Gentle Giants | Award-Winning Film | Meet Amazing Draft Horses!
Discover the extraordinary world of Draft Horses! Step back in time to go for a drive in England with a team of Shire Horses, gallop through a beautiful farm in Scotland, head to Belgium to experience Shrimping on Horseback and meet the inspirational equestrians that have dedicated their lives to these Gentle Giants.
✨Executive Producers✨
Julie & John Mathews
Melly Beechwood
Helen Windeyer
Jen Sullivan & Lance Mleynek
✨Associate Producers✨
Double F Arena LLC
Else Bigton & Phil Odden
Beverly Edwards
Rhonda Engness
Sarah German
Neesha Khan
Cami Miller
Reed Nygren
Shawn & Bobbie Tisdell
✨Featuring✨
Marlie Draught Horse Stud
Cumbrian Heavy Horses
Coldcroft Shires
Jamie Alcock
Blackstone Clydesdales
John & Margaret Duncan
Bailey Buckland
Royal Society of the Belgian Draft Horse
Noël De Beuf
Stal De Vollezeele
Eric & Marleen De Greeff-Van Kelst
Dominique Vandendriessche
Stefaan Hancke
Stefaan Persoons
Luc Panckoucke
Het Belgisch Trekpaard
✨Videographers✨
Peter Arnesen
Josh Mathews
Music: www.purple-planet.com
💜Special Thanks To:
The Equus Film Festival
My Amazing Quest Supporters
Coldcroft Farm
Katie Houghton
Jan De Boitselier
Ann Van Vreckem
Ingrid Valvekens
Charlotte Salomez
Katrien Hellinckx
Koksijde - Oostduinkerke
Eddy D'hulster
Johan Casier
💜Gear From:
Hrímnir
TraumaVoid
Ariat
KÜHL
🎥Gentle Giants won "Best Equestrian Documentary - Short" in the 2022 Equus Film Festival.
00:00 The Amazing Draft Horses!
00:29 Shire Horses in England
09:00 Clydesdale Horses in Scotland
20:20 Belgian Brabant Horses in Belgium
#horses #horseriding #horselover
🐴 What is your favorite thing about Draft Horses?
My favorite thing about draft horses is that they are so gentle and kind towards us humans and never try to actually harm us
They are sooo big and sooo sweet. You gave them the right name Gentle Giants.👍🎄🧑🎄
Size and gentleness
Fjords
What I think is interesting is how fast they can move!
as a belgian living at the coast i see the shrimpers a lot. a few years ago we heard a sad story (one you might have heard during your talk with the fishermen) of a fisherman who was on his way back to the stables and he unfortunately died on the way. his horse brought him back to the stables waiting for others to notice his owner had passed. at the funeral. the horse pulled the carage with the coffin one last time.
Was the man old and had a heart attack??
How valiant and noble his loyal steed…
@@annalisa14 he was around 50 but i think he did die from causes related to his heart
How sad, but at least he died doing what he loved. Those draft horses are just incredible.
What a wonderful way to die, doing what one loves, with a loving, beautiful horse, going quickly and quietly.
Tears in my eyes..The Coldcroft Farm in England is exactly how I imagine paradise. Such a peaceful and respectful place. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching, so glad you enjoyed it. I agree, it is a very special place!
I am so fortunate to be the carer of a beautiful 18 month old Clydesdale boy. I'm not going to say "own" as I don't believe you can own another soul. These are such incredibly beautiful, loving, gentle horses, full of wisdom and courage.
My grandfather brought Belgian draft horses over to Canadian Prairies in about 1890’s to work his farm. Later on he kept them to be in a breeding program. This video brought a tear to eye remembering these ‘gentle giants’. Beautiful video!
My grandpa had Belgians too. I never saw them except in a photo. My grandpa was using a tractor by the time I was on the scene. I love these big working breeds. They are gentle giants. They are so powerful yet their eyes are so friendly and they are quite gentle and easy going. You can’t help but fall in love and awe of these incredible creatures.
I love draft horses, they are gentle giants, so calm and very affectionate. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to ride a clydesdale along a large beach in Australia, south of Coffs Harbour. We then rode into town and had lunch at a pub. The horses were tied up outside the pub. Then we rode back again along the beach. The horse took it all in his stride, he wasn't spooked by anything. His name was Clyde. I'll never forget it, one of the best experiences of my life. 🐎🥰
Ooooh, that sounds like such a fun ride! Thanks for sharing! 🥰
My great-grandfather had a set of Belgium Draft horses in the late 1890's. He used them to clear his farm in West Virginia. He called them George and Martha (Washington), though his last name was O'Mullins ☘ ❤ he was a tall man stood 7'2". A draft horse was just his size! 😁👍
Draft Horses have contributed greatly to our civilization and need our respect.
Лошади в целом, не только тяжёлые
Did you just swing right on that Belgian without a saddle? 😳 that's impressive
The owner was impressed too!
Right???
Trained a lot of horses in my younger days. One of the belgians I looked after, no one liked, because of his high spirit, he and I got along great. His name was "Tucker".... I named my 2nd son after him. I loved that horse.
My friend had a draft horse he youes to hook a cart to him and would let famerlies and kids have free cart rides he never ever expected money it was all about seeing the smiles on all the little faces I would walk up to panjo and pat him every time I would see them in town doing what he loved to do he was the most amazing horse ever with the biggest of heart he passed on about 5 years ago and sadly his owner my friend passed on last year at the age of 80 horses have a ability to heal people
3 years ago, my husband and I each fulfilled a life long dream, when we became parents of our Clydesdale mare, Lilly. She was just five months old at the time and she hasn’t stopped growing since!! We already owned a Clydesdale cross Australian stock horse, and a rescue mare, and they all such treasures to have around… don’t know what we’d do without them! We are very excited for Lilly to be strong enough to teach her to pull a cart and for us to ride her! They really are the gentle giants of the horse world!! ♥️♥️🇦🇺
As a toddler born in the late 1930s on a small farm, my daddy plowed with a Belgian named "Shorty". He had a blonde mane and leg feathers and a reddish body. Shorty was my very first playmate, the only one for a long time. I'd play with my toys beneath his feet. He was always particular where he put his feet, and my parents were confident in him, and I was not aware of any kind of hazard. I do recall the day I got curious about the thing near his back legs underneath his belly, and poked it with a piece of stove wood. He did not move his feet, but turned his head and pushed me over. I cried out to mother "Shorty pushed me!" From that early age, my love for horses was set for life. I am now almost 86, and love the memory of riding on Shorty's back while my daddy plowed the fields. He was a gentle giant, always careful where he put his feet.
Thank you for sharing. That wonderful story made me chuckle
The first day I rode a shire is the last day I wanted to ride anything else. There is no need, they do everything you throw at them. I'm thankful of the recent explosion in shire demand as it will ensure they dont dissapear. When my mare got pregnant from a 19.5hh stallion it took an hour and someone bought the foal in utero, 2 years before delivery !
It would be wrong of me to pick just one because i love everything equine. I love every breed of horse big and small donkeys, zebras ponies all the equine you can name they are all beautiful stunning creatures. I have loved them since i was about 3 years old ever since i have dreamed about owning my own horse. i would live in the paddock with them if i could. Horses are my passion, they are remarkable.
In Wallonië there is also the 'Ardenner', a smaller draughthorse, used for pulling logs out of the forest. Try 'Vlaamse patat'.
I'm looking forward to filming them for the project!
I cried all the way through this and I have NOOO idea why. What's wrong with me? Why do horses make me so emotional?!
I've been to Blackstones Clydesdales and I would recommend everyone to go and pay them a visit. Friendly people with a passion for their animals and your safety is paramount.
God would ride a Draft Horse! Their gentleness and calm depicts the perfect way to view life! The most exciting, impressive thing for me in both men and draft horses is they have the strength to crush, break, or even kill me and the control not to. They choose not to. They choose gentle and loving. Therein lies true strength and power! Oh, and they are gorgeous!!!
Their gentleness and their soul. ❤️🌻🌈
I love the gentle giants . I use to drive them in upper Wisconsin. To me there is nothing like a driving horse because of the special way you communicate with them.
Those horses are so blessed to be living there to get all the love and attention, where as other type breed horses are not because of severe abuse, and the horse meat trade. 😥😥💔💔
I went for a carriage ride driven by Jamie at Coldcroft Shires last year. He is so funny and kind and my family and I had such a wonderful time with him and his horses. We will definitely be back
As a combat wounded veteran, i cannot articulate what watching your video does to me, but when I'm having an off day, I watch this video and it helps unwind me. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.
What a beautiful comment. I wish you the best. 🌼
@@aurora6447 thank you! And I wish you the best!
Donald, I have been a horse lover my entire life. They have been a source of happiness, strength, tranquility and fortitude. I am honored to know that this video is helpful on difficult days. Thank you for being here and sharing some of your story.
@@DiscoverTheHorse I can see your happiness, strength, tranquility and fortitude when you show these gentle Giants! Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video. Now to go though your videos to see what you have about percherons.
Stay tuned. :) The Percheron is on my "To be filmed" list!
The first time I rode on a beach was on a Clydesdale. Her name was Marge and it was her first time as well. She was amazing, nothing phased her and it was a blast.
Awww, that sounds amazing!
I am a team driver and I am full of gratitude that you would give time to educate others and teach them to appreciate these breeds. I've worked with many teams, but one thing they have in common is that I call them my big babies. Truly Gentle Giants.
This video brings back childhood memories of my grandfather who had work horses and pair of Clydesdales . My grandfather was a horse trader and trainer. Growing up we spent our summers on his ranch. He raised beef cattle. He had a working pair of Clydesdale horses named Tom and Jerry . Two gentle giants that we rode . He also had quarter horses and Indian ponies and a few retired race horses. But we paired us with the Clydesdales because they were so gentle and friendly. I loved riding them. We have a picture of 5 of us little kids on the back of Tom . My grandfather was so proud of his horses . He had retired them when he bought a tractor to do the work. But kept them for his grandchildren to ride in the summer months.
What a wonderful film. Brought me to tears. I can’t ride anymore because I injured my back.. but I am 73 and rode all my life and I had a half Belgium when I was young named Brownie and he was big and beautiful and fun to ride. You are a beautiful rider. And your love of horses really shines. ❤❤❤
My favorite things. So many. Their. Gorgeous,. They are. Gentle Giants. I believe, they know , they are huge. And They can hurt us. BUT. They choose not to!!!!
I got to ride a draft horse once.. it was huge and sooo gentel. I trusted that horse so much I put both my kids under 5 on him. I miss that horse to this day 20 years later.
HORSES ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS IN THE WORLD!🥰
He takes such good care of them ... especially their feet. It's so important. Thank you to everyone who rescues these dear animals.
What amazing horses! They are real Gentle Giants. Sooo beautiful 🐴❤
Tbh I’m kinda terrified of horses. One kick and they can cave your chest. And they are like, weirdly muscular. And their eyes make me feel like they can see my sins.
I'll bet it was an unbelievable experience to ride Sunny, the Clydesdale, and be cantering out in the open field. What a great ride!!!
Thank you for such a beautiful video of those Gentle Giants.❤
Thanks for watching, John!
Ive been around these woderful beasts, who are as kind and eager to please as they are big! Very loving and quick to learn. When you are riding them, it's like riding on a huge rocking horse, so comfortable and reassuring!
Thank God for horses and dogs man those two animals have been by our sides since day one
How did their numbers drop 😳? How did a horse 🐎 this magnificent, this beautiful numbers drop?
Clydesdale are my favorite-so big and strong, but those Belgians with the bunny tail butts are super cute! 🐇
Here where Grace is Laced With Muscle and Strength by Gentleness Combined..... Stunningly Beautiful Horses 🐎 ❤
My lovely woman! Everything about you is rich and deep and full of joy from your love of these horses and how you yourself are blessed with beauty and love
So much fun to watch! What a joy!
Hi sexy lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there???
Absolutely beautiful
Hi sexy lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there????
Draft breeds have this... something, in them, an unspoken dignity and strength of character, this incredible resilience that allows them to mentally recover after horrific abuse. We've rescued a mare covered in dried muck up to her eyelashes, her feet were in such condition, our farrier, our vet, both tough as nails dudes, had tears in their eyes. In just few weeks she started coming back for pets, she's the biggest, cuddliest "dog".. despite painful treatments, injections, being poked and prodded she was proud and calm. The first time she and her filly were let out of quarantine and they ran out onto the pasture she stood basking into the sun, looking almost as if she was overwhelmed with emotions and was about to cry with all of us who stood there, watching. She went to greet all the other rescues over the fence as if they were lifelong friends. We are thinking of trying her daughter under the saddle once she's grown enough to gather more funds and publicity for the fate of horses in Poland, packed up and sent to slaughter in Italy. I cannot imagine not falling in love with these powerful beauties. I'd love to visit this place, one day - having changed career to be able to afford being a part of rescue & equestrian communities, I might be able to afford it in a decade, or so 😂 Thank You for showcasing this lovely experience ❤
I’m speechless absolutely stunning horses thank you 💗💕🐴
Thanks for watching, Caroline!
The Clydesdale stallion is just WOW!!!
I love horses got that from my pops he was a stable care taker when he was young. I remember being amazed by these animals as a kid. These are beautiful animals your so lucky.
Soooo beautiful!!!! What a perfect farm and life!!! ❤️❤️❤️
🥰 Thanks Phyllis!
Great job!!! Heart warming, informative and your delight in horses is infectious!
Aww, thank you so much, Larry!
I've always loved the draft breeds of horses, the size and the power of them with their gentle nature is just awesome. I'm a wee bit jealous that you got to ride them, they are such gorgeous animals.
My maternal grandfather and grandmother were from Scotland, near Lockerbie those draft horses are amazing, they are my favorite breed of horse, so majestic it gives you chills, great video.
An absolute beautiful look at the tremendous giants that helped get man where we are today.
Aust here. Thank you for sharing your LOVE WITH world. Thank you again and God bless.
I love that they let the Clydesdale’s keep their tails ❤️
Thank you for sharing this with us all!!! They're simply amazing creatures I say!!!!
I had a Percheron cross and he matured to 17.1 . So much fun to back . He had no work ethic , but was kind . He made a great cross country hack horse .
A STELLAR award winning documentary! Beautiful informative and visually amazing! Gentle Giants beyond breathtaking in their history uses beauty and quiet intelligent personalities. Heartfelt thank yous for making and sharing this with the world...
Must feel like riding a massive, breathing truck with intelligence. 💖🥰 Thank you so much for sharing your experience with these beauties. 🙏
Really enjoyed the video. The gal narrating and riding all the lovely horses did a great job both narrating and riding.
I'm a horse lover! Who can't love horses!???
I'm watching this with a huge smile on my face! I love these stunning horses. I'm fortunate enough to have ridden several Clydesdales over the years, as well as a Shire-cross. They are so much fun, and beautiful too. A truly heartwarming film. Thank you!
This picture realy deserves his award 100%. I saw already the tree diferent parts on your channel, but it was nice to watch them again. About 40 years ago, still living in belgium, i could see the fishermans once. And realy, the schrimps from there are unique, the best. They are the grey ones, all others are pink. A big diference in taste. I love your videos. Don't forget the italian murgese breed. In the netherlands there is a bleu one in GP, carletto from jolanda adelaar. (On KZhead and Instagram) 👍🎄🧑🎄
Thank you! Such a wonderful quest to pursue. 🙏💜🇺🇸
Thanks for watching! 🥰
What an absolute joy…..thank you
Absolutely gorgeous their gentleness , kindness and the way they give 100% when working or riding them surpasses their smaller cousins not to mention their loyalty I am obsessed with these gentle giants .❤❤
Gentle giants, wonderful beautiful, 💕💕💖💖🇬🇧🇬🇧🎉🌹🌹
Absolutely stunning,each and everyone🐴🐎,we are so lucky live near Cotebrook Shire Centre in Cheshire 🇬🇧....fab stream,ty❤
Magnificent animals!
You guys are blessed is you actually get to ride them. I've only seen them in the Rose Parade. Don't take it for granted.
Love it definitely as a previous rider! Can not do it now 😔 age and back problems, but it opens my heart.
Thanks so much for this fantastic voyage with this breeds 🤙🎊🎉
Becca did a great job braiding his main and tail. Jr. and Emery did their jobs well. It was so sweet of Oliver to put his head down so the kids could pet him.
Wonderful movie. Inspiring and moving. Thank you for helping document the history. And I love your infectious laughter- shares your joy in being around and riding these wonderful horses.
Aww, thank you Allison! 🥰So glad you enjoyed the film!
I really understand you smile all that time. In Germany we say "Das Glück der Erde liegt auf dem Rücken der Pferde"(The happiness of the earth lies on the back of the horses). I would love to ride a Draft Horses.
Every July we attend a large event at the Kentucky Horse Park. During this event, entries from the Equus Film Festival are shown in the theater at the International Museum of the Horse located in the park. I look forward to watching your film again while I'm there. Congratulations and thanks!
I enjoyed learning about these magnificent horses through your video! They are truly awesome horses with such a rich history. I am so glad these horses are still being bred and cared for throughout the world.
Thanks Dave, so glad you enjoyed the video!
Magnificent
I rode a clydesdale from the isle of ske regularly and it was like floating on a mattress in canter .
Amazing movie! I was astounded alongside with you, laughed, was impressed and so much more. Draft horses have a very special place in my heart. After my spinal cord injury during the first round of rehab I went to riding therapy on a draft mix. He helped me to be able to walk a little bit, to accept my fate more and to find joy even in this situation. There is a picture of me sitting on him riding and smiling radiantly. I will never forget this horse and riding therapy!
So, so beautiful!!
Such a wonderful, respectful documentary about these amazing horses. Thank you!
Hello sexy smiley lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there???
Father God has truly Blessed mankind ... if only there was more gratitude
I love it! Just old enough to remember the coalmans' horse enormous to a tot and other deliveries. ,"Rag and bone"
I’m totally in love with the gentle giants.
Your Smile says it all 👍
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this! I love draft horses and would love to follow in your footsteps to ride each of these amazing creatures. I smiled through the entire film!
That was great ! Thank you ❤
The best way to ride such giants! Bareback!
Awesome powerful and gentle horse... The brown Belgian draft horse type looks great here or Scottish draft horse looks great too...The black Frisian horse and the white Andalusian horse...the three type as well as three colour look great... If i have a chance to have them, absolutely great... indeed...🌐🐎🏅❤️
Thoroughly enjoyed
You are living my dream. These gentle giants are so majestic that they almost should not exist. This video really touched me.
Beautiful film!!! I was smiling through it all! You radiate pure joy around these magnificent creatures and I could feel it! ❤
Beautiful ❤. I love the draft breed horses. Magnificent.
Adorable great giants❤️
This Lady has a powerful pair of ears!
Great documentary! I always loved the draft horses because they seem like such quiet, hard workers. I've learned here that my impression of them was correct and they are also calm and gentle. Good thing for a horse that big, eh? I'm riding vicariously through you, thanks for taking us along on this fantastic journey.
I re-watched this episode many times. This farm is on my bucket list. Cheers!🥰
Gorgeous animals.
Love the Ardennes with their unique coat color.
Remarkable his relationship with these Giants.