- Breton -

Originally from Brittany, France, the Breton horse has an interesting history. The breed originally developed from horses kept by Celtic warriors, and then remained largely unchanged until an infusion of oriental blood during the Crusades. This led to the development of the Bidet Breton and, by the end of the Middle Ages, two different strains of Breton had evolved. These were the Sommier Breton and the Rossier Breton. The Sommier was heavier, being suitable for pack, draft, and farm work, while the Rossier was a lighter-gaited animal with a very comfortable stride. The Rossier became popular among the military, being able to travel long distances at its brisk ambling gait, which was somewhere between a walk and a trot. During the 17th century, many were exported to Canada and their influence is still evident there today.

By the end of the 19th century, the breed had developed again, due to crosses with  Percheron, Ardennes, and Boulonnais. This led to the Draft Breton, a  heavy draft animal of tremendous power. Another type of  Breton horse cam e about during the middle of the 19th century which was the versatile Postier Breton horse. The Postier had large infusions of Norfolk Roadster blood and was a lighter, more refined horse, still with great strength. They are lively and energetic and the pride of Brittany. There is a third type of Breton Corlay, which is built more along mountain pony lines, and is very rare and seldom seen today. Both the Postier and Draft Breton horses have had a joint studbook since 1926,which has been closed since 1951 to maintain the breeds' characteristics.

The Postier are invariably very compact with an attractive head on a crested neck. They should be clean in the leg and have a positive action. They generally have an excellent temperament , making them an highly versatile and useful horse. Predominantly chestnut or chestnut roan in color, they often have a flaxen mane and tail, and sometimes a dark cross is evident on the withers, indicating their primitive ancestry. They tend to stand between 15 and 16 hh. The Draft Breton is similar to the Postier Breton in many ways except that they are heavier and tend to stand between 15 and 15.2 hh.

Return to Horse Breeds page