The Canadian Horse is
a little known national treasure of Canada. This hardy breed
descended from horses originally sent to the “New World” by King
Louis XIV of France in the late 1600’s. These Norman and Breton
horses were felt to be of Arab, Andalusian and Barb ancestry –
traits of which can still be recognized in the Canadian Horse today.
For hundreds of years, the French horses bred with little influence
from outside breeds. They eventually developed into their own
distinct breed - the Canadian Horse or Cheval Canadien. Because
they evolved under the adverse conditions of harsh weather, scarce
food, and hard work, the Canadian Horse remains the sturdiest and
most acclimatized horse in Canada today. They are tough, strong
horses, tolerant of inclement weather conditions, and are extremely
“easy keepers”. Because of these traits, the Canadian Horse is
often referred to as “The Little Iron Horse”. |
