Comtois horses come from the Franche-Comté region of France.
They are predominantly used as working horses, but they make good trail horses and are also popular for driving.
If you’re thinking about adding a Comtois horse to your stable, here is everything you need to know.
Comtois Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Comtois horse:
| Height (size) | 14.3 – 16.1 hands high |
| Colors | Bay or dark chestnut or coppery chestnut, with a flaxen mane and tail. Small mark on the head is permitted, however large blazes are avoided. The silver dapple gene is also present amongst the less common black and bay Comtois horses, and the result is a silvery-white mane and tail. Plain bay and plain black are also seen, however, plain chestnut and red roan are not allowed by the registry. |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Common Uses | Forest logging, work in vineyards, driving competitions, pleasure riding |
Comtois Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Comtois breed originated in the Jura Mountains, which are located on the border of France and Switzerland.
A large horse breed called the “German Breed” was brought to the French areas of Jura and Franche-Comté by the Burgundians of northern Germany in the 4th century.
Here, they crossed with oriental horses that the Spaniards had brought to the region, and beginning in the 6th century, serious breeding efforts for the Comtois horse got under way.
In the year 1905, there was a greater emphasis placed on regulating breeding, and numerous bay Ardennes stallions were used to correct the flaws that had begun to emerge.
The first ever competition among Comtois breeders took place in 1910, and the breed was formally recognized with the formation of a stud in 1919.
With over 3,000 annual foal registrations, the Comtois has surpassed all other French heavy horse breeds in popularity.
Today, the Comtois is becoming more popular as a pleasure mount and for pulling carriages and sleighs, thus breeders are focusing on creating lighter horses to fulfill this demand.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Calm, quiet, quick learners, willing temperament
Physical Characteristics
The head is large, with gentle eyes and small ears.
The neck is short and straight, and the chest is deep.
The back is muscular and short.
They have incredibly powerful hindquarters allowing them to pull extremely heavy loads.
Their legs are stocky with good joints and a small amount of feathering.
The movements are free.
Colors
Bay or dark chestnut or coppery chestnut, with a flaxen mane and tail.
Small mark on the head is permitted, however large blazes are avoided.
The silver dapple gene is also present amongst the less common black and bay Comtois horses, and the result is a silvery-white mane and tail.
Plain bay and plain black are also seen, however, plain chestnut and red roan are not allowed by the registry.
Height (size)
14.3 – 16.1 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,430 – 1,760 lb (650 – 800 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Forest logging, work in vineyards, driving competitions, pleasure riding
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
France
Ancestors
Old Burgundian horse, Norman, Boulonnais, Percheron, Ardennais