History and Genetics: The Canadian Horse ancestry travels back to the 17th century Canada and the French Royal Stables of Brittany and Normandy; “Little Iron Horse”.

During the early settlement of America the breed played a major part in “horse power” and helped found the Morgan Horse breed. The American Civil War took its toll on the Canadian Horse, to the point of near extinction. It has been a trying and difficult journey for the breed to established ground, by the 1970’s an estimated 400 were recorded.

Canadian breeders were determined to save the breed and the Canadian Horse is slowly coming back. The breed coloring is solid and predominantly black. Averaging 14-16 hands, the breed is athletic, “big hearted”, kind, has well developed muscles, good bone, and born with a thick mane and tail. In 2002 the Canadian Horse was appointed the National horse of Canada.

Current Global Population: 6,000
North American Population: 400
Global Breeding Activity: Approx. unknown
EST Forecast: THREATENED
With global breeding activity depressed, more effort is needed between breeders and registries.