Breton horse

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Trait Breton
FAO (2007): not at risk[1]: 149 
  • DAD-IS (2021): not at risk[2]
    • Country of originFrance
    StandardAssociation Nationale du Cheval de Trait Breton (in French)
    Traits
    Weight
      • Postier Breton:
        750–900 kg[3]: 447 
      • Trait Breton:
        900–950 kg[3]: 447 
    Height
    • 152–163 cm[3]: 447 

    The Trait Breton is a French

    chestnut
    coat.

    There are two principal subtypes: the Postier Breton is an agile harness and light draught breed; the Trait Breton is heavier, and best suited to agricultural work. The Breton was used as a

    stud book
    was started in 1909.

    History

    The Breton was originally bred for strength and durability.[4] One theory is that they were brought to Europe during the Aryan migration from Asia over 4,000 years ago, while another school of thought has them descending from horses bred by Celtic warriors before their conquest of Great Britain.[5]

    Postier Bretons at rest in pasture

    The original ancestors of the Breton were a population of horses that lived in the Breton mountains, possibly descended from

    ambling gait made it popular as a lighter riding horse.[7][8]

    A

    breed association, the Syndicat des Éleveurs de Cheval Breton, was formed. In 2018 the Association Nationale du Cheval de Trait Breton was made the official national association in its place.[9]

    The breed retained its mountain roots with its main stud, the National Provincial Stud, being located in the mountain country of

    closed to outside horses.[8]

    In France, breeding is concentrated mainly in the four Breton

    Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie in the south-west of the country.[10]

    The Breton has been exported to many countries, and has influenced a number of breeds. It may have influenced the

    Ban-ei Race Horse.[3]
    : 441 

    Characteristics

    The Breton normally stands about 1.55 to 1.63 m (15.1 to 16.0

    white markings are tolerated.[15]: 7  The head is of medium size, the profile straight or convex; the neck is long and well set on, the shoulder long and sloped, the chest broad, the breast deep, the back broad, the croup broad and double, and the legs muscular.[15]
    : 7 

    Registered animals may be

    branded with a heraldic ermine on the left side of the neck.[15]
    : 4 

    Subcategories

    There are several subtypes of the Breton breed. Two, the Trait Breton and the Postier Breton, are officially recognised,[13] while others such as the Centre-montagne or Central Mountain Breton are not. Older types that have disappeared include the Grand Breton and the Bidet Breton or Bidet d'Allure.[7]

    Postiers Bretons at pasture

    The Postier Breton was developed as a result of cross-breeding with the

    Hackney during the 19th century.[4] Its name originates from its use in pulling mail coaches.[7] The Postier was used extensively by the French Horse Artillery, and it has been described as a lighter version of the Suffolk Punch draft breed from Great Britain.[8]

    The Trait Breton is derived from an infusion of

    Ardennes and Percheron blood. It is very strong relative to its size and has short but muscular legs.[4] This type has absorbed another, older type, called the Grand Breton, a heavier horse that was used to improve many other draft breeds.[7]
    The Centre-montagne or Central Mountain Breton is a smaller draft type.

    In harness

    Uses

    The Breton is used in many capacities owing to the various sub-types of the breed. Smaller types can be used under saddle and for fast, light draft work, whilst larger types are ideal for heavy draft and agricultural work. They are also commonly used to improve other breeds through crossbreeding. Today the breed is used as a draft horse on small farms and to gather seaweed. It is also bred for meat production;[5] horse meat is a dietary staple in many European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.[16]

    References

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Breton horse.
    1. ISBN 9789251057629
      . Archived 23 June 2020.
    2. ^ a b c Breed data sheet: Breton / France (Horse). Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed September 2021.
    3. ^
      ISBN 9781780647944
      .
    4. ^ a b c "Breton" Archived 26 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine The International Museum of the Horse. Referenced 1 August 2011.
    5. ^ a b "Breton". Oklahoma State University. Referenced 6 January 2008.
    6. ISBN 978-0-8061-3884-8
      .
    7. ^
      ISBN 0-671-66068-3
      .
    8. ^
      ISBN 0751301159
      .
    9. ^ Historique (in French). Association Nationale du Cheval de Trait Breton. Archived 27 July 2021.
    10. ^ Breton (in French). Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Équitation. Archived 14 February 2021.
    11. ^
      ISBN 9781465451439
      .
    12. ^ "Studies from Complutense University update current data on animal science". Life Science Weekly: 337. 4 November 2008.
    13. ^ a b Le Trait Breton Syndicat des éleveurs du cheval Breton; Les Haras Nationaux (in French) Accessed August 2011
    14. ISBN 9780691167206
      .
    15. ^ a b c Règlement approuvé le 26 mai 2011: Règlement du stud-book du cheval Breton (in French). Annex to: Patrick Falcone (26 May 2011). Arrêté du 26 mai 2011 modifiant l'arrêté du 14 novembre 2002 modifié portant approbation du règlement du stud-book du cheval breton (in French). Journal Officiel de la République Française. 0129: text 32. ELI.
    16. ^ Johnson, Michael (19 June 2008). "Hungry for Horse Meat". New York Times. Retrieved 17 November 2009.

    External links


    Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Breton_horse&oldid=1211369311"