Comtois
Origin
France
History
The Comtois is thought to be descended from horses brought into France by the Burgudians, a people coming from what is now northern Germany around the 4th century.
The Comtois was used in 1544 to improve the horses of Burgundy but became most famous an an army horse. Louis XIV used the Comtois for his cavalry and artillery.
During the 19th century, the Comtois was bred to Boulonnais, Percheron and Norman horses. Since 1905 the use of small Ardennais sires has developed a stronger horse with improved legs.
The Franche-Comté, more particularly the High Jura are the original breeding ground for the Comtois breed. However, its breeding has been extended to the Massif Central, the Pyrenees, and the Alps, in all the mountain areas for which the Comtois is perfectly suited.
A spectacular show is held each fall at Maiche in the Doubs. Breeding classes as well as riding and harness classes enable one to judge the characteristics of liveliness, endurance and energy of the breed.
Only the Breton outnumbers the Comtois in France as a draft horse.
Description
- Head:
square, lively eye, and well-set, mobile ears - Conformation:
-neck, straight and muscular
-withers, well set
-chest, wide and deep
-rib cage, rounded
-loins, short and strong
-wide croup
-thigh, well developed
-legs, strong with good joints, clean tendons, and nicely shaped feet - Average height:
14.1 to 15.1 h.h. - Colour:
generally chestnut or bay - Temperament:
lively, hardy, willing - Today:
well-known as a surefooted breed, the Comtois is still widely used for hauling wood in the high pine forests of the Jura and for work on the hilly vineyards of the Arbois area. The breed is also used extensively in France for meat production.
