Henson horses - I'd never heard of them
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (342448)
Rockingham, Australia
April 6, 2022 9:06pm CST
I wrote about a friend who runs a trail-riding establishment. I also clicked on a random photo from our 2015 trip to Europe. The photo was of a sign which mentioned a colony of seals that frequent the Baie de Somme in the Picardy region of France. The sign also mentions Henson horses, a breed I’d never heard of so down the Google rabbit hole I went.
The Henson or Cheval de Henson was established by selective breeding in the late 20th century. The aim was to create a hardy light saddle horse suitable for pleasure riding in particular. Ecotourism was increasing and more and more people were looking to go pony-trekking and/or trail-riding.
After some experimentation, the best cross was found to be the distinctive dun-coloured Fjord and the Anglo-Arab (Thoroughbred-Arab) cross. It is slightly taller and not as heavy as the Fjord. It has great endurance and is hardy enough to live outdoors on the marshlands year-round.
The dun coat colour ranges from a dark beige to sand. There is always a dorsal stripe (you can see the dark stripe down the spine of the foal in the photo) and some have zebra-like bars on the legs. The mare in the photo has some markings on the front legs.
The mane and tail are black but might have lighter strands and white markings are frowned on. They are versatile, friendly and docile; ideal for trail-riding with inexperienced riders. However, they are also used for other pursuits.
I wonder how many more breeds I’ve never heard of.
Photo is from Wikimedia Commons, courtesy APictche
15 people like this
14 responses
@1creekgirl (41830)
• United States
7 Apr 22
That was very interesting. My sister and our daughter always loved horses, but I'm intimidated by them. The horses, not the girls, lol.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (342448)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Apr 22
Are there horse-riding establishments in your country? I'm sure there must be.
@wolfgirl569 (108757)
• Marion, Ohio
7 Apr 22
I had heard of the 2 breeds it started from. There is many many breeds I am sure
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (108757)
• Marion, Ohio
7 Apr 22
@JudyEv Some have even stopped being I am sure. I know many breeds of draft horses almost went away as farm machinery increased.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342448)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Apr 22
@wolfgirl569 I read that, at one time, there were less Suffolk Punch horses, than pandas.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342448)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Apr 22
It's an enjoyable pastime. It's been a long time since I rode a horse but I enjoy photographing them.
@snowy22315 (182736)
• United States
7 Apr 22
I only know basic breeds so probably dozens. I am always surprised when I see a new dog breed I never heard of.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (90571)
• Arvada, Colorado
7 Apr 22
I love all horses, but Palaminos are my fav
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (90571)
• Arvada, Colorado
7 Apr 22
@JudyEv I know you do Judy why I told you not that I am picky
Yes the Palominos, I have loved them since childhood.
Ill delete that noticing now
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342448)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Apr 22
Thanks for picking up the error. It's supposed to be Henson. I hate making mistakes but I'm really glad you told me about it. Palominos are beautiful, aren't they? At one time, we didn't see them too often but there are many more around now.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (81089)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
8 Apr 22
They look like very beautiful horses, I also have not heard of them, Thank you for the information,
1 person likes this
@Fleura (30544)
• United Kingdom
7 Apr 22
Never heard of those either but then of course they are pretty new. Most of my knowledge of horses comes from my childhood obsession!
I guess domestic animals are changing all the time to suit our needs. The old heavy horses are rare breeds now.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
7 Apr 22
Wow, beautiful horses!!
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (182766)
• United States
7 Apr 22
Thanks for doing the leg work for us. Interesting post and oh-so-cute picture.
1 person likes this