Breed Registry | History & Origin | Breeding | Uses | Conformation

Henson Breed Registry

Henson Horses are an official breed recognized by the French Government in 2003 After 25 years of work creating a specific breed, Henson horses have been recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture as a new official French breed of Horses particularly adapted to outdoor riding activities and leisure riding.

Henson History & Origin

Hensons are horses of the Bay of the Somme. They have their origins in this marshland area of northern France. It is a rustic breed; individuals are used to living outdoors in a marine environment. The breed was “created” in the 1970’s by a not for profit association called “Les Cavaliers de la Baie de Somme” originally presided by Lionel Berquin.

Hensons are issued from a cross between Norwegian Fjord ponies and saddle horses of wide origins (trotting horses, French saddle horses, Anglo-arabs, English thoroughbred, Spanish horses, Quarter horses...) Norwegian Fjord ponies are one of the purest breed of horses in genetic terms, in existence today. Their origins can be traced back to prehistoric times. The Fjord is a small stocky horse with a dun coat, who is used to living outdoors in a cold Scandinavian environment.

Fjords have zebra marks on their limbs and a mule stripe on their back. The Fjord pony blood has provided a homogenous appearance to the Henson breed, whilst saddle horse blood has added size and provided a more sprightly nature.

Henson Population & Area of Breeding

There are about 750 Henson horses officially registered in France of which around 350 are in the Bay of the Somme area.

Henson Uses

The Henson horse was bred for outdoor leisure riding. His qualities are numerous: calm, easy to handle yet quick to react and with a lot of stamina.

Henson Conformation

• Average sized head.
• Relatively straight nose, often slightly concave.
• Finely shaped eyes, lined with black.
• Large, rounded lower jaw.
• Thick neck, large at the base and becoming finer towards the head.
• Discreet withers.
• Long and straight shoulders.
• Limbs with short, strong joints.
• Strong articulations.
• Generally compact horses, despite a long backline for some individuals.

*References:
- Terre Henson