Canadian Heritage Horse

Tweet

If you could be a horse what breed would you be?I would be very happy indeed, to be, without a doubt, a Canadian; Canada's official National Heritage Horse. Affectionately known as, "The Little Iron Horse". This is a reference that characterizes the many qualities I believe, that are also shared with the history and people of Canada. The Historian Etienne Faillon, who lived in the 18th century described the Canadian horse by saying, "small but robust hocks of steel, thick mane floating in the wind; bright lively eyes, pricking senstive ears at the least noise, going along day and night with the same courage, wide awake beneath its harness; spirited, good, gentle, affectionate. following his road with the finest instinct to come surely to his stable."My love and deep appreciation for the Canadian horse first began in 1994, where I was living and studying on a working horse farm, when during my many hours of class time I discovered a very enlightening article explaining in detail, the history of how the Canadian horse came to Canada, via King Louis the X1V, from his Royal Stables in France. Our Canadian horse was bred directly from the Breton and Norman horse. I'd also learned the Andalusian, Friesian, the Arab and t Barb; all breeds I was very drawn to because of their beauty, intelligence, conformation and fine qualities that were all closely related and found in the Canadian horse. The Little Iron Horse was used as breeding stock for the Morgan, Tennesse Walking Horse, and many other well known breeds. I suddenly found the horse I had been searching for and never imagined that horse would be in Canada. What more could I want in an equine, then a kind, even loving temperment, gentle and highspirited, great legs, good feet, and an easy keeper. The Canadian is very adapted to our environment. They are very versatile, in every discipline, have great endurance, with a keen intelligence;simply a very handsome and strong conformation with a good barrel. The Canadian horse came to Canada long before we were even Canadian; brought from France, surviving an arduous and dangerous sea voyage, with many horses loosing there lives. King Louis X1V wanted his French settlers to be able, through the strong constitution and very willing spirit of the, " e petit chevel de fer", to clear the land. The horse toiled day and night with back breaking work, enduring adverse and bitter weather conditions and extreme hardship, without adequate food or forage. Canadian's were known to out live the large Draft Horses. Fortunately, with the dedication and hard work of many, and the establishment of the Canadian Horse Breeders Association, in 1895, the breed was increased and saved from near extinction. As an Artist, I believe it is incumbent, that I do what I can, to share this important part of our history and culture with others. In particular with my fellow Canadian citizens. Our national Canadian Heritage Horse was the backbone of our country, and did much to define our Canadian identity. The Canadian horse did just about everything, from clearing the land for agriculture, logging, transportation and entertainment for the family. I am of the opinion the Canadian horse needs to be preserved, protected and upheld as a tangible, real expression of our history and a very large part of who we are, as a Canadian people. The Canadian National Heritage Horse, our Little Iron Horse, should truly be considered one of the Seven Wonders Of The World.