Equestrian Thread

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Yay for The Canadian Horse - aren't they beautiful? They almost became instinct but a dedicated effort at locating and saving the remaining members of the breed have led to a revival of this old breed.

[Nagishkaw 510]

That sort of reminds me of the story of the Shagya Arabians.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Yay for The Canadian Horse - aren't they beautiful? They almost became instinct but a dedicated effort at locating and saving the remaining members of the breed have led to a revival of this old breed.

Much like the MacIntosh apple which was a mutation of the Fameuse snow apple that was introduced to Lower Canada from a French pip, the Canadian horse is also uniquely blend of Old World ancestry with New World sensibilities.

My link

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, and two stallions and 12 mares were sent in 1665. More shipments arrived until 1671, bringing the total number of horses to around 82. The exact origins of all the horses are unknown, with many believing most of the horses were of Breton, Norman descent, Andalusian and Barb ancestry. The horses were leased to farmers for money or in exchange for a foal (although they remained the property of the king for three years). By 1679, there were 145 horses. In 1696, the number of horses in the colony had tripled. By 1763, there were around 13,000 horses in New France. The horses thrived despite low comfort, hard work, and bad roads, and eventually developed the nicknames "the little iron horse" (French: petit cheval de fer) and "the horse of steel".

During the 19th century, breeders bred different types of Canadian crosses such as the Canadian Pacer, an amalgamation with the Narragansett Pacer, the "Frencher", a Thoroughbred cross with hotter blood used as saddle horses or roadsters, and the "St. Lawrence", a much heavier draft type, in order to meet a variety of needs. Later, thousands of horses were exported to the United States, for both the Civil War and also to use as breeding stock to create roadsters and stock for the growing stage coach lines. Others were exported to the West Indies for use on the sugar plantations. However, mass exports lead to a precipitous drop in the breed population in Canada in the 1870s, and the stud book was opened in 1886 to preserve the breed and prevent possible extinction. The Canadian Horse Breeders' Association was formed in 1895.

In 1913, the Canadian government began a breeding center in Cap Rouge, Quebec. In 1919, this facility was outgrown so the breeding program was transferred to St. Joachim, Quebec, where it was operated jointly by the Canadian and Quebec governments.

In 1940, World War II brought an end to the federal breeding program at St. Joachim. At that time, the Quebec government purchased several of the horses and created their own provincial breeding program at Deschambault. In the 1960s, they worked to breed a taller, more refined horse, who would be suitable as a hunter or jumper. During this time, other private breeders worked to preserve the original type, the Henryville line being an example of this.

Eventually the Deschambault herd was sold at auction in 1981. The breed was in danger of disappearing for a second time, with less than 400 horses in the breed register, and fewer than 50 new registrations being recorded per year. However, dedicated breeders rescued the Canadian Horse. New registrations were around 50 per year in 1980 and rose to over 500 new registrations per year in 1999–2000. Since 2000, the new registrations are stable at 450-500 per year. There are now more than 6,000 horses registered.

[Nagishkaw 510]

What an interesting story. Who would have thought that the Canadiens would have given us something useful other than Tim Hortons ?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

What an interesting story. Who would have thought that the Canadiens would have given us something useful other than Tim Hortons ?

And me! I'm useful, too!

You'd probably be surprised at just how many useful contributions Canada and Canadians have made to the world, actually. It is not an inconsequential amount. We just don't boast about it very often, except, of course for Tim Horton's .

Edited March 11, 2012 by Kathryn41

[Nagishkaw 510]

And me! I'm useful, too!

You'd probably be surprised at just how many useful contributions Canada and Canadians have made to the world, actually. It is not an inconsequential amount. We just don't boast about it very often, except, of course for Tim Horton's .

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

And me! I'm useful, too!

You'd probably be surprised at just how many useful contributions Canada and Canadians have made to the world, actually. It is not an inconsequential amount. We just don't boast about it very often, except, of course for Tim Horton's .

Yes, you're useful even when you do act as a Moderator. Pssst...Don't mention Timbits and insulin in the same breath, Americanos will think that it's part of a secret plot.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Pssst...Don't mention Timbits and insulin in the same breath, Americanos will think that it's part of a secret plot.

Good point, I won't. After all, Canadians discovered insulin too . Okay, back to the horses!

One of the best places to go and see the Canadian Horse is in Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario. This is a re-created mid 19th century historic village, similar to Sturbridge or Williamsburg. All of the transport vehicles are horse drawn. The Village has its own herd of Canadian horses which they breed and train and use in the Village. http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/index.cfm/en/about-the-village/all-about-the-village/read-about-the-canadian-horse/ . For anyone visiting Canada it is well worth a day's visit. http://www.uppercana...ex.cfm/en/home/ .

Edited March 11, 2012 by Kathryn41

[Nagishkaw 510]

I'll keep this in mind. Maybe someday..

[Ban Hammer 13,345]

Yes, you're useful even when you do act as a Moderator. Pssst...Don't mention Timbits and insulin in the same breath, Americanos will think that it's part of a secret plot.

did someone say timbits?

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

did someone say timbits?

This isn't the Canadian Forum, American only outside the regional forums!

Here's a bit more on the Canadian horse from the fine folks at Oklahoma State University:

The Canadian Horse

Canadian Horse

The Canadian Horse is a little known national treasure of Canada. This hardy breed descended from horses originally sent to the "New World" by King Louis XIV of France in the late 1600's. These Norman and Breton horses were felt to be of Arab, Andalusian and Barb ancestry – traits of which can still be recognized in the Canadian Horse today.For hundreds of years, the French horses bred with little influence from outside breeds. They eventually developed into their own distinct breed - the Canadian Horse or Cheval Canadien. Because they evolved under the adverse conditions of harsh weather, scarce food, and hard work, the Canadian Horse remains the sturdiest and most acclimatized horse in Canada today. They are tough, strong horses, tolerant of inclement weather conditions, and are extremely "easy keepers". Because of these traits, the Canadian Horse is often referred to as "The Little Iron Horse".

In the mid-1800's, the Canadian Horse numbered about 150,000 and could be found throughout Canada and the United States. The Canadian was used for crossbreeding to improve the strength and hardiness of other breeds, and helped to found other North American breeds such as the Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred, and the American Saddlebred. Increasingly, Canadian Horses were exported out of Canada for the Boer war, for working the sugar plantations in the West Indies, and to the United States for use on the stage-lines and for the American Civil War. The number of horses began to dwindle rapidly. With the advent of mechanized farm machinery, the Canadian Horse almost became extinct. During the 1860-70's, there were fewer than 400 horses in existence and 20 or less registrations recorded per year. By the late 1870's, the peril of Canada's national breed was finally recognized, and efforts were made by diligent breeders to try to bring the Canadian Horse back from the verge of extinction.

Under the leadership of Dr. J.A. Couture, DVM, a few concerned admirers of the "Little Iron Horse" banded together to try and preserve what remained of the breed. Their efforts produced a first stud book in 1886. Progress was slow however, and it was not until 1895, when the Canadian Horse Breeders Association was formed that any real expansion took place. In 1907 under the leadership of Dr. J.G. Rutherford, the Federal Government livestock commissioner, a new stud book was started with improved standards.

In 1913 the Federal Ministry of Agriculture set up a breeding program at Cap Rouge, Quebec, where Albert De Cap Rouge, one of the foundation studs was bred. There were other breeding programs set up in Quebec at St. Joachim and La Gorgendiere that continued to breed the Canadian Horse until 1981.

Now, the breed is slowly gaining in popularity, and currently numbers just over 2500 horses in existence. The Canadian Horse is still classified as "critical" on the American Livestock Conservancy list.

The Canadian Horse can be called a general utility animal. From the very beginning of New France it was valuable not only for plowing, but also as a carriage horse. Breeders appreciated the qualities of strength, willingness, and small food requirements. The breed is long lived and still useful at an advanced age. The mares are extraordinarily fertile, and reproduce regularly until the age of 20 or older.

The historian Taillon depicts the old Canadian Horse as follows:

"Small, but robust, hocks of steel, thick mane floating in the wind, bright and lively eyes, pricking its sensitive ears at the least noise, going along day and night with the same courage, wide awake beneath its harness; spirited, good, gentle, affectionate, following his road with the finest instinct to come surely home to his own stable. Such were the horses of our fathers."

The Canadian Horse typically stands 14 – 16 hh and weighs 1000 – 1400 lb. Although most frequently black, they may also be dark brown, bay or chestnut. They are characterized by their finely chiseled heads, arched necks, and thick, long, wavy manes and tails – all reminiscent of their Barb and Andalusian ancestry. They have strong, sturdy legs and short cannon bones often exceeding 9" in circumference. Their feet are exceptionally well formed and tough, and generally require little more than routine trimming. Best of all, Canadian Horses are renowned for their kind, sensible, sociable natures, intelligence and willingness to please.

Breed Standard

Head

Head: Rather short with straight lines, lean, carried high and slanting Ears: Set well apart, thin, active, rather short Forehead and face: Broad and flat Eyes: Wide apart, flush with head, large, moderately convex, bright, kind, active Eyelids: Thin, clean, mobile Nostrils: Large, wide apart Lips: Thin, firm, mobile with delicate skin Mouth: Rather small Jaw: A bit wide through the jaw, broad at the lower angle Jaw cavity: Wide, lean, well hollowed Cheeks:Well developed, firm not fat

Neck and throat

Throat: Wide, throatlatch slightly smaller Neck: Fairly arched, broad at base and thin at top, medium length, sides slightly rounded and firmly muscled, gracefully attached to head and shoulders Mane: Abundance of fine hair

Body

Chest: Broad and deep, legs well apart Ribs: Long, broad, well arched Girth: Well developed Withers: Lean, clean, slightly raised, long Back: Strong, straight, well proportioned, broad, short Loins: Broad, well proportioned to back, well attached to croup, strongly muscled Belly: Somewhat large but not pendulous, following curve of ribs and short,well-rounded flanks.

Frontquarters

Shoulders: Long, sloping, well muscled Forearms: Long, straight, covered with hard, projecting muscle Elbows: Parallel to axis of body, broad Knees: Lean, long, broad, thick, clean, straight Cannons: Short, flat, thick, lean, clean, perpendicular, tendons well attached Fetlocks: Thick, lean, clean, hair acceptable Pasterns: Thick, average length, moderately slanting Feet: Average size, resting squarely on ground, frontline following pastern's inclination, heels open, same size, landing vertically on the ground, sole hollow, thick with well-developed fork

Hindquarters

Hips: Slightly protruding, even Croup: Long, fairly broad, slightly sloped, well muscled Tail: Large at root, attached rather high, carried well, abundance of fine, long hair Stifles: Clean, close to belly, turned slightly outward Thighs and buttocks: Broad, thick, long, descending as close to hock as possible, well muscled Legs: Proportionate length, large, lean, well-developed muscles, protruding slightly to out-side Hocks: Clean, lean, large, thick, flat-faced, parallel to incline of body, very flexible Cannons: Short, broad, flat, lean, clean, perpendicular, tendons well separated from bones, large, firm Fetlocks: Broad, thick, lean, clean Pasterns: Broad, thick, lean, clean, average length, slightly slanting Feet: Same size and qualities as front feet but less developed, oval shape with heels higher and more spread

Evaluation of type

Height: 14hh to 16hh Weight: Proportionate to height Outline: Shows power and agility through well-balanced and proportioned good quality body parts Quality: Coat soft and shining, mane thick and long, skin soft and elastic, bones dense and clean, joints lean and clean Gaits: Free and vigorous movement, hocks, knees, fetlock, pasterns bending well in higher movements, harmonious Appearance: Graceful carriage and symmetry of shape, stands squarely on ground Temperament: Energetic and spirited without nervousness, calm, docile Colors: Black, chestnut, bay, dark brown

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

They are always featured at The Royal (aka The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to persons not familiar with Ontario Agriculture) and here's a little more about them:

Canuck Horsey

History of the Canadian Horse

In the mid 1600's, the "habitants" were finding life in Lower Canada quite different from what they were used to in France. Many of the landowners were nobility and knights accustomed to traveling in fine carriages. But in New France, the few roads were impassable with mud for much of the year and the only transportation was the lowly ox-cart. To ease the unrest, Louis XIV selected horses from his own stables and sent them to Lower Canada between 1665 and 1670. The King of France took great pride in the quality of horses he had in his stables which included Andalusian, Normandy and Brittany bloodlines.Life in Lower Canada was no easier for these horses than it was for the settlers. Not enough hay was cured for all the livestock, so horses were often turned loose to fend for themselves in the bush, only being brought in when needed for work. Over the years, the heavy work and poor conditions, along with the harsh Canadian winters, led to a natural selection in favor of the hardiest animals. The Canadian Horse became smaller and tougher, until they became known as "the little iron horse."

The Canadian Horse bred in isolation for the next 150 years. Whatever the job was - the Canadians did it. Whether it was supplementing the oxen in front of the plows, moving goods, taking the family to church or racing afterwards, the Canadian Horse performed his duties with eagerness and stamina. Trade between the French settlements in Canada and the English settlements further south were almost non existent during this time because England and France were often at war.

By the 1800's, the Canadian had a reputation for their pluck and vigor. Large numbers of horses were sent to the United States for use in the Civil War and the Canadian was the preferred horse on many U.S. stage coach lines. Many of these horses were entered into the stud books of the Morgan, Standardbred, American Saddlebred and Tennessee Walkers. The Canadian Horse also served in the Boer War and was shipped to the West Indies to work on the sugar plantations. These drains on the population, along with the importation of other breeds meant that by the second half of the 1800's, the Canadian Horse was in danger of disappearing.

A few admirers of the "little iron horse" realized the importance of saving the breed and undertook a campaign to do just that. In 1886, they opened the first stud book for the Canadian Horse. In 1895, the Canadian Horse Breeders Association officially came into being. In 1913 a breeding center was opened on the Federal Experimental Farm at Cap Rouge in Quebec, and later moved to St. Joachim. When the federal government, occupied with the war, closed down the operation in 1940, the Quebec provincial Department of Agriculture reestablished the stud at Deschambault, Quebec. When this operation closed in 1979, the Canadian was once again threatened with extinction.

Thanks to the efforts of a handful of committed breeders, the breed has recovered from a low of 400 registered animals in the 1960's and 1970's to a population today of just less than 4000. Once again the Canadian Horses' strength and versatility has made it popular in both the show ring and back yard.

In April of 2002, the Parliament of Canada passed a bill establishing the Canadian Horse as Canada's National Horse, recognizing the breed's fine attributes and contribution to Canadian history. The bill received Royal Assent, officially becoming law, on April 30, 2002.

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

They are always featured at The Royal (aka The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to persons not familiar with Ontario Agriculture) and here's a little more about them:

Canuck Horsey

History of the Canadian Horse

In the mid 1600's, the "habitants" were finding life in Lower Canada quite different from what they were used to in France. Many of the landowners were nobility and knights accustomed to traveling in fine carriages. But in New France, the few roads were impassable with mud for much of the year and the only transportation was the lowly ox-cart. To ease the unrest, Louis XIV selected horses from his own stables and sent them to Lower Canada between 1665 and 1670. The King of France took great pride in the quality of horses he had in his stables which included Andalusian, Normandy and Brittany bloodlines.Life in Lower Canada was no easier for these horses than it was for the settlers. Not enough hay was cured for all the livestock, so horses were often turned loose to fend for themselves in the bush, only being brought in when needed for work. Over the years, the heavy work and poor conditions, along with the harsh Canadian winters, led to a natural selection in favor of the hardiest animals. The Canadian Horse became smaller and tougher, until they became known as "the little iron horse."

The Canadian Horse bred in isolation for the next 150 years. Whatever the job was - the Canadians did it. Whether it was supplementing the oxen in front of the plows, moving goods, taking the family to church or racing afterwards, the Canadian Horse performed his duties with eagerness and stamina. Trade between the French settlements in Canada and the English settlements further south were almost non existent during this time because England and France were often at war.

By the 1800's, the Canadian had a reputation for their pluck and vigor. Large numbers of horses were sent to the United States for use in the Civil War and the Canadian was the preferred horse on many U.S. stage coach lines. Many of these horses were entered into the stud books of the Morgan, Standardbred, American Saddlebred and Tennessee Walkers. The Canadian Horse also served in the Boer War and was shipped to the West Indies to work on the sugar plantations. These drains on the population, along with the importation of other breeds meant that by the second half of the 1800's, the Canadian Horse was in danger of disappearing.

A few admirers of the "little iron horse" realized the importance of saving the breed and undertook a campaign to do just that. In 1886, they opened the first stud book for the Canadian Horse. In 1895, the Canadian Horse Breeders Association officially came into being. In 1913 a breeding center was opened on the Federal Experimental Farm at Cap Rouge in Quebec, and later moved to St. Joachim. When the federal government, occupied with the war, closed down the operation in 1940, the Quebec provincial Department of Agriculture reestablished the stud at Deschambault, Quebec. When this operation closed in 1979, the Canadian was once again threatened with extinction.

Thanks to the efforts of a handful of committed breeders, the breed has recovered from a low of 400 registered animals in the 1960's and 1970's to a population today of just less than 4000. Once again the Canadian Horses' strength and versatility has made it popular in both the show ring and back yard.

In April of 2002, the Parliament of Canada passed a bill establishing the Canadian Horse as Canada's National Horse, recognizing the breed's fine attributes and contribution to Canadian history. The bill received Royal Assent, officially becoming law, on April 30, 2002.

That deserved saying twice.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Double Feature?

[Nagishkaw 510]