Originally from the Cote d'Or and Yonne region of France, the Auxois breed is a descendant of the old Burgundian horse, dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 19th Century there was an infusion of Boulonnais and Percheron blood, as well as the Ardennais and Trait Du Nord, which increased the overall size of the Auxois.
They are closely related to the Ardennes, and since the beginning of the 20th century, only Ardennais blood has been used to improve the Auxois. They are now somewhat larger in height then the Ardennes. The Auxois were widely used in the transport industry and, with the advent of mechanization, suffered dramatically in numbers, like many of the draft breeds. Today they are strictly protected and monitored by the Syndicat du Cheval de Trait Ardennais de L'Ausoix which is based in Dijon, and has kept the breed's studbook since 1913.
Auxois Population
The Auxois were widely used in the transport industry and, with the advent of mechanization, suffered dramatically in numbers, like many of the draft breeds. Today they are strictly protected and monitored by the Syndicat du Cheval de Trait Ardennais de L'Ausoix which is based in Dijon, and has kept the breed's studbook since 1913.
Auxois Area of Breeding
The main breeding area of the Auxois horse in France is around the Cluny stud, and area that is slightly hilly and fertile with rich pastures. Although the population of the Auxois horse has remained small, the stud book has been kept since 1913.
Auxois Uses
The Auxois has a calm and gentle temperament and is well suited to farm and heavy draught work.
Auxois Conformation
The Auxois have a kind, quiet and biddable temperament which, combined with endurance, makes them highly suitable for heavy draft and farm work. In appearance, they are typically either bay or roan in colour, although can sometimes be chestnut. They stand between 15 and 16.2 hands high, and weigh 1,650-2,425 lbs.
They usually have a light, with a broad forehead and small alert ears. They are very stoutly built, having a short, thickset neck, flattish withers, and a wide and deep chest. Generally they are broad through the back, and have a long, sloping, muscular croup with a low-set tail. The shoulders are also reasonably sloping which allows for good freedom of movement in all gaits. The horses have particularly powerful legs which are slender in proportion to their body size, with a very muscular forearm and short, dense cannon bones. Many horses are branded with the letters TX on the left side of the neck.
Compared to the Ardennes, the Auxois is finer in the legs and have smaller hindquarters. They are not heavily feathered and can move surprisingly freely and fast for their bulk. They are well built and, like the Ardennes, have an enormous pulling capacity.
References:
- The Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Tamsin Pickeral.
