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Although relatively unknown, the Canadian Horse has influenced many other North American breeds, including the Morgan, American Saddlebred, and Standardbred. Although there have been several times when the breed almost went extinct, the Canadian Horse has enthusiasts within and outside of Canada. The Canadian Horse gave rise to the Canadian Pacer, which has had a profound impact on many of the gaited breeds of today. The old-style Canadian Horse resembles the Morgan. It is very compact and stout, muscular, with a crested neck. The Canadian Horse is sound, with hard feet, with animated gaits, and is extremely hardy with great powers of endurance. They are willing horses, and easy keepers. Most Canadian Horses are bay or brown, although other colors exist, and they stand between 14.3-16.2hh. The Canadian Horse descended from the French stock Louis XIV sent to Canada in the late 17th century. His goal was to develop a breeding program in the colony, but only 2 stallions and 12 mares survived the difficult sea journey made in 1665. Louis sent two more shipments, bringing the total number of horses to more than 40. Most were Breton or Norman in breeding, but some included Andalusian blood. |
