Breton horse breed information

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Breton description

The body outline of the Breton is attractive, short and square, strong and deep. The hindquarters show great strength and the tail is most often docked. The square-ish head of the Breton horse has a straight profile, large open nostrils and kindly eyes. The nose is straight and sometimes dished. The ears are small, mobile and set low on the head.

The Breton's neck is strong, slightly short but arched and set well into the withers. The shoulders are shorter than one might expect, yet the action is fast and free at both the walk and the trot. The limbs are short, strong, and very, very muscular in the thighs and forearms, with short , sound cannon bones.

There are also three types of Breton horses. The small Breton draft horse (Center Mountain), considered the real descendant of the ancient Breton horse, it has the same general features as the Breton draft horse but is smaller with a more dished face. This horse is easy to keep and is gaining popularity being very hardy and enduring. The Breton draft horse is heavier with more bulk. It is a strong, muscular compact horse. The Postier Breton, having remarkably airy and easy gaits, is very close to the draft horse and is of the same size. This a more beautiful, distinguished type.

Breton color

The Breton is usually chestnut (often with a flaxen mane and tail), but can also be bay, grey, or red or blue roan.

Breton size

Breton stands 15 to 16 hands high.

Breton temperament

They have a wonderful temperament, they are calm and easygoing, and also friendly.

Breton origin

France

Breton history

The Breton horse has a long history with many differences in opinions. It has been said that the breed dates back four thousand years or more to the time it was brought into Europe by Aryans migrating from Asia. Others have said that the breed comes from smaller horses that were bred and improved by Celtic warriors on their conquest of what is now Great Britain.

A population of horses ridden by the Celts that were probably descendants of the steppe horses were found in the Breton Mountains for many years. At the time of the Crusades, these horses were bred to Oriental stallions and mares, leading to the Bidet Breton. Two types of Breton horses existed at the end of the Middle Ages. They were a northern Brittany pack horse called the Sommier and the Roussin, meaning cob, which originating from the Mountain Bidet that is finer and more slender than the Sommier.

The Bidet Breton was wanted by many military leaders during the Middle Ages due to its comfortable gait, which is said to be between a brisk trot and an amble. Many crossbreeds were also made in the following centuries in order to meet the needs of production to the economic needs of various periods.

Breton uses

The Breton is used in many capacities, due to the various sub-types of the breed. The smaller types can be used under saddle and for fast, light draft work, while the larger types are ideal for heavy draft and agricultural work. They are also commonly used to improve other breeds through cross-breeding. Today, the breed is used as a draft horse on small farms, and is also used to gather seaweed. They are also bred for meat production.