American Saddlebred Horse Breeders Association

Canadian Horses arrived in Quebec (known at the time as New France) in the 1660's, courtesy of King Louis XIV. The first shipments were intended for gentry and religious orders, with the condition that a breeding program was maintained. From the original 12 horses and further shipments, by the 1700's, Canadian's numbered into the thousands. Continued breeding of this original population, meant the establishment of a genetically unique breed.

During the 1800's mass exports meant that the breed became in danger of extinction. In 1886, the stud book was opened to maintain a registry for the breed and save it from possible extinction. By 1895, a breed standard was set.

Again by the 1980's, despite earlier Government programs, which ended with the outbreak of the Second World War, Canadian Horses were once more in danger of disappearing. Private breeders have worked hard to bring the Canadian back from the brink.

In 2002, the Canadian Horse was recognized as an national symbol.

Canadian Horses are sometimes referred to as "the little iron horse". A descriptive way of recognizing their power and solid build.

With roots back to medieval times in the Cleveland area of Yorkshire (UK), the Cleveland Bay is England's oldest breed of horse. Valued for their stamina, substance and temperament, these equine were originally used as pack horses. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Cleveland Bay found a natural fit as coach horses. Overtime with an improvement in roads and a need for a faster paced horse, the Cleveland Bay evolved to become the modern Cleveland, with the introduction of Darley Arab and Godolphin Barb genetics. With the rise and fall of popularity in coach horses, the Cleveland Bay saw a drastic decline in number.

In 1885, just one year after their UK counterparts did so; the Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America was formed. Canadians were among those who attended the first board meeting in Chicago.

During the First World War in particular, many Cleveland Bay were lost on the battlefields, having being selected as both cavalry and artillery horses.

By the 1960's the breed was on the edge of extinction. Queen Elizabeth II was integral to saving and preserving Cleveland Bay breed for future generations.

The Clydesdale is a draught horse, originating from the Lanarkshire area, in Scotland, in the mid 1700's. They were the result of breeding imported Flemish stallions, with the native draught mares from the Clyde valley, in Lanarkshire. They were originally bred for heavy farm, and industrial work.

The Clydesdales draught capabilities made them a sought after horse for use in World War 1. By the end of the first world war, their popularity had peaked. At its peak, Scotland had around 140,000 horses, most of which were Clydesdales, or part Clydesdale.

The first Clydesdales came to Canada in the mid 1800's, and the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada was incorporated in 1886.

Some of the most well know Clydesdales today, are those on the Budweiser team.

Curly horses are a unique breed characterized by their curly hair coat. Nature has provided these horses with a unique heating and cooling system. Their thick curly winter coat repels rain and snow. Underneath, air is trapped near the short hair coat next to the body, keeping them warm. They come in a variety of coat types, including extreme curlies, who have no mane and tail, loose, medium and tight curls, crushed velvet of the marcel waves and smooth coats. Some curlies keep their curly coats year round and others have smoother summer coats. Additionally, curlies are hypoallergenic for most people, so they are the perfect choice for those with allergies.

Curlies are very diverse, coming in all colours and coat patterns, including pintos and appaloosas. They also come in all types and sizes, such as ponies, stock horse types, sport horses and drafts. They are very versatile and excel in all types of disciplines, both english and western. Curlies have performed well in national level dressage, jumping, vaulting, sidesaddle, Western games, Mounted Gamees, Extreme Cowboy and endurance. They are great performance, pleasure and family horses.

Naturally very gentle, many Curly horses do not have the same flight reaction other breeds do when frightened. Some of them tend to assess danger, not flee, making them safer mounts. Curly's seem to bond with people and learn quickly. This trait makes them a good choice for children and novice riders.

Curlies are a naturally hardy breed that does not require shoes. Add all of these facts together and you come to the conclusion that Curlies are a breed of horse that will be safe, sound and an excellent fit for most people.

Exmoor Pony are registered in Canada through the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation General Stud Book.

In Canada there is an extremely small number of breeding Fell Pony. Fell Pony can be registered through CLRC (General Stud Book) and the Fell Pony Society of North America.

The Fjord is a light draught horse, native to Norway. It is one of the oldest breeds, believed to have been domesticated for around 4000 years.

The Fjord is a small, yet strong horse, that is often raised for ploughing, hauling, and driving. Their thick coats, and large hooves, make them ideal for working in challenging terrain, and cold environments.

The Fjord is easily recognized by their distinctive features, such as their dun coloring, and dorsal stripe, which runs from the forelock, down the back, into the tail. Fjords have thick white hair on either side of the dorsal stripe in the mane and tail. Some Fjords also have black points, and zebra striping on the legs.

The Canadian Hackney Society .

Highland Pony are known for their calm and steady temperament. In North America. You can learn more about this steadfast breed through the Highland Pony Society.

Irish Draught Society Of Canada

Canadian Morgan.

Newfoundland Pony are a distinct Canadian breed. Descended from pony breeds brought to Newfoundland by early settlers, the pony developed in isolation over a period of time, becoming a unique breed.

Their uses were extensive in the lives of settlers in Newfoundland. Varying from ploughing, to hauling fishing nets, kelp, wood and other goods. It was also not unusual for the ponies to be used for transportation, carriages were often pulled by them.

The Newfoundland Pony suffered greatly in the 1970's and 80's with the introduction of non-roaming legislation, the more common use of mechanized vehicles, the expense of feed and a strong meat market. Therefore numbers saw a drastic decline.

Today a core group of breeders are keeping this breed alive. Their modern day use still includes light work, alongside being used for riding and in harness. It is also essential to preserve the willing, courageous Newfoundland Pony for their historical significance. These ponies are a living monument to part of the cultural history of Canada.

The Ojibway spirit horse, is a distinct breed developed by indigenous people in Canada. These horses, were once utilized in indigenous communities spread across Ontario and Minnesota. Alongside their working role - where the horses were used to assist with trap lines, wood and ice hauling - they were importantly considered to be spirit animals. Their cultural significance in Canada, makes them worthy of HLC's attention.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans the breed numbered in the thousands. DNA evidence has proven that they are distinct from introduced European horses. By, 1977 as a result of pressures from modern culture, only 4 Ojibway ponies remained. These four were rescued and the breed has seen an increase in number - but there are still only approximately 30 Ojibwe stallions and 80 Ojibwe mares of breeding age in Canada. These represent the entire world population. HLC lists Ojibwe as "critical" in status.

As a result of their gentle temperament and willingness to work with people, Ojibway spirit horses, have found a new role as therapy horses and for recreational pursuits. The breed is in need of new enthusiasts to ensure their survival for future generations

The Percheron is a draught horse, originating from the province of La Perch in France. In the 1600's, the horses bred in La Perch were well known for their excellent quality, and were high in demand for many different uses in France.

By the end of the Civil War, America's draught horse population had depleted, and Americans began to look for draught breeds to import. While other draught horses from France were imported in the mid 1800's, it wasn't until the 1870's that the Percherons from La Perch were imported to North America. By the 1880's, the Percheron had gained much popularity in North America. Thousands of Percherons had been imported in the late 1800's, up until World War 2. The Percherons numbers began to decline after World War 2, and by 1954, their numbers were down to only 85 recorded.

Through the work of dedicated breeders, in both France and North America, numbers had significantly increased by the 1990's. By 2013, their global population had reached over 32,000.

Shetland Pony are descended from small ponies dating back 2,000 years on the Shetland Isles. An integral part of the daily lives of Shetlander's - the ponies were used for cultivating fields, carrying peat for the rooves of dwellings and also taking seaweed back from the shore to be used on farmland as fertilizer. In the mid 1800's many were transported away from their traditional home and used in coal pits. During this time period exports were also made internationally.

Due to the naturally harsh climate on the isles, Shetland developed into small, but extremely strong and hardy ponies. In comparison to their size, they are the strongest of all horse breeds.

In modern times, the Shetland Pony is kept by enthusiasts for driving, riding and also as part of therapy programs. Canada is home to a population of traditional type Shetland.

In Canada Shetland are registered through CLRC.

The Shire is a draught horse, originating from England. Although they decend from the Great Horse of medieval times, the modern Shire was estaished in the late 1700's, by work done by breeder Robert Blakewell. The name Shire comes from the "shires" in England, where the breed was used for hauling, agriculture, and war.

The Shires popularity peaked in the late 1800's - early 1900's. The mechanization of agriculture and transport after World War 2, led to a decline in their population. By the late 1950's, the breed nearly went extinct. Dedicated breeders, and promotional hitches, helped the Shires numbers to increase. Whitbread Shires are as popular in England as the Budweiser Clydesdales are here in North America.

Shires made their first appearance in North America in the mid 1800's, and by 1885, the American Shire Horse Association was founded.

Suffolk (or Suffolk Punch) have a history dating back to the 1500's. Suffolk are a unique breed, being developed specifically for farm work and remaining close in phenotype to their ancestors.

Suffolk are known for their power, stamina, longevity and docility. These were all important attributes for the original farmers who had a high regard for the breed they developed, along the border of the Norfolk and Suffolk counties in the UK.

In times of war Suffolk were used to pull heavy artillery. Whilst also being utilized in urban centres to pull buses and non-mechanized vans.

As was so often the case, with heavy horses, mechanization saw a drastic population loss among the breed. Suffolk are listed as "critical" in status with every heritage livestock conservation organization in the world.

Giving hope for their future, Suffolk are gaining a newfound appreciation for their capabilities - being employed for forestry work, in advertising campaigns and for their intended purpose, as draught horses on farms.

The Welsh Cob and Pony Society of Canada is reponsible for the registration of the breed through CLRC in Canada.

Mammoth Jackstock Donkeys can be traced all the way back to 1785. George Washington was part of a group of breeders who worked together to develop Mammoth Jackstocks.

In Canada, Mammoth Jackstock are registered through the Canadian Donkey And Mule Association.

Although focused on the Equine Alliance, this article provides strong reasoning as to why it is important to conserve heritage breeds equine.

One of the many uses of versatile draft horses is for sustainable logging. There has been a resurgence of the practise in recent years.

Horses and ponies are ideally suited as therapy animals in varying programs. It is a unique and entirely beneficial way for others to interact with heritage breed horses and ponies.

A one year course teaches students how to operate or manage an equine breeding facility. Covering hand breeding, AI, the handling of frozen semen and embryo transfer. Provided by Olds Agricultural College, AB.

A good overview provided by Ontario Agriculture for the management of donkeys and mules. Provided for reference, it is essential to work with experienced breeders regarding management practises.

Do you have questions? HLC’s Draft Horse Representative, Monty Thomson can help.

HLC’s interim Light Horse And Pony Representative, Tara Wilson can help with any questions you may have on equine management.