The Nord draft horse
This draught horse, born in the French Hainaut region, may be as old as the Ardennes, descended from the Solutré horse, as the Trait du Nord belongs to the same family. In fact, in the early 19th century, the Ardennes, Boulonnais and above all the Trait Belge played an essential role in establishing the breed. As early as 1903, a Livre Herd Book was created for the “Ardennes type du Nord” horse, which in 1913 became known as the “Trait du Nord” until 1965, when it was renamed the “Ardennes du Nord”, and then again, the “Trait du Nord” in 1994.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
Gentle and easy-going, this well-balanced horse is resistant, energetic, and rigorous. Remarkable trotting strides.
Utilisations du cheval
Still used for farm work and logging, the Trait du Nord is also well suited to equestrian tourism, leisure driving and even competition.
Morphologie du cheval
Small head often cambered. Wide nostrils. Short ears. Body of brevilinear type, massive, compact, strongly built. Medium-length neck, powerful, often rouée. Withers embedded in muscle mass. Broad, muscular fore chest. Deep chest. Straight, short back. Broad, muscular loins. Double, massive croup. Strong, powerful limbs. Strong bones. Accentuated joints. Canons and pasterns short, furnished with abundant hair. Large, solid hooves. Coat: bay, roan, auber, more rarely chestnut. Abundant mane. Height: 1.62 to 1.70 m. Adult male weight: 1,000 kg.
