Have you been lucky enough to ride a Canadian Horse? Did you know that this talented breed descended from French-bred horses? Read on to find out more about this fascinating horse.

History

As you’d imagine, the Canadian horse originated in Canada, but descended from horses sent overseas from France. In 1665, King Louis XIV sent two stallions and twelve mares to Canada, followed by two more shipments in 1667 and 1670. It’s unknown exactly what breeds the horses were, but they probably consisted of Normans, Arabians, Bretons, and Andalusians – breeds that were popular in France at the time.

Canadian farmers leased the horses and bred them, using the horses for farm work and transportation. Because the horses were widely bred, their numbers grew rapidly. Some of the horses escaped and turned feral, while others were brought to America.

During the 1800s the horses were used for riding, driving, and light farm work. The breed had developed solidified characteristics and became popular as a stagecoach and wagon horse. The Canadian Horse played a major role in the US Civil War, serving as both cavalry and artillery horses. However, the war took its toll and greatly reduced the number of Canadian Horses.

The Canadian Horse Breeders Association was founded in 1885 with the goal of improving the breeding practices and creating a breed studbook. The Canadian Horse fell in popularity, though, and the breed was near extinction through much of the 1900s. Breed enthusiasts worked diligently to preserve the horses, and when the Canadian team (driving Canadian Horses) won the 1987 North American Driving Championships, demand for the breed gradually increased. The breed is still at risk today due to low numbers, but it is not at the critical low point of the 1900s.

Breed Characteristics

The Canadian Horse typically stands between 14 and 16 hands, and weighs between 1,000 and 1,300 pounds. It has a characteristic dark coat consisting of bay, black, or brown. It is strong and well-muscled, making it ideal for riding or driving. Canadian Horses are known for having a flashy trot and being strong jumpers.

Whereas owners of most other breeds of horses are able to choose their horses’ registered names freely, in order to register a Canadian Horse, one must follow a specific naming formula. The horse’s name contains three parts: the horse’s herd name, the sire’s name, and the horse’s name. The herd name identifies a breeding program, and the name is registered with the Canadian Horse Breeders Association. The sire’s name must include part of the sire’s registered name. Finally, the horse’s actual name comes at the end. This formula results in registered names that are meaningful and informative.

The Canadian Horse of today is versatile and excels in a wide variety of disciplines including jumping, driving, and English and Western competition. It’s hard to believe that this talented horse was close to extinction only a few decades ago.

Image Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_horse

Original Source: Canadian Horse History & Characteristics