|
The Trait du Nord originated in France and is still bred in
the areas around Lille, the Somme, the Aisne and the Pas-de-Calais, although its
numbers are in decline. The Trait du Nord owes much to the influence of the
Belgian Draft, the Boulonnais, and the mostly to the Ardennes, and is sometimes
incorrectly referred to as a branch of the Ardennes breed. The studbook for the
Trait du Nord was established in 1919, and the breed enjoyed a brief period of
popularity before its decline.
The Trait du Nord is incredibly strong with great pulling
power and hardiness, as well as having a calm disposition. They are ideally
suited to draft and farm work in hilly and rough terrain. They have a heavy head
set on a short, muscular neck. The chest is broad and deep, the shoulders
sloping and muscular, flattish withers, a short, straight back, and extremely
muscular hindquarters. The legs are short and strong with well-formed joints,
good feet, and feathering. They are bay or roan in color, and stand at between
15.2 and 16.2 hh.
Return to
Horse Breeds page
|
