Brittany is a land of great contrasts, from wild seacoasts to fertile farmland and rugged upland areas. Several types of horse have been bred to work in this beautiful landscape, of which the best known is probably the Breton draught horse . These strong, hardy animals reached such a peak of quality that they were frequently used to improve the draught horses of other nations. Smallholders often buy a Breton small draught, also known as the Centre-Montagne (Central Mountain) type, as these relatively active horses of ancient ancestry are ideal for family farms. The Breton is the most popular draught breed in France, where specialist studs exist to breed a Breton of either the larger or the smaller type, as well as other variants.
The typical Breton Draught Horse, or Trait Breton, is usually chestnut or roan coloured with a flaxen tail and mane. The rarer bays and bay roans are also popular among those who buy a Breton. These stocky, sturdy horses are between 15.1 hands high (61 inches/152 cm) and 16.00 hands high (64 inches/163 cm). The Breton Trait is one of just two officially recognised types of Breton. The other, the Breton Postier, was created by crossing Bretons with Norfolk Trotters and Hackneys in the 19th century, resulting in strong, attractive harness horses. Breeders who are selling a Breton Postier are enthusiasts for these good all-rounders. A non-official type, the Cheval de Corlay or Corlay Breton, has Arabian and Thoroughbred ancestry and was mostly used for racing as well as more general work. The smaller Centre-Montagne draught horse is possibly closer to an early type of Breton horse. However, although popular with people who buy a Breton, it is not officially recognised like the Trait Breton.
