sign in sign up
<<
Home , Ardennais, Auxois, Back (horse), Belgian horse, Draft horse, Heavy Horses

by Virginia Kouyoumdjian

n her 1983 book, Heavy but, according to the French Society and some breeds ended up being Iof the World, Valerie Russell for Working Equines, there are “merged” with similar breeds when lists 22 breeds of draft horses world- actually nine breeds of draft books were originally set up. wide. Some of them, such as the four in . There used to be more Still, it is quite a feat, in this day and Russian breeds, the two Hungarian until the mid- to late-19th centu- age for France to have managed to breeds and the Italian draft are not ry, but mechanization took its toll, preserve its nine breeds which are, widely known outside their in alphabetical order: the , own countries or regions. , Boulonnais, Breton, Cob Trait du Others, such as the Normand, Comtois, Mulassier Percheron, the Shire Poitevin, Percheron and Trait du and the Clydesdale Boulonnais Nord. Each year, all nine breeds, are extensively known, Cob featuring the best and either because they Normand young , are proudly have been widely shown at France’s larg- exported, or because Ardennais est agricultural fair, the they have benefit- Salon de l’Agriculture, ed from cultural held in from late or mass com- February to early March. munications It is interesting to note connections. that almost all of For example, France’s heavy the Clydesdales horse breeds used in Anheuser- originate in Busch’s Comtois the northern Budweiser half of the Hitch are Breton country. almost legend- The fact ary. The Shires that some of these are an integral breeds have made part of ’s their way overseas socio-cultural Auxois and while oth- Mulassier landscape. The ers haven't is more Percheron has Poitevin than geographical been exported convenience. When more pervasively Americans started to than almost any other import draft horses from breed of horse. France in great quantities Russell's book lists four during the 19th century, breeds of in France: they would have found the Ardennais, the Boulonnais, the Boulonnais and Breton the Breton and the Percheron ... continued on next page Comtois Breton Boulonnais

Heavy Horse Breeds in France continued There are no statistics available fore conclude that there are between much closer to the big transatlantic on the exact number of draft horses 1.2 and 1.5 million draft horses in ports. They went inland instead and in France, or Europe in general, but Europe. focused on the Percheron. Clearly, they are estimated to account for 22% In structural terms, France has there was something about the of all horses in the world, accord- probably been the most active coun- horse’s morphology and serviceabil- ing to a 2010 thesis on "Global Horse try in managing its draft horse pop- ity that appealed greatly. Still, each Population with respect to Breeds ulation. For many years, the Haras breed within France had its own uses and Risk Status," by Rupal Khadka Nationaux (National Stud) purchased and some were quite famous for the (Swedish University of Agricultural the best stallions of each breed and jobs they did. The Boulonnais pro- Sciences). The Food and Agriculture provided breeders with these top vided the fast relay service that car- Organization of the United Nations stallions to use on their mares at low ried fresh fish from Normandy's coast (FAOSTAT) estimates that the num- cost. Certain locations specialized to Paris. The Breton, in its “postier” ber of horses in Europe in 2012 at in specific breeds. For example, the incarnation, was an indefatigable car- 5.8 million, although it is suggested Haras du Pin in Normandy, wide- riage horse that was also widely used that the actual figure could be higher, ly regarded as the “Versailles of the by the army. reaching seven million head or more. Horse,” was pivotal in the breeding In terms of appearance, one of the Via simple calculation, one can there- of and Cob Normands most significant events of recent for many years. The Haras de decades was the banning of Lamballe was the mecca of the docking in France in 1996. Since Breton Horse; as was the Haras then, no horse with a docked tail de Compiègne for Boulonnais; the born in France has been eligible for Haras de Saintes for the Mulassier registration in a stud book, or able Poitevin; the Haras de Montier-en- to compete in shows. As an aside, Der for the Ardennes. no accidents involving undocked Though this system has been tails have been registered. scrapped in the past decade, it played a major role in ensuring the Losing Jobs & Numbers survival of draft breeds in particu- The world of heavy horses in lar during the most difficult years. France has undergone a major It is interesting to take a look at upheaval over the past century. each of the nine breeds of French Once the “engine” of almost all draft horse, starting with the best work and transportation, these known in North America. horses gradually lost their jobs as mechanization brought easier and The Percheron faster solutions to everything they There is no doubt that France's had done. Over a number of years, draft breed best known around the demand for heavy horses all but globe is the Percheron. Exported disappeared, and it is only through in the thousands all over the the dedication of some passion- world from the middle of the ate horse lovers that these animals 19th century until the 1930s, the continue to be seen all over France, Percheron is the giant of the French draft horse world. Interestingly, and are even beginning to reclaim Ardennais some of the livelihood they lost. though, it does not rank first in Boulonnais Cob Normand terms of numbers. There are current- which puts on shows using Comtois, Caesar himself. The Ardennais is a ly between 700 and 800 births per and the Cannelle family. medium-sized, very powerful horse, year. There has been a strong shift with generous . It has been towards finding uses for the horse in The Breton described as “neither handsome, everything from leisure (riding and The second most populous breed nor refined,” but it is very placid in ) to work in municipalities of draft horse in France, the Breton temperament, making it an excellent and vineyards, leading to less reli- sees around 2,300 births a year. The workhorse. Ardennais fan Hubert ance on the meat market as an outlet. Breton horse is very closely tied, cul- Vin takes part in sports driving com- The Percheron comes in two basic turally, to its region. It is a smaller petitions with his team of four horses. types: the light (Diligencier) model horse, averaging 15 to 16 hh, but “These are easy to handle horses who that is better suited to leisure and powerful, long in the body, and rela- should be more widely used in clubs, show, and the heavy (Trait) which tively short-legged. Internationally, both for driving and riding," he says. is better suited to agricultural and the only country where the Breton "They work equally well indoors municipal work. It also offers a wide has had an impact outside of France and out. They are both powerful and range in sizes, from 16 to 18.2 hh, pro- is Japan. Along with the Percheron, hardy, and can do everything, includ- viding the buyer many choices. Color, the Breton is used to produce Japan’s ing logging, vineyard work and however, is limited to grey and black famed large heavy-pull “Ban’Ei” municipal tasks.” Recent years have for registration in the stud book. horses. Historically, the Breton has seen quite a lot of emphasis on breed- long been known for its endurance in ing lighter, more supple horses. The The Comtois pulling over long distanc- Ardennais is closely related to the This is France’s easternmost es. It is said that the famed Breton and the Auxois. About breed, originating in the Franche “postier,” which was used to deliver 450 to 500 are born a year on Comté region, near the border with mail, was created by crossing local average. Switzerland, and with about 3,000 mares at the Haras de Lamballe with births a year. At first sight, the a Norfolk Trotter named Sir The Boulonnais Comtois looks like a smaller version Henry Disndale. The resulting foals Over time, the Boulonnais has of the American , with were finer in morphology and better been known as “the a preponderance of coats suited to jobs that required move- of draft horses” and “the white mar- with flaxen manes. The Comtois is ment and endurance. ble horse,” but history has not been the smallest of France’s draft breeds, kind and in recent years, its fortunes averaging around 15 to 16 hh. Its The Ardennais have been mixed. The Boulonnais is smaller size makes it very popu- The Ardennais Horse is a some- usually grey, but the stud book also lar for sports driving. The what international creature, being allows other colors such as black Haras de Besançon has been a major very closely related to the Belgian and chestnut. Like the Percheron, center for its breeding. Historically Ardennais, the two breeds occupying it is said to have some Arab blood, the Comtois was widely used as a the two sides of the border between which is attributed to its elegance war horse. Nowadays, it is sadly and France. It is said to be and movement. Legend has it that it more widely used as a meat animal, the oldest breed of draft horse in accompanied the Conqueror although there are moves afoot to Europe, and their coats closely resem- on his conquest of England, but no expand exports (as has been the case ble those of the horses depicted in actual proof exists. Over the years, to the U.K. over the past decade), prehistoric cave paintings. The use it has been crossed with a number and enhance its use for entertain- of somewhat similar horses in those of other breeds and, in the United ment, in particular through the likes regions is recorded in Roman doc- States at one time, both Boulonnais of famed entertainment troupe Jehol, uments, including texts by Julius continued on next page Auxios Trait du Nord

Heavy Horse Breeds in France continued The Auxois der, but on the west side of the coun- and Percherons were regarded as Originally from the Burgundy try, as opposed to the east side as Norman horses, without any differen- region of France, the Auxois is closely the case of the Ardennais, the Trait tiation. Over the years, the breed has related to the Ardennais and Trait du du Nord is a large, powerful draft been exported quite widely, including Nord. It is a large draft with a stocky horse with feathering. It was in fact to South America, but never in any build, seldom standing more than previously known as the Northern significant numbers. In the past few 17 hh. It was traditionally used for Ardennais (Ardennais du Nord). It years, there's been an uptick of pure- agricultural work. As was the case for survived the post-war period due bred Boulonnais to the United States. so many other horses that “lost their to the meat market, but the drop in In France, no more than 150 to 170 jobs” when mechanization ensued, demand for put it in an foals are born each year. the Auxois became an animal bred for extremely vulnerable position. Only meat. In terms of color, it is usually in the past ten years have substantial The Cob Normand or blue , although chestnut, efforts been made to save the breed, The Cob Normand is the lightest of roan and steel grey are also accept- and develop new uses for it. Always the nine French breeds of draft horse. ed. Outcrosses with Trait du Nord a very regional breed with little in It was developed in the mid-19th stallions are permitted in an ongo- the way of exports, Trait du Nord are century by crossing the Normandy ing effort to maintain size and diver- at risk from a shrinking gene pool. Carriage Horse with Norfolk Trotters sify outlets for the horse in the future. In recent years, a large producer of and . The resulting Less than 100 births are registered per ’s milk in northern France built a Cob Normand was subsequently year. considerable herd of these horses, but used to develop the Selle Français, the lack of support from breed orga- the national breed of horse The Trait du Nord nizations resulted in most of them that was once a prized cavalry horse Bred on the France-Belgium bor- being replaced with Percherons. This and is now one of the breed also has fewer than world’s best breeds 100 births a year. Only 76 of show-jumper. The were recorded in 2017–the Haras de St. Lô played last year for which accu- a pivotal role in devel- rate statistics are available. oping and maintain- ing this breed which The Mulassier Poitevin is known as an excel- The rarest and most lent driving and rid- endangered of France’s ing horse. It is typically breeds of draft horse, bay in color although the Mulassier Poitevin is it also exists in black also exceptional in its his- and chestnut, stands tory and appearance. The at between 15.2 and 17 southernmost of the nine hh, with weight rang- breeds, it originates in the ing from 1,200 to 1,800 Poitou area, known for pounds. Unlike most its marshy terrain. It is a other draft breeds, it large and elegant draft has seldom been used horse with unusual coat for meat. Annual births colors such as dun, or tan hover at around 150. Mulassier Poitevin with black and tail, in addition to the more traditional cradle of the breed.” the United States, and it is hoped that black, bay or bay roan. For several Highly conservative visions of the this will create a kernel of bloodlines hundred years, this breed was used world often stand in the way of sav- that will develop and thrive. to produce Poitevin (Baudet ing these breeds. Extraordinary was It's important to remember that du Poitou stallions on Mulassier the Percheron Society's decision to virtually every breed of draft horse Poitevin mares) which were prized go to North America in the 1990s to is the result of some degree of cross- for applications ranging from the bring stallions to improve the breeding. Legend has it that the army to agriculture. Colts were sold breed. There was much negative Percheron was created by crossing for use by the military or as carriage reaction initially, but 30 years on, the stallions brought back from the cru- horses. Demand for these mules has results are there for everyone to see sades with local horses. Arab tapered off and the current emphasis with improvements in gait, tissue blood was infused again during the is on breeding mares to Mulassier and overall usability. In the last few 19th century, in addition to several Poitevin stallions, and developing the years, there have been some exports other local breeds, such as the Trait breed for leisure and light work. A of Boulonnais stallions and mares to continued on next page conservation breeding plan was put in place, with some outcrosses with breeds such as the Friesian and the various Belgian breeds. Just 65 births were recorded in 2017.

To Cross or Not to Cross? One of the biggest problems faced by the most endangered draft breeds is the lack of cooperation in putting together efficient strategies to save them. As numbers dwindle, so do the number of knowledgeable peo- ple who are able to put in the time and effort needed. Some breeds, such as the Percheron, are lucky to have considerable populations out- side their home country. Others are related closely enough that they can be crossbred without completely los- ing breed characteristics. This holds true for the Ardennais, Auxois and Trait du Nord, where certain stal- lions are specifically designated as usable for breeding to the other two breeds. Breeds such as the Boulonnais and the Mulassier Poitevin also face unique problems. One option is to look back to history at the breeds that were initially used to create them. In the case of the Boulonnais, there were the Arabs and the Spanish breeds. For the Mulassier Poitevin, there was the Friesian (very different from the breed as it is known today) and, given the color of its coat, pos- sibly ancient horses, like the ones depicted in cave paintings. According to Poitevin breeder Eric Rousseaux, “The solution could lie in deeper genetic studies that would point the way to which crossings would best reinvigorate the breed. Also, we need to be less selective in our stallion approval process which, currently, only lets about 20% of potential stal- lions through its net, further reducing the gene pool. Additionally, we need to have a better idea of the location of any horses–mares in particular– beyond the immediate geographical Heavy Horse Breeds in France continued breed organizations in France, just as come a long way!” du Maine and Augeron, and even it is in many countries. Some of them In addition to national organiza- the Nivernais (known for its black also manage their own stud books, tions and the breed associations there color) with origins in central France. but not all. France is a highly admin- are other bodies that work to promote The Cob Normans have Barb, Arab, istrative country and it is an obliga- draft horses. One of the most visible Mecklenburg and Norfolk Trotter tion to all horse breeders and owners and active is Esprit Trait. According blood. The Comtois is closely related to register their horses in the SIRE to its founder, Olivier Salzard, “Our to the much lighter Swiss Franche- central equine database, as well as primary goals are to promote and Montagnes. It is therefore not an microchip them. Consequently, data encourage the use of draft breeds. aberration, at a stage where some on virtually any horse can be free- We compile data, share information of these breeds are seriously threat- ly obtained through the SIRE data and news, make full use of social net- ened, to consider recrossing others to base. In addition, there are a num- works and offer a wide range of pho- ensure their survival. ber of national organizations, starting tos of all kinds of events, making us with the FCC (Fédération Nationale one of the best reference points for To Eat or Not to Eat des Conseils de Chevaux–National anyone looking for information on One subject that must be men- Federation of Horse Councils) which draft breeds free of charge.” tioned, even though it is highly oversees regional councils and unpleasant to many, is the horse meat offers support in all matters relating The New Threats industry. It is often said, and with to horses, from breeding to associ- Just as the draft horse is finally real justification, that the draft horse ated professions. A national orga- beginning to recapture some of its survived mechanization in France nization dedicated to draft horses, role in society, a new threat has because of the meat industry. At a regional horse breeds and donkeys appeared and presents a real dan- time when there were no other obvi- and mules also exists, by the name of ger, not just to horses, but to all farm ous uses, it was the one thing that SFET (Société Française des Equidés animals and pets. Animal activists, ensured that breeders continued to de Travail–French Society of Working underpinned by organizations such produce horses. There were, howev- Equines). SFET was established as PETA, are determined to stop not er, repercussions. In the past, breed- in 2012 and provides assistance in just consumption, but also the use ers were also users of horses. That's developing breeding strategies and of all animals for work or leisure. largely not been the case with the outlets for using the 25 breeds it over- Initially seen as a lunatic fringe that succeeding generations. As a conse- sees. Among other things, it orga- could mostly be ignored, it's becom- quence, less attention has been paid nizes “Aptitude Selection Testing for ing more and more of a problem to morphology and gait, thus hav- Young Working Horses” in order to around the world, even in France. ing a negative impact on many of the determine the best use for each horse. In some ways, working horses are aspects that made the breeds attrac- It also promotes the use of horses in more visible in France than in many tive. It was survival just the same. agriculture and municipalities, and other first world countries. Over The breeds that developed the great- oversees the meat trade in order to 200 municipalities now use heavy est exposure to the meat market, ensure optimum conditions for all horses for jobs ranging from collect- namely the Comtois and Breton, are equines. ing recyclable trash to public park now the most numerous breeds in Eric Rousseaux, SFET president, maintenance and even for school France, but with an estimate of up to reflects that, “We represent 225,000 buses. Recently, however, a project to 80% still ending up as meat. equines, including nine breeds of introduce school buses to the city of Things began to change in the draft horse, nine breeds of regional Rouen, in Normandy, was met with 1990s, and consumption of horse and horses and seven breeds a petition that quickly garnered thou- meat in France has since fallen dra- of . Our goal is to enhance the sands of signatures claiming it to be matically. According to Interbev number of births, to save the breeds cruel to horses. The root of the prob- Equine, it fell by 42% in the first by promoting their use and thus, lem, of course, lies in ignorance. Most decade of the 21st century. Average ensure that they will all survive.” arguments served up by these organi- consumption of horse meat per per- SFET is financed in combination by zations do not stand up to any scru- son in France is less than 400 grams a the French Ministry of Agricultural tiny, yet they increasingly bear politi- year, as opposed to 25kg for beef and and the Fonds Eperon, which relies cal weight. In France, the FCC, along 30kg for pork. on money from the racing world, as with the IFCE (French Institute of the With this overall downward trend, well as the FCC. Since its establish- Horse and ) have begun a new wind began to blow in the ment, SFET has seen an increase of to implement a strategy to counter world of draft horses as people real- 50% in funds allocated to help work- these initiatives through information- ized that they could be excellent lei- ing horses. According to Rousseaux, al campaigns, but the threat remains sure partners as well as offering a “In just seven years, we have brought clear and considerable, and there is more environmentally-friendly tool about a considerable change. There is no longer room for any false moves for agriculture, especially in vine- recognition of our 25 working breeds on the part of the horse lobby or own- yards. It is by developing new uses, and our umbrella organization is now ers and users. in addition to bringing back some old on par with the other major players in ones, that the draft horse has made France’s equine world. We now sit at something of a comeback in Europe the same table as Le (harness rac- over the past quarter century. ing), France Galop (flat racing), SHF SFET – An Umbrella Organization (The French Horse Society) and the FFE Promotion is a top priority for (French Equestrian Federation). We've