Table of Contents
History and Origin
The Canadian Horse is said to date to the seventeenth century, with a shipload of horses sent by King Louis XIV of France. It has been suggested these included Andalusians, Barbs and Arabians. The horses were to form the breeding stock of the colony of New France. While not all the horses survived, other shipments followed, and a breeding programme was established successfully.
Over the years, other horses were influential on the breed, which began to grow in numbers. In the mid-1800s, the useful Canadian Horse may have numbered 150,000 or more. They were sold in quantity to the USA, where they were very popular. Numbers dropped in Canada, however, and hoping to save the breed, the first stud book was set up in 1886. Despite this, by the twentieth century, many people no longer knew that Canada had its own horse breed.
In 2015, an investigation discovered that the genetic diversity of the Canadian Horse had not been compromised over time. It was discovered that Breton, Dales, Percheron and Belgian horses were likely to have had common ancestry with Canadian Horses. However, there was no close link between the Canadian Horse and other French breeds, such as the Selle Français and the French Trotter.
Considering the story of the types of horse in the original shipment, it was surprising to the researchers to discover there was no clear link between Oriental and Iberian breeds and the Canadian Horse. The research did confirm the long-held belief that Canadian Horses were likely to have been influential on the Morgan Horse of America, as well as other North American breeds.
What is the character of the Canadian Horse?
Canadian Horses are calm and elegant horses. Nevertheless they are very robust and powerful.
Canadian Horses – Characteristics
Standing between 14.3 hands (59 inches/150 cm) and 16.2 hands (66 inches/168 cm) high, the Canadian Horse is both elegant and strong. Thus, the breed is known as “The Little Iron Horse” of Canada. They move with grace and power and their necks have an elegant curve. Legs and feet are notably strong and they stand four-square.
In general, they are robust horses. Their heads are handsome, with thick manes and tails. Easy-keeping, willing and yet spirited, the Canadian Horse deserves to be better known. They have always been considered valuable all-rounders, making excellent driving, sleigh horses and riding horses. Coat colours include bay, black, dark brown and occasionally chestnut.
The Canadian Horse is between 14.3 hands (59 inches/150 cm) and 16.2 hands (66 inches/168 cm) high. The breed comes in a variety of coat colours.
Canadian Horses in equestrianism
Bred to be a superb utility animal for farming, riding and driving, a serious effort is now being made to ensure the survival of such a useful, willing breed. There are believed to be around 2,500 Canadian Horses but they are still at risk and on the North American critical list. They are great ride and drive horses, perfect for smallholdings, and make good family horses. They are also long-lived horses and have no genetic issues, thanks to their genetic diversity. All in all, they are delightful animals
What is a Canadian Horse?
The Canadian Horse is the national horse of Canada. It is a medium sized and compact horse that is versatile.
