Selle Francais Horse

In the 19th century French breeders imported English Thoroughbred and half-bred stallions to cross with their local, less refined mares. The main breeding areas were the government stud farms of Saint Lô and Le Pin in the Normandy. Two important horse lines developed, a fast trotter and the Anglo Norman. The Anglo Norman provided the basis for the Selle Français which was also influenced by local saddle horses including the Vendeen, Charollais, Limousin, Corlais, Angevin, Angonin and Charentais. At first the breed was known as Cheval de Selle Français, the name was changed to Selle Français in 1958 and in 1965 the first stud book was published. To produce an outstanding sports horse in a relatively short time the French graded their breeding stock by its success in competitions, choosing only the best stallions, mares and their progeny. A horse, reminiscent of the Thoroughbred, developed which is highly successful in all equestrian sports, but especially in show jumping with many famous champions including Jappeloup.