It is pronounced "Sell-fron-Say" (Selle Francais)

Member Name: sweetpea01

Product:	Selle Francais
Date:	18/08/09 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Calm natured but talented horse

Disadvantages: None

When looking for my second horse I was determined I knew what I wanted in a horse, it had to be strong, trainable but with a placid, content nature. There are many breeds which have all of these qualities but there are only a few which really show they are as good as they are written on paper! The Selle Francais was a breed I looked at frequently and one which I would quite of happily of owned had I of found the right horse.

*~*~* History *~*~*

France has been producing excellent riding horses as far back as the first century. In 1066 many of its great Norman warhorses aided William the Conqueror in his invasion of England. Outcrosses of the heavy Norman warhorses became common, and by the late 1700's, they became known as the Anglo-Norman. There were two main types Anglo Normans. There were the ones used for work in harness which resembled draft horses, and a lighter type used for work under saddle, the "French Saddle Horse". These lighter types were also often used for racing.

In 1771 the world famous Saumur cavalry school opened its doors. Horses were breed to fill the growing need for a superior Cavalry force. The Napoleonic wars brought fresh equine blood from Egypt, Austria, and Asia to intermingle with the French horses. Finally, in 1836 the Ministry of Agriculture was instituted to become the governing body of the French breeders, with the responsibility to oversee the development of the breed. Norfolk Trotter blood was introduced, and this carriage horse influence is still seen today in many Selle Francais.

After World War II, the need for military horses diminished, the breeding of work horses was replaced with a tendency toward breeding sport horses for pleasure and competition. The Selle Francais was named a breed in 1958, with its first stud book published in 1965. In 2005 there were 30 stallions in North America that were approved by the North American Selle Francais Association.

*~*~* The Horse *~*~*

The Selle Francais, pronounced "Sell-fron-Say," is an important French saddle horse, whose history is long and complex. It is a product of the mixture of several diverse breeds. These include early out crossings of the heavy Norman Warhorse in the 1700's with later infusions of equine blood from Egypt, Austria, and Asia at the beginning of the 1800's, to finally the addition of Norfolk Trotter blood in the mid 1800's. It has a mixture of cavalry horse, saddle horse, and a fine carriage horse in its making. Named a breed in 1958, the first stud book for the Selle Francais was published in 1965.

Today this breed is used primarily for jumping. A powerful mover, the Selle Francais is fast, bold, and very trainable. It is a formidable contender in international competition at show jumping. It also does equally well in the cross country field as well as making a good quality dressage horse. Good natured and trainable, this horse is an excellent mount for amateur riders looking to further their education in the equestrian arts.

The Selle Francais are a light horse breed. Light horse breeds generally weigh under 1,500 pounds. They are typically used as riding horses for leisure and trail riding. Being agile and swift, many are also used on the racetrack, in the show ring, and for work on the ranch. The horse class the Selle Francais primarily fits into is the 'hunter' type class as it is strong in show jumping, in the cross country field, and also has talent for dressage and three day eventing.

*~*~* Description *~*~*

The Selle Francais generally stand between 16 and 17.2hh (hands high). Their scale of confirmation is similar to that of the Thoroughbred, however with more bone and a somewhat heavier build. Many of these horses have a large head with a somewhat convex profile. They stand with a square frame, and have powerful hindquarters for jumping. Any solid colour is allowable. Chestnut is the most common colour; however bay, roan and gray are also seen regularly.

*~*~* Horse Care and Feeding *~*~*

This breed is a fairly good doer, so overfeeding should be avoided. They do well on alfalfa and hay, with mix and mineral supplements as needed. They are outgoing and social, and love to be allowed to interact with other horses; and do well in a stable with adequate exercise, or in a pasture setting.

Like with most horses the diet is essential to keep balanced. During the winter and summer months you will really need to keep an eye on the diet as generally in the summer horses require less feeding and more in the winter.

*~*~* Disciplines *~*~*

Bred primarily for jumping, the Selle Francais does equally well in the show jumping arena or in the cross country field. They also make good quality dressage horses. Known for their amiable personality, they make good amateur mounts for just about any discipline, from dressage to endurance. Their patience and kindness make them a good lesson horse for adults and children alike.

*~*~* Common Health Problems *~*~*

The Selle Francais is generally an easy to care for breed, with little inclination for unsoundness or health problems. The mixed ancestry seems to make it somewhat hardier than that of many other European warmblood breeds, but the usual precautions should be taken to avoid laminitis and colic. You should make sure that when you own and exercise a big horse that the joints and muscles are properly cared for as when horses get older these are generally the first things that start to affect their health.

The Selle Francais tends to be exceedingly sound, which understandably makes for excellent jumping prospects. Care should be used to avoid exploiting their hardiness. I personally recommend to all that ride and own horses to protect their horses legs at all times when riding so I would advise that brushing boots or tendon boots are worn when riding at any discipline.

They are fairly slow to mature, and will grow well into their fifth year.

*~*~* Availability *~*~*

There are many excellent Selle Francais crosses available in both North America and Europe. An internet search for Selle Francais will bring up many sale prospects, with varying price ranges based on age and training.

*~*~* My Opinion *~*~*

I really like this breed and should one of been suitable for me I probably would have had one but however it was not meant to be and I bought a German Oldenburg (William). Due to its loveable, calm nature it's hard not to like this horse. Another great point about this horse is due to its calm nature its suited to more people than a typical warmblood they are not so "hot headed" so ideal for a beginner.

Summary: A fantastic all round horse