The Henson Horse is a relatively new breed developed in France.
Here’s everything you need to know about this perfect trail horse!
Henson Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Henson Horse:
| Height (size) | 14.3 – 15.3 hands high |
| Colors | Generally dun with a compulsory black line down the back. Some horses have zebra stripes on their legs. White markings are undesirable, and are prohibited in breeding stallions. The mane is either solid black or black/gold or black/white. |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Common Uses | Equestrian tourism, hacking and pleasure riding |
Henson Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Henson Horse, also known as the Cheval de Henson, is a relatively new horse breed that originated in the north-eastern region of France in the late 1970s.
The breed was created in the Baie de Somme in Picardy, a natural area of 70 km2, which is now part of Hauts-de-France.
The Henson Horse was developed by the intentional breeding of light saddle horses with the smaller and heavier Norwegian Fjord horse in order to produce horses that are appropriate for use in the equestrian tourism business.
The purpose was to develop a versatile breed of horse more suited for trail riding that was uniform in color and temperament.
This breed was developed by selective breeding between Norwegian Fjord horses and different types of saddle horses.
The saddle horses passed on height and a livelier gait, while the Fjord passed on its dun coloring and hardiness.
The studbook was closed to horses not originating from Henson parents in 1995, and the French government recognized the breed in 2003.
The Henson Horse has between 25% to 50% Fjord blood.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Somme Bay Horse”
Temperament/Personality
Quiet, docile, friendly
Physical Characteristics
The head is medium-sized, light and refined with a slightly concave profile.
The ears are short with a darker tip. The eyes have black skin around them.
The neck is relatively short, wide and well set. The chest is wide, and the shoulder is long and sloping.
The back is of medium length and wide. The hindquarters are big, and legs are solid and strong.
The hooves should be dark coloured.
It is a well-structured, but not a heavy horse who looks like the Fjord, but is slightly taller and more slender.
Colors
Generally dun with a compulsory black line down the back.
Some horses have zebra stripes on their legs.
White markings are undesirable, and are prohibited in breeding stallions.
The mane is either solid black or black/gold or black/white.
Height (size)
14.3 – 15.3 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Equestrian tourism, hacking and pleasure riding
Health
Generally healthy
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
France
Ancestors
Norwegian Fjord, different saddle horses