Comtois

The Comtois is a horse of the brachymorphic type, originating in France (Franche Comté). It is of very early origins and has probably been bred in the Franche Comté region since the 6th Century. Almost certainly descending from the Germanic horses, which were imported into France by the Burgundians, it was used in the Middle Ages as a war horse. (The Burgundians were a people which came from northern Germany, and in 411 they founded the kingdom of Burgundy.) Now the Comtois is bred in the mountainous region on the French-Swiss border. The breed is now distributed in eastern France, and is of regional importance.

The Comtois has a quick lively action, which is an unusual in a heavy draft breed. It is very sure-footed, which enables it to tackle steep and rugged mountain tracks and roads. With the qualities of being strong, having good endurance, and sure-footedness, the Comtois has an aptitude for heavy draft and farm work. It has a docile, active and willing temperament.

Typically standing 14.1 to 15.1 hands high, it weighs in at 1,100 to 1,320 pounds, and some adult stallions reach 1,7600 pounds. The Comtois is usually chestnut or bay. It has a square head with a straight profile, small mobile ears, a broad forehead and full forelock. The short and muscular neck has a full mane. Its withers are moderately well-defined, wide and muscular. The back is straight, the croup wide and sloping, and the tail is set-on low. It chest is deep and wide, and its shoulder is long and sloping. The legs are slender in relation to its body size, but they are strong, sometimes showing a tendency to sickle hocks. The legs are feathered in their lower parts, and the feet are solid.

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Published June 1997 North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)
© 1997-2019 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/27/2019