It's Canadian Eh?

Horses and Carriages/ July 31st, 2021

Today we are going to be looking at a specific breed of horse that was very common on Ontario farms during the 1800s. Known as the Canadian Horse, this breed is now endangered but lives on as a reminder of what it was like back in the homesteading days.

History of The Canadian Horse

The Canadian Horse is believed to have first come over to Canada, New France at the time, in 1665 from the stables of the then King of France Louis XIV. Overtime the original horses that were brought over were intermixed with other breeds and adapted to the harsher Canadian conditions. By the end of the 19th century, the breed was close to extinction as a result of large numbers being sent south for the American Civil war and dying. In the 1970s, this beautiful and versatile breed were officially endangered.

Why are they called the Canadian Horse? Well it just so happens that in 2002 they were made the official horse of Canada!

What Were They Like?

Canadian Horse at Upper Canada Village

The Canadian Horse is a hardy breed of horse. Known as “The Little Iron Horse”, Canadian Horses are small but extremely robust animals! They have “strong hocks, a broad neck, bright eyes, sensitive ears, sloping shoulders, powerful but short back, deep chest, clean legs, and a long and flowing mane and tail.

These horses are commonly dark coloured ‒ black, bay, or brown ‒ with the occasional chestnut coat, but rarely grey. The breed typically stands between 14-16 hands.

Versatile and easy-keeping, they possess courage, spirit, an affectionate good nature, and considerable endurance.”

Primary uses

The Canadian Horse is a very versatile breed. They would be used for pulling carriages, working the land and even competed in dressage competitions. Today this breed can be found at heritage locations such as Upper Canada Village, which hosts a breeding program to ensure conservation of the Canadian Horse breed. The site also uses the animals for demonstrations and rides, showcasing the true power of these small but mighty animals.

We hope you found this interesting, we certainly never knew that Canada had an official horse, let alone that it was named after our country!

𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 & 𝓜𝓲𝓪