Horse Breeds: Canadian Horse

Most regions of the world have their own breed of horse, and Canada is no exception. The Canadian Horse, sometimes called the Cheval Canadien, has its origins in France. In the late 1600s, King Louis XIV sent two specific breeds of horses to the area of North America that would eventually be known as Canada. These breeds were the Norman and the Breton. Though it is impossible to be certain, these two breeds are believed to be the foundation for the Canadian Horse. If you look closely at the Canadian, you will see several traits in common with both the Norman and the Breton, giving credence to this belief.

These breeds came to Canada (or what would become Canada) and bred freely for two hundred years. No one controlled their spread or attempted any type of breeding program. as a result, they produced offspring uniquely suited to the climate. The extremes climates of the Canadian wilderness, coupled with the scarcity of food, created a horse that was sturdy, strong, and hardy. Today, these are the defining traits of the Canadian Horse. This horse is so strong it is sometimes referred to as The Little Iron Horse.

By the end of the 1800s, this breed could be found throughout Canada and the United States. The hardiness of the Canadian Horse meant that it was a perfect outcross for many breeds needing stronger blood. The  Canadian was used to enhance the strength of the Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred, and American Saddlebred, among others.

The spread of the Canadian Horse continued through the 19th century. Canadian Horses were shipped overseas to serve in the Boer War and also served closer to home in the American Civil War. They were even used on plantations as far away as the West Indies. But exporting the horse came with a price. Fewer were bred and the breed very nearly went extinct.

By the 1880s, concerned enthusiasts had realized that the prized Canadian Horse would soon be no more and made an effort at conservation. in 1886 the first studbook for the Canadian was created and the Canadian Horse Breeders Association formed in 1895. Despite the efforts of the past century, however, the American Livestock Conservancy still lists this breed as critical, meaning it is still hovering on the brink of extinction.

The Canadian Horse is a study in beauty and power. From its arched neck to its flowing mane and tail, this breed is picture perfect as it races across the plains. The head is refined with a short forelock. The chest is deep while the back is short but strong. The elegant shoulders lead into muscular legs with clean joints. This compact horse stands between 14 and 16 hands high and is commonly black in color, though Canadians may also be bay, brown, or chestnut.

Today, the Canadian Horse, when its seen at all, can be found in jumping, eventing, driving, and dressage. The rarity of this breed, however, makes seeing them in competition unlikely.