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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.
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