Breed history
Originally from France, the French Trotter is a direct descendant of the Anglo-Norman horse, mainly used for driving.
Initially, the French Trotter was selected in the military and transport sectors. Breeders have sought to choose horses that are robust and able to travel long distances without becoming unduly tired. Norman horses were then crossed with English Thoroughbreds and Arabian Thoroughbreds, producing fast, lively, and calm foals.
Present in trotting races since 1836, the French Trotters are all descended from 5 great stallions, namely Conquérant, Lavater, Normand, Niger and Phaëton. They were first used in mounted trotting races before harness racing after the First World War. In France, it was in 1873 that the French Trotter took part in the first races, which were then held in the Bois de Boulogne.
