The Breton Horse

The Breton horse was traced back to two breeds in the Middle Ages: the Sommier horse and the Roussin horse. These two breeds looked very similar but were used for different things.

The Sommier horse, the heavier one, was used for farm work while the Roussin horse, a lighter beast was used for riding. Though the Sommier horse could be used for riding the Roussin horse was favored above it because of its smooth, flowing gait.

This horse was a mix of these two breeds with a bit of Arabian added in. It was once considered as a saddle horse but is not any longer.

You will mostly find them working in vineyards due to their quiet, careful natures. The Breton horse is not a very tall horse and stands from 15 to 16.1 hands high and comes in the colours of chestnut, red roan, bay, grey and sometimes black.