What Type of Horses are at Disney?
Walt Disney World Resort is a horse lover’s paradise, with Big, beautiful Percherons, Clydesdales, Belgians, Shire, and Brabant breeding at the Circle D. But what exactly these horses are and what distinguishes them from others, we’ll explore in this article.
Draft Horse Breeds at Disney
Disney’s fort wilderness resort and campground welcome Clydesdale, Percherons, and Belgians as part of their draft horse family.
Clydesdale Horses
- Known for their distinctive horse-drawn carriages: They are often associated with Budweiser beer (Clydesdales) due to their iconic images of these horses pulling dray carts.
- Massive: Standing between 1600 and 1800 pounds, with a medium brown coat and white paint, Clydesdales are an impressive sight! (1)
Percherons
· French breed: Originally bred for heavy draft needs in France, Percherons are known for strong muscles and strong limbs, making them expert carriage horses(1)
· Medium-dominant: With brown coats, Percheron’s temperament is known friendly, calm, hardworking, and quick to learn (0)
· Height measurement: Standing 16.2 to 19 hands) or more, Percherons are a sightseeing experience at Disney!
Belgians: Strong, Intelligent, Hardy, and Friendly
! Their friendly nature makes an ideal working horse for people.
• Height size: 16 to 17.2 hands)(16 to 68 pounds
• Strong Limbs: Known for an even gait, intelligence, and a friendly but alert demeanor, Belgians excel in draft disciplines, pleasure showing, and trail working(2)
About Tri-Circle D Ranched
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort employs expert animal care professionals ensure top-notch care
for the horses from dawn to dusk. Dedicated Ranch Hands, veterinarians, blacksmiths, and nutrition experts
work together like a well-oiled system.
Meridia’s Horse: Angus-The Dobby Horse
The pair of Belgian horses (Heyn horses made by German company were known as Dobbies, while the single Percheron horse was aptly named CINDERELLA’S HORSE(Cindy) within Magic Kingdom’s Fantasy Kingdom area
Belle’s Horse: Philippe(The Supporting Character)
Phillipe, the stunning Belgian Draught Horse, is actually a supporting character in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, alongside Belle!
Horse Care by Disney
• Nutritious Diet & Healthy Feeding Habits
• Regular Dentist Check-Ups 3 times a year by experienced veterinarians
- Horse Grooms for 2 hours a day**
- All animals have daily water consumption and cleaning routines
Disney’s Horse Carousel Details
- For children’s entertainment, in 1955, ‘ Dumbo the Flamingo‘ Disney created an iconic carousel; Philippe and Cindy are no strangers to this attraction) The carousel is often themed to match the showtime (e.g beauty and the enchanted tale) Disney staff takes great care to showcase both Cindy/Cinderella’s Horse(Belgian Drafthorse) and Philip(The supporting character) in and around Magic Kingdom’s kingdom.