Breton horse

Breton horse

The Breton is a compact French draft breed combining great physical strength, endurance, a calm nature and versatile working ability.

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Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 7/10
Trainability 8/10
Good with children 8/10
Shedding 6/10
Guarding 5/10
Care 6/10
Description

About the breed

Overview

The Breton is a strong French draft horse with compact proportions, a deep chest, powerful neck and strong limbs. Petsi lists a height of 150–165 cm and a weight of 700–1000 kg.

History

The breed developed over centuries in Brittany, where local horses needed strength and endurance for hilly, stony ground. Other European draft lines later contributed to its development.

Use

Bretons are used for driving, agriculture, forestry, vineyard work, farm tourism and some equine-assisted programmes.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Bretons are generally calm, balanced and trainable. Their stable temperament suits working roles, although their considerable mass requires disciplined handling.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

Feeding and exercise should match the horse's large body mass. Regular hoof, joint and weight monitoring, good forage, water and salt are important.