So I have Canada on the brain since I am moving to Manitoba this summer. Through my web browsing I have discovered a new favorite breed; the Canadian Horse (note: discovered like Columbus discovered America, I am sure this is old news to some of you)!
I really like baroque breeds of horses so this breed is right up my alley.
here is a little information taken from a Canadian Horse website
"The Canadian Horse or Le Cheval Canadien originated from horses sent to Quebec by King Louis XIV in the late 1600's. These horses, the best from the King's stable, were of French Norman, Breton, Arab, Andalusian and Spanish Barb descent.
Under conditions of hard use, sparse feed, and extreme weather conditions, the Canadian eventually developed into the easy keeping and hardy animals that they are today. It is said that the Canadian is capable of generating "more power per hundred pounds of body weight than horses of any other breed." Traits such as these earned the Canadian their nickname "The Little Iron Horse
The Canadian Horse typically stands 14-16hh. Most commonly black, they may also be chestnut, brown or bay. They are recognizable by their finely chiseled heads, arched necks, and long, thick, and often wavy tails and manes. They have sturdy legs with good bone, and have exceptionally hard, strong feet. They are renowned for their kind, sociable natures, intelligence and willingness to please. "
I don't know about you but it sounds like they have a lot in common with my other favorite breed. What breed is that you ask? The Haflinger of course!
Drafty build in a small package? Check
Renowned for their temperament? Check
Wavy manes and tails? Check
First bred for driving work? Check
I could go on...
Ok Ok I am being a little facetious about this.
In all seriousness I will keep this horse in mind if I ever have the time and money for a second horse though. I do like that they are slightly larger then the Haflinger ( I am tired of all the short jokes already! ). Also color variation is always nice though check out this Canadian Horse.
I am simply smitten with that flaxen mane and tail!
So have any of you Canadian or not gotten to see, ride, own, pet etc a Canadian horse? What did you think?
Here are some sites to check out on the Canadian horse:
The photos were from : Cherry Creek Canadians
The Canadian horse stats : Canadian Horse Breeders Association
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/canadian/index.htm
http://www.raresteeds.com/Breeds/canadian.htm
I have heard nothing but good about Canadian horses. They are just adorable too!
ReplyDeleteMy barn actually has several (five, I think). I'm told they caught on like wild fire among the boarders after the first one came. I pet one every week that has the nicest coat of any horse I've ever touched and she isn't fed anything special. They all seem to go very nicely, including really nice dressage. I rode in the arena with one tonight and her owner said she was being "pissy" (tis the season!) but it was the best behaved pissy I've seen :)
ReplyDeleteI think they can be mischievous and stubborn...reminded me of Fjords, actually. With these breeds that's half the fun though, isn't it?
Oh, and they all live outside year round with no problem (Ontario, Canada aka cold). Gotta love that!
ReplyDeletesounds just like my little haflinger Ruckus! I would just like a little more height and a little more forward but I do love the pony-tude!
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ReplyDeleteInteresting about the Canadian Horse! I have yet to come across one here in Washington. . .though i probably wouldn't know one if i saw one until reading your post!Do you know how the breed originated? They look like a mixture of Spanish, Draft, and Pony!
ReplyDeleteLooks like that is exactly what they are!
ReplyDeleteThey are mostly french in origin and they were created from a mixture french Norman, Breton, Arab, Andalusian and Spanish Barb stock.
Those horses are beautiful. I like the drafty types too. I'll take one!
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