Belgian Project Log

[goldie_side]

Goldie/goldie_side Belgian Project Log


Project Background

This might be freakishly confusing and all over the place, so I apologize in advance.

So long story short, when I first joined HWO one of the first things that I did was look through the Forum and just see what people were doing with their horses. Their projects, goals, etc. And I stumbled upon a player (I'm not sure who unfortunately, but if you do feel free to lmk in a reply and I'll give them full credit) who had bred the least Shetland-like Shetland ever. And ofc I, being crazy, thought 'Oh my gosh that's so cool! I have to try something like that!' And so, my idea of breeding VERY short Belgians was born.


Project Goals:

My goal is to breed a purebred Belgian from ONLY my private bloodlines (descending from only AC horses that I've adopted) that's no taller than 10.3hh, which is the maximum height for Shetlands.


Progress

As of 12/28/2024:


Shortest Full-Grown Horse: Pumpkin Star ;)


Height @ birth: 8.3hh
Final Height: 14.3hh
Out of Duchess Star by Pumpkin Hero ;)


Shortest Foal To-Date:

Same as above


Random Notes

I'm (hopefully) going to update this whenever I make progress on it, but no promises lol. Feel free to reply with any thoughts/suggestions/helpful tips! I'd really appreciate input from more experienced players.

[BlackOak2]

It's gorgeous to see players aiming for projects that are just out there. Short belgians would be a great project to see to completion. I would also suggest choosing a color for them. Maybe like red dun or browns. Although this will require you to mix in some non-belgians. However, roan IS a part of AC belgians.

Anyway, this'll be neat to see. Have you thought about a competition to eventually aim for? I could suggest one of the driving disciplines. Marathon driving will keep their heavier build well enough. Obstacle will lighten them into the medium, medium-heavy area but dressage discipline (what might be most neat to do) would lighten them into the medium-light to medium builds and give them a much more refined look.

Good Luck!

[goldie_side]

I hadn't thought about picking a color, that's a great suggestion, thank you! I think if I end up picking one it will probably be roan, since I''d like to stay purely Belgian.

As for discipline...my only fully trained horse so far (my tutorial mare) excels in Level 8 Marathon Driving, so I might keep trying for that. However, you're right, dressage would be super cool and give them a unique build to go with their height. Thank you for all your suggestions

[goldie_side]

Update! Just got this little filly out of (shockingly) an AC mare that I picked up on a whim. I'm not adding her to the first post because she was born the same height as Pumpkin Star, but shhhh, 8.3hh is big (or should I say small) so far

Pioneer Class ;)