American Belgian Championship was held in conjunction with the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. As per the agreement, the 1992 show went Stateside to Lexington, Kentucky before coming back to Brandon, MB in 1996 for NABC III for a very successful show. The show in 2000 was held in Columbus, Ohio, and in 2004 it went to London, ON. NABC VI recently wrapped up in Indianapolis, IN and we are excited to have it coming back to Brandon for 2012!
Breeders and exhibitors alike plan well in advance for this prestigious show. Sometimes up to four years or more in advance of the event, breeders will try and strategize their breeding programs to give them their ‘next big winner’.
The Opportunity
Manitoba has consistently contributed to the draft horse industry in North America. We have a large number of Belgian horse breeders known for their high standard of breeding, showing and contribution to the overall industry. The North American Belgian Championships VII to be held in 2012 is hosted once again by the Manitoba Percheron Belgian Club as it was in 1996. The Club has approximately 70 member families with 40% of the membership owning and/or breeding Belgian horses. Most of these members are within a one to two hour driving radius of Brandon.
Why Brandon?
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada will be the gathering spot for this prestigious event. The show will be hosted at the Keystone Centre complex which is well known for its up-to-date world-class facilities conveniently located under one roof, and that already hosts a number of major equine events each year.
This international show will house over 500+ horses that will be shown to an audience of approximately 15,000 people punctuated with a spectacular array of feature performers and attractions. The dates have been set for July 17 – 21, 2012 for this action-packed event providing five full days of competition, trade shows, seminars, specialty entertainment, heavy horse pull, tours, banquets and meetings.
Why Brandon? We feel that Brandon has the best to offer the very best. It is centrally located, geographically-centred, easily accessible, and the heart of the draft horse industry of Manitoba where in excess of 2500 registered Belgian horses are situated in the westman trading area. Brandon has proven to be a good place to do business and is supportive of all sectors of the agriculture industry.