Breton
Origin
France
History
All horses of Britanny derive from the same root: the primitive, hairy little horse from the Black Mountains in the west of Britanny, which was so strongly reminiscent of the Steppe Horse. This mountain horse was the ancestor of the medieval pacer, or bidet, as well as the later Sommier. The Sommier was a typical Breton all-around horse, good for plowing, under pack, and for light draft. From the Sommier, the Breton breeders produced the Rossier, a lighter riding horse that became popular in southern and central Brittany due to its comfortable gait, described as being between a brisk trot and an amble. This breed was among the horses sent to Canada by the King of France during the 17th century.
In the north of Brittany, other crosses were made, notably with the Boulonnais and the Percheron, while in the mountain areas , the Ardennais was used to create a heavier, stronger animal. During the mid-19th century, the crossbreeding of Norfolk stallions gave excellent results, producing the Postier Breton, which became the pride of the French Horse Artillery. Since 1930 crossbreeding has been abandoned and selection has become the essential basis of genetic improvement.
Today, two types of Bretons are recognized - the Postier and the Heavy Draft. The latter is an early-maturing horse, a heavier specimen, less compact and active than the Postier, but hardy and possessing great stamina and strength.
Both types appear in the same studbook. Originally there were two books, both of which were opened in 1909, but these were combined in 1912 with a section for each type. In 1926, a single book was introduced. To be admitted, Postiers must be of Postier parentage and have to pass performance tests in harness.
Description
- Head:
square and of medium volume with wide forehead, straight nose but sometimes dished, wide nostrils; lively eyes; small ears - Conformation:
-strong neck, slightly short but set well into the withers
-long and muscular shoulder
-wide, short and muscular back
-wide and double croup
-rounded rib cage
-very muscular and short limbs with sound cannon bones
-hooves of medium-sized - Average height:
15 to 16 h.h. - Colour:
coat colour is chestnut or chestnut roan, often with flaxen mane and tail, rarely bay, or bay roan - Temperament:
well known for its power, hardiness, and energy - Today:
the Heavy Draft is considered ideal for meat production whereas the Postier is still a popular horse in France, and is exported as far as Japan and the Balkans. It is appreciated both as a work horse and as an improver of less developed stock. In the UK, Bretons are used not only for their own excellent qualities but also as crosses to produce riding cobs.
