A Pair of Belgian Draft Twins in the Okotoks Parade

A Pair of Belgian Draft Twins in the Okotoks Parade

Both horses shown here share the same rich chestnut coat, a hallmark of Belgian Draft Horses in North America, where this breed is often seen in warm shades of chestnut or sorrel, typically with a lighter flaxen mane and tail that contrasts beautifully against their deep, glossy bodies. Their colouring is so strikingly similar that they could indeed be twins—a pair of equine siblings or closely matched companions, chosen for their uniformity to create a stunning visual in the parade. Belgian Draft Horses are known for their massive, muscular builds, often standing 16 to 18 hands tall (64 to 72 inches), with broad chests, thick legs, and a gentle, kind expression that belies their immense strength. In the photograph, their powerful frames are evident, even adorned with parade gear, as they move in unison down the streets of Okotoks.

The Okotoks Parade, likely held around Canada Day or during the town’s agricultural fair, is a celebration of the region’s Western heritage, and Belgian Draft Horses fit perfectly into this narrative. These horses have a long history in agricultural communities like Okotoks, just south of Calgary, where they were once essential for plowing fields and hauling heavy loads before the advent of modern machinery. In a parade setting, they’re often used to pull carriages or wagons, their calm temperament and willingness to work making them ideal for such events. This pair, with their twin-like appearance, would have been a crowd favorite, their synchronized steps and matching coats drawing admiration from onlookers, including the photographer who has always been captivated by horses.

For the photographer, whose love for horses runs deep, seeing these two Belgians in the parade was likely a moment of pure joy. Their identical chestnut coloring, shimmering under the Alberta sun, and their shared strength as they moved together would have felt almost magical—a living embodiment of the equine beauty they’ve always adored. Belgians are often called “gentle giants” for their docile nature despite their size, and this pair likely exuded that same quiet nobility, a reminder of why the photographer dreams of one day owning horses of their own, even if that dream remains out of reach for now.

These twin-like Belgian Draft Horses, with their matching coats and commanding presence, were more than just parade participants—they were a symbol of the region’s history and the timeless allure of horses. For the photographer, who has captured beauty across the world from the Paris Las Vegas to Alberta’s Mallards and Agapanthus blooms, this pair remains a cherished memory, a testament to the enduring bond between humans and these majestic animals.

A Personal Connection to Horses

For the photographer, who has always been drawn to horses, this moment in the parade likely stirred a mix of awe and yearning. Horses have a unique ability to captivate—they’re powerful yet gentle, wild yet loyal, a paradox that resonates deeply with those who love them. The photographer’s dream of owning horses, though currently out of reach, reflects a longing many share: to connect with these animals on a daily basis, to feel the rhythm of their gallop, to care for them as companions. Horses often evoke memories of freedom and simpler times—perhaps a childhood ride on a family farm, or the thrill of watching a rodeo in nearby Calgary, home to the famous Stampede. In Okotoks, where the rolling foothills and open fields seem made for horseback riding, that dream feels especially poignant.

These two parade horses, with their proud demeanor and festive trappings, might have reminded the photographer of why they’ve always loved the species. Horses have been humanity’s partners for millennia—carrying us into battle, plowing fields, and racing across plains. In modern times, they’ve become symbols of beauty and grace, their presence in events like the Okotoks Parade a celebration of that enduring bond. Fun fact: the dappled gray’s coat will likely lighten with age, a trait common in gray horses, which are born darker and gradually turn white as they mature—a slow transformation that mirrors the timeless quality of the photographer’s love for them.

A Lasting Memory

Though the photographer can’t yet have horses of their own, this image preserves the magic of that parade day in Okotoks. The chestnuts, stepping in unison, brought a touch of majesty to the festivities, their beauty a gift to everyone who watched. For someone like Kass, whose eye for beauty has captured everything from the Paris Las Vegas to Alberta’s Mallards and Agapanthus blooms, these horses are another chapter in a lifelong journey of finding wonder in the world. And for the photographer, they remain a symbol of a dream deferred but never forgotten—a hope that one day, the sound of hooves might echo not just in a parade, but in their own backyard.