Clearly Canadian

A Brief History

Once the finest stable horses of King Louis XIV, then used by Canada’s pioneers as partners in building the country in the 1700s, rumoured that Justin Morgan’s stallion, his namesake was indeed one, the Canadian Horse or Le Cheval Canadien, is Canada’s true yet little known National breed.

Nicknamed ‘the little iron horse’ and often confused with the Canadian Sport Horse (a registry, not a breed) the Canadian horse was said to be capable of generating more power per hundred pounds of body weight than any other breed, (CHARMD, 2009).

Almost Lost To The World

In the early part of the 18th century, it was thought that the numbers of Canadian horses were in the hundred thousands. Through short-sighted shipment of Canadian horses to American and foreign battlefields as cavalry and cannon horses, the Canadian Horse paid the ultimate price and its numbers dwindled to extinction. The Canadian’s gift of service was its near demise.

Sadly, in the 1970s, there were only 400 left in existence. Modern day numbers of Canadians appear to have returned to the 4000 mark, and they continue to gain popularity once again as an all around saddle, cart and family horse. The size of a Canadian horse varies from 14hh to 16hh, with the colour represented most being black, though bay, brown and chestnut are possible.

A Beautiful Animal

Noted like the Morgan, for its luxurious mane and tail, hard feet, easy keeping ability in harsh Canadian winters and easy-going nature, the Canadian Horse has fine features, a chiseled head and arched neck, often being confused with the Arabian from a distance.

Up close and in person, the Canadian Horse is far removed from its Arabian, French Norman, Andalusian, and Barb ancestors. Selective breeding has allowed the Canadian horse to develop into a compact, sturdy yet refined mount.

Kind By Nature

The Canadian Horse’s temperament is level-headed, social, kind and willing to please its partner. They are naturally inquisitive and often fearless. My experience with them proves this to be more than true as my coming three year old Canadian filly is by far the most polite, respectful young horse I’ve had the pleasure to work with, adding Thoroughbreds, various Warmbloods, Quarter Horses, Standardbreds, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians and grades to the roster of young stock I’ve trained.

My filly’s favourite pastime is playing tag in the field and free-jumping overturned water troughs for fun. A matched team of a five and six year old Canadian geldings carried our oversized wagon load of Canadian Forces’ veterans proudly down main street Calgary during the 2007 Calgary Stampede Parade without incident.

Versatile & True

Best known internationally for its driving ability, the Canadian Horse’s accolades include the “1991 Grand Champion Whip at the Canadian Carriage Driving Classic”, and the “1987 North American Pleasure Driving Championship”.

Because of the Canadian’s ability to handle large noisy crowds, it can be found greeting tourists at Calgary, Alberta’s Heritage Park, policing the streets with the Montreal Mounted Police, and pulling caleches in Quebec’s busy roads.

Misinformation amongst the horse community, both nationally in Canada and around the world, has kept the breed from gaining the recognition it so much deserves.

Pass It Along

Clearly, it will be the virtual horse community that can right this and give the Canadian horse the respect and appreciation it has earned in service to Canada. My equine partner is clearly Canadian. Visit www.canadianhorsebreeders.com for more information.