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The Angevin Horse

Engraving of the Angevin horse in l'Atlas statistique de la production de chevaux en France, 1850.
Country of origin	Angers, France
Traits
Height	1.49 metres (4 ft 11 in) to 1.57 metres (5 ft 2 in)
Color	Bay
Distinguishing features	Saddle Horse
Equus ferus caballus

The Angevin horse is an old breed of small rustic bay horses, bred near Angers (France). Under the influence of the administration of the national stud farms, it was crossed with the thoroughbred, grew in size and became a half-bred – a horse resulting from the crossing between a warm-blooded breed (thoroughbred) and a cold-blooded breed – saddle horse renowned for its military use, also known as the Angers half-blood, particularly during the 19th century, from 1833 to 1850.

The breeding of this horse was a response to the strong demand for military remounts in the Angevin region, but competition from the charentais horse and the Anglo-Norman horse, as well as the arrival of the automobile, caused this breed to enter into crisis at the beginning of the 20th century. The disappearance of military cavalry and the orientation of all regional populations of service horses towards sport led to the inclusion of Angevin horses in the national breed of the Selle Français in 1958.

Description

The small Angevin breed measures from 1.40 m to 1.48 m, but has grown in size over time. In 1861, it had between 50% and 75% thoroughbred blood. Its gaits are good, lively, stretched out and regular. Because of its origins, it is a relatively fast horse. Its coat is generally bay.

Temperament and Care

"We can say that the Angevin horse is more or less a raw product of nature; it only has the advantage, over almost wild products, of being softer, more submissive than them. A man's approach does not frighten him, he is easy to mount and break in, probably because he was accustomed to it early on".

— Académie d'agriculture de France, Mémoires

It is a horse "remarkable for his sobriety, his character, his energy and his surefootedness", endowed with great strength and flexibility, resilient, reliable and with excellent sight. Of robust temperament, it does not fear fatigue because its constitution is difficult to shake.

The authors do not agree on the character of Angevin horses, some evoking an easy and gentle nature, others a hot-headed and nervous temperament. The Angevin is fearless, bears his rider well and willingly crosses obstacles, essential qualities for a military mount.