Breton Horse

The Breton Horse breed is a draft horse breed. It was fashioned in Brittany, a province in northwest France. A stud book was created in the year 1909 but officially, this book was closed in the year 1951. There are three sub-types of this horse breed. You can go through the following account to knowing more about this horse.

History of Breton Horse

The history of the Breton Horse is a long one. There is no unanimity found in it. It is estimated that horses ridden by the Celts were most likely descendants of the steppe horses. The latter ones were found in the Breton Mountains for numerous years. They were bred to Oriental stallions and mares during the Crusades.

This breeding resulted in Bidet Breton. At the end of the Middle Ages two types of Breton horses existed-the Sommier and the Roussin. The gait of Bidet Breton drew it into demand by several military leaders during the Middle Ages. In the subsequent centuries, lots of crossbreeds were also made to meet the requirements of fabrication to the economic needs of different periods.

Subtypes of Breton Horse

Three subtypes or subcategories of the Breton horse breed are known. All three come from various districts of Brittany.

• The Corlay Breton- It is also known as the Central Mountain Breton and Cheval de Corlay. It is derived from crossbreeding native stock with the Arabian and thoroughbred. It is about 14.3 and 15.1 hands high. It is considered to be the genuine successor of the original Breton. It is too rare to be found today.
• The Postier Breton-This horse is of a lighter build which is due to Norfolk Trotter and Hackney blood. It stands 15.1 hands high. It is good at light farming work.
• Heavy Draft Breton-It is derived by infusing Ardennes and Percheron blood. It is very muscular, as compared to its size. It is bred in the northern coastal region of Brittany. It stands about 15.2 and 16.2 hands high. Its legs are short but muscular. This type has wrapped up another type called the Grand Breton.

The physique of Breton Horse

The head of the Breton horse is square-shaped. Its nostrils are opened and its eyes are kind. Its tail is docked and its hindquarters are strong. The ears are small; the neck is short but arched and set soundly into the withers. Short shoulders, and short and strong limbs that are extremely brawny at thighs and forearms are other physical features of Breton horses.

Body Color of Breton Horse

Generally, Breton horse wears a chestnut coat but you can also find them in the grey, red, bay, or blue roan accompanied by a flaxen mane and tail.

The Temperament of Breton Horse

Breton horse is a lively and attractive one. It is an energetic, willing, and sweet-tempered horse.

Uses of Breton Horse

Various sub-types of the Breton horse make it a capable horse to be used in several capacities. For fast and light work, the smaller ones can be used under a saddle. For agricultural purposes and heavy draft work, the larger types are suitable. For the improvement of other breeds through cross-breeding, this horse breed is used commonly. At present, the Breton horse breed is used on small farms as a draft horse. Gathering seaweed plays an important role. For the production of meat also, it is bred. In several European countries, horse meat is a staple diet. These countries involve Germany, Switzerland, France, and Belgium.

Breton Horse has been instrumental in improving and creating a lot of other draft breeds, as well as it is bred to produce mules. As the meat of horses remains in great demand in major European countries, the Breton horse serves itself nicely. It is a strong and sturdy but docile and peaceful horse.

See more: Brabant Horse