Horses of the World · France
French horse breeds
France has a remarkably varied equine heritage. It includes sport and racing horses, nine native draft breeds, ponies and regional horses closely associated with their traditional breeding areas.
History and diversity
From sport horses to regional breeds
The expression French horse does not describe a single type. Breeding developed around very different needs: agriculture and transport, military remounts, racing, equestrian sport, livestock work, driving, trail riding and the management of natural areas. French breeds therefore vary considerably in size, conformation, movement and aptitude.
The Selle Français and Anglo-Arab are important sport breeds, while the French Trotter is selected for trotting races. France also preserves regional breeds such as the Camargue, Mérens, Castillonnais, Auvergne, Corsican, Henson and Vercors de Barraquand horses. Native ponies and nine draft breeds complete this living heritage.
Sport and racing
The Selle Français, Anglo-Arab, AQPS and French Trotter illustrate several distinct breeding directions linked to equestrian sport and racing.
Nine draft breeds
From the Ardennais to the Trait du Nord, these breeds preserve the legacy of agricultural, forestry, urban and transport work.
Regional horses
Mountains, wetlands, coastlines and plains fostered populations adapted to particular environments and local practices.
Working-horse heritage
The nine French draft horse breeds
France preserves nine recognised native draft breeds. Each remains closely connected with its traditional breeding area, even though its roles have changed since mechanisation.
Ardennais
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Gray, Roan, Sooty buckskin / Sooty chestnut, Sooty, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Cattle Work, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Equine Therapy, Leisure
Auxois
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Bay, Roan
- Uses
- Driving, Draft Work, Leisure
Boulonnais
- Coat colours
- Gray, White
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Leisure, Cavalry / Military
Breton
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Roan, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Equestrian Show, Draft Work, Leisure
Norman Cob
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay
- Uses
- Driving, Draft Work, Leisure
Comtois
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel
- Uses
- Driving, Equestrian Show, Draft Work, Equine Therapy
Percheron
- Coat colours
- Black, Gray
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Leisure
Poitevin Mulassier
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Gray, Dun / Yellow dun, Roan, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Draft Work, Leisure
Trait du Nord
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Roan
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Leisure, Cavalry / Military
Encyclopedia profiles
Complete list of French horse breeds
Select a breed to learn about its origin, history, conformation, coat colours and uses, together with stud-book information whenever it is available.
Anglo-Arab
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Gray, Dun / Yellow dun, Roan
- Uses
- Vaulting, Driving, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance Riding, TREC, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Racing, Leisure
Ardennais (Draft)
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Gray, Roan, Sooty buckskin / Sooty chestnut, Sooty, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Cattle Work, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Equine Therapy, Leisure
Auxois (Horse)
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Bay, Roan
- Uses
- Driving, Draft Work, Leisure
Boulonnais
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Gray, White
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Leisure, Cavalry / Military
Breton (Horse)
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Roan, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Equestrian Show, Draft Work, Leisure
Camargue Horse
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Gray, White, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- TREC, Trail Riding, Cattle Work, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Equine Therapy, Leisure
Castillonnais (horse)
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Draft Work, Equine Therapy
Comtois Horse
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel
- Uses
- Driving, Equestrian Show, Draft Work, Equine Therapy
French Trotter – TF
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Bay, Roan
- Uses
- Show Jumping, Endurance Riding, TREC, Racing, Leisure, Cavalry / Military
Landais pony
- Category
- Pony
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay
- Uses
- Driving, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance Riding, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Equine Therapy, Leisure
Mérens (horse)
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Black
- Uses
- Driving, TREC, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Draft Work, Equine Therapy, Leisure
Norman Cob
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay
- Uses
- Driving, Draft Work, Leisure
Percheron
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Black, Gray
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Leisure
Poitevin Mulassier
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Gray, Dun / Yellow dun, Roan, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Draft Work, Leisure
Pottok
- Category
- Pony
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Pinto / Piebald, Mealy / Pangare
- Uses
- Driving, Dressage, Endurance Riding, TREC, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Equine Therapy, Leisure
Selle Français
- Category
- Riding Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Gray
- Uses
- Vaulting, Driving, Dressage, Show Jumping, Endurance Riding, TREC, Trail Riding, Riding School, Leisure
Trait du Nord
- Category
- Draft Horse
- Coat colours
- Chestnut / Sorrel, Black, Bay, Roan
- Uses
- Driving, Trail Riding, Equestrian Show, Riding School, Draft Work, Leisure, Cavalry / Military
Geography
Breeds shaped by the regions of France
The names and conformation of French breeds often reflect their place of origin, the local climate and the work for which they were historically bred.
Normandy and northern France
The Percheron, Norman Cob, Boulonnais and Trait du Nord reflect the historic importance of breeding, traction and transport in these regions.
Eastern France, the Ardennes and Burgundy
The Ardennais, Auxois and Comtois are powerful, hardy breeds developed in regions with different landscapes, soils and agricultural traditions.
Western France and the Atlantic regions
The Breton and Poitevin Mulassier represent two distinct breeding histories. The latter is connected with Poitou’s mule-breeding tradition and the Poitou donkey.
Mountains, wetlands and regional landscapes
The Camargue, Mérens, Castillonnais, Pottok, Landais, Corsican and Vercors de Barraquand horses illustrate a range of local adaptations and traditions.
Abilities
What are French horse breeds used for?
Ability depends on the breed, bloodline, individual and training. These are broad breeding directions and should not be treated as guarantees for every horse.
- Show jumping and eventing The Selle Français and Anglo-Arab are associated with sport, with distinct breeding goals.
- Trotting and gallop racing The French Trotter is bred for trotting, while the AQPS and Anglo-Arab also take part in racing.
- Driving and traction Draft breeds are used for leisure driving and agricultural, forestry or municipal work.
- Leisure and trail riding Several regional breeds are valued for outdoor riding and adaptation to their native environment.
- Pony sport and riding schools The Poney Français de Selle is sport-oriented, while the Pottok and Landais have regional histories.
- Livestock work The Camargue remains closely associated with traditional livestock work in its native region.
- Land management Equine grazing and animal traction can contribute to the management of natural or urban areas.
- Heritage and traditions Breed shows, local festivals and breeding expertise maintain a living connection with the regions.
Stud books
Breeding, identification and conservation
An officially recognised breed is not defined by appearance alone. Its stud book, breeding programme, registration rules and monitoring of breeding stock help define and preserve its characteristics.
In France, approved breeding organisations conduct breeding programmes. The IFCE publishes the relevant regulations and programmes when it is responsible for the material maintenance of the stud book and the issue of identification documents. The SIRE database centralises equine identification data.
Breeds with small populations require particular attention. The number of breeding animals, diversity of bloodlines, continued uses and involvement of breeders all affect their future. A famous international breed and a threatened local breed therefore face very different challenges.
Frequently asked questions
French horse breeds: common questions
What are the best-known French horse breeds?
Well-known examples include the Selle Français, French Trotter, Anglo-Arab, Percheron, Breton, Comtois, Camargue and Mérens. This selection does not represent the full diversity of horse and pony breeds developed in France.
How many French draft horse breeds are there?
France has nine native draft breeds: the Ardennais, Auxois, Boulonnais, Breton, Norman Cob, Comtois, Percheron, Poitevin Mulassier and Trait du Nord.
What is the Selle Français?
The Selle Français is one of France’s principal sport horse breeds. It is especially prominent in show jumping and eventing, although ability varies between bloodlines and individuals.
Are there native French pony breeds?
Yes. The IFCE classifies the Poney Français de Selle, Pottok and Landais among the French pony breeds. Their histories and breeding objectives differ.
Is every horse bred in France a French breed?
No. Many foreign breeds are bred and managed in France. Breed origin, an individual horse’s country of birth and the country administering a stud book are separate concepts.
How can I check the official status of a breed in France?
Consult the IFCE documents on breeds and designations, followed by the breed’s stud-book regulations and breeding programme. The French Ministry of Agriculture publishes the list of approved breeding organisations.
References
Main sources
French Institute for Horses and Riding (IFCE): breeds and designations, including French and foreign breeds classified by type of equine.
IFCE – SIRE: breeding programmes and stud-book regulations.
French Ministry of Agriculture: approved breeding organisations.