About the museum
The source of the Belgian Giants
Welcome to Vollezele, the beating heart of the draft horse world. Here, in the shadow of the rolling hills of Pajottenland, history was made by powerhouses with a heart of gold. Our museum is not merely a repository of the past, but a living tribute to the Belgian Draft Horse.
From agricultural powerhouse to World Heritage
In the 19th century, the Belgian Draft Horse was our most important 'export product'. From the stables in Vollezele, these imposing animals conquered the world—from the endless fields of Russia to the vast prairies of the United States.
The museum is located in the center of the village of Vollezele, where the very finest specimens were once judged. We preserve the unique stories of the breeders and owners whose passion shaped the breed into what it is today: Flemish Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Legend of Brillant
No story about Vollezele is complete without Brillant. This legendary stallion was the embodiment of perfection and set the standard for the breed worldwide. In our museum, you will discover how a single horse put an entire village on the map and why his bloodline still flows through the veins of champions today.
Our mission: living heritage
We believe that history truly comes to life when you can feel and experience it. That is why we choose an approach that goes beyond mere display cases:
Education: We teach new generations about the indispensable role of the draft horse in our society.
Experience: We connect the museum with the surrounding area through our heritage walks.
Future: We serve as a meeting place for enthusiasts, breeders, and tourists wishing to (re)discover the power of tradition.
Driven by passion
The Museum of the Belgian Draft Horse is driven by a team of passionate volunteers - locals who know the stories of the past and share them with a smile with today’s visitors.
Would you like to be part of this story? Whether you visit as a tourist, a horse enthusiast, or a school group, we look forward to welcoming you to the cradle of the draft horse.