The Trait du Nord originated in France. The Trait du Nord owes much to the influence of the Belgian Draft, the Boulonnais, and the mostly to the Ardennes, and is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a branch of the Ardennes breed. The studbook for the Trait du Nord was established in 1919, and the breed enjoyed a brief period of popularity before its decline.
Trait du Nord Population & Evolution
The Trait du Nord population began its decline not long after World War I, but farmers in northern France have managed to keep this hardy and gentle breed from completely disappearing. There are only about 30 registered stallions and brood mares, and even though there have been contributions to help improve the breed, its future is uncertain.
Trait du Nord Area of Breeding
Today, although bred in the area around Lille, in the Pas-de-Calais, the Aisne, the Somme and the Seine-et-Marne departments, the breed is declining in numbers.
Trait du Nord Uses
Today the breed is used in a variety of situations, including farm work and timber haulage, as well as recreational activities, both in harness pulling assorted horse-drawn vehicles, and under saddle for trekking. They are ideally suited to work in hilly and rough terrain.
Trait du Nord Conformation
They have a heavy head set on a short, muscular neck. The chest is broad and deep, the shoulders sloping and muscular, flattish withers, a short, straight back, and extremely muscular hindquarters. The legs are short and strong with well-formed joints, good feet, and feathering. They are bay or roan in color, and stand at between 15.2 and 16.2 hh.
*References:
- The Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Tamsin Pickeral.
