That Winter Grind

This trio have endured the long cold winter season grind on Mackinac island, now looking forward to weather to break and for the summer season help to split the workload. The winter operations reduce the number from around 500 to approximately 18 horses mainly to haul construction supplies, packages, and people on the taxi.
 
These Belgian Draught horses descend from prehistoric draught horses. The Belgian Draft breed, as the name implies, originated in Europe in the country of Belgium. History shows that Belgians are the most direct lineal descendants of the “Great Horse” of medieval times that was likely bred to carry knights into battle. The large, well-muscled horses were developed for farm work and hauling, ultimately creating the “breed” as we know it.