HORSE BREED: SELLE FRANCAIS

HORSE BREED

The Selle Français has a lot of style

The origins of the Selle Français, the internationally renowned French warmblood, can be traced back to an assorted collection of half-blood horses that were once scattered throughout France, writes AMANDA MAC.

With an elegant neck, muscular legs, and a strong, compact body, there’s no doubt about it: the Selle Français (literal translation ‘French saddle’) is an eye-catching horse. The breed’s sturdy conformation is further enhanced with long, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, and powerful hindquarters that contribute to their great success in the international show jumping arena.

And if good looks weren’t enough, there’s that famous French charm! They are known for their friendly, quiet, patient temperament - and yet when the need arises they show great spirit and have apparently boundless energy. Selle Français are also very athletic and are possessed of sharp intelligence, which makes them fast learners and consequently easy to train.

European heritage

France’s history for producing excellent riding horses dates as far back as the first century - so what’s the story behind this remarkable breed? Also known as the French Saddle Horse, the beginnings of the Selle Français bloodline can be traced to the 1700s when native French mares were crossbred with Norman warhorses. By the 1800s Austrian, Asian and Egyptian genes had been included in the mix, followed by Norfolk Trotters in the mid-1800s, and the final later addition of Thoroughbred blood. By the early 1900s, these crossbreds had been recognised as ‘demi-sang’, or half-blood horses, and were usually named after the many regions from which they had originated. There were however, three main types: the Anglo-Norman which hailed from the Caen area; the Vendeen from the La Roche-sur-Yon district; and from Cluny, located not too far from the centre of France, the Demi-sang du Centre (Half-blood of the Centre).

A

Meeting shifting needs

As with many continental warmbloods, the Selle Français was formalised as a breed towards the end of the 1950s as Europe was recovering from the effects of WWII. With the increase of mechanisation, there was little need for horses to work the fields, to provide transport, or to be beasts of burden. The focus had shifted to leisure and sport, and so, with the object of producing a consistently good all-round sport horse, a decision was made to unite all of France’s regional half-blood horses under one name: the Selle Français.

Initially, the wide variety of local horses - which had also been crossed with Anglo-Arabians and French Trotters - meant that the first Selle Français were far from uniform in type. However, because the Norman, and subsequently the Anglo-Norman had for many years been bred with local mares throughout

A: Galoubet A demonstrating his trademark buck.

B: A typical bay Selle Français with white leg markings.

France, the one consistent feature of all horses now included under the Selle Français banner was their sturdy confirmation, a throwback to their Norman heritage. A

Refining the breed

Over the following years, the Selle Français was gradually refined as a breed, which eventually became more standardised. The first Selle Français stud book was published in 1965, but it wasn’t until July 2003 that the Association Nationale du Selle Français (the National Association of French Saddle Horses or ANSF) became the recognised association for a horse that was fast becoming a much soughtafter and very successful competitor in international equestrian sports.

That said, due to the diversity of bloodlines in the Selle Français’ genetic make-up, set breed standards tended to be a little flexible. Although heights can range from 15.1 to 17.3 hands, most usually now stand at 16.1 to 16.3 hands. Their scale of confirmation is very similar to that of the Thoroughbred, but with more bone, a heavier build and a square frame. Many Selle Français have a large head with a slightly convex profile, and thanks to the Anglo-Norman legacy, bay or chestnut with white leg markings are the predominant colours, while grey and roan are less common. However, any solid colour is acceptable.

An enviable reputation

From western trail horse to endurance, the multi-talented Selle Français excels in most disciplines. They have a considerable reputation as show jumpers, and are formidable contenders in international competition. A Selle Français by the name of Baloubet du Rouet was the only horse to win three consecutive show jumping World Cups (in 1998, 1999, and 2000). His equally famous sire Galoubet A, well known for his signature buck after a jump, was champion French five-year-old and champion of France in 1979. He was also placed either first or second in 19 International Grand Prix show jumping events, and was on the winning French World Cup team in 1982 at Dublin.

But aside from their very obvious claim to show jumping fame, the breed is also well-suited to cross-country and does well in the dressage arena, making it a successful eventer. And because of its good nature, patience and kindness, the Selle Français is an excellent mount for both adult and younger amateur riders.

A: Selle Français stallion at Haras du Pin, a French national stud. B: Baloubet du Rouet, winner of three consecutive show jumping World Cups.

Caring for the Selle Français

Overall, the Selle Français is usually easy to care for. Its mixed ancestry is generally thought to have contributed to its robustness, which is more pronounced than in many other European breeds. As youngsters they’re fairly slow to mature, and will continue to grow well into their fifth year. They tend to be remarkably sound, a great advantage given their exceptional abilities as show jumpers. However, this hardiness should never be taken for granted. If you are jumping your Selle Français, err on the side of caution and use leg protection to guard against splints, as well as tendon and suspensory injuries. Although the Selle Français does not usually develop health problems, care should be taken to avoid ailments such as laminitis and colic. Overfeeding is definitely not recommended, as this breed is a fairly easy keeper. And finally (but no less important to their well-being) the Selle Français like to participate in activities that allow them to use that sharp intelligence – languishing idly in a stall is simply not their style. They are also gregarious by nature. They love human company just as much as they enjoy shooting the breeze with their equine friends, so be sure that they have the opportunity to enjoy plenty of both.

B