Information on the French Trotter Breed of Horse

One of the most widely used horse breeds in France, the French Trotter is a relatively new breed that excels on the racetrack, both in harness and under saddle. It is also used in the sport of skijoring, a race on snow in which the horse pulls a driver on skis.

  1. History

    • Officially recognized as a breed in 1922, French Trotters were specifically bred for harness racing in the early 1800s, when Norman horses were crossed with English thoroughbreds, hunter-type horses, American Standardbreds and Norfolk Roadsters. Their stud book was closed to non-French-bred horses in 1937 to protect the quality of the breed.

    Characteristics

    • The French Trotter is usually chestnut, bay, black or brown in color and 15 to 16.2 hands tall. The breed is known for its long powerful stride, which is the result of a long sloping shoulder, short back, long croup and heavily muscled hindquarters. It is deep through the girth and has good bone. Its head tends to be somewhat plain.

    Other Information

    • The French Trotter has been used in the development of the Selle Francais breed. The French Trotter is also becoming popular for pleasure riding because of its good temperament.