Auvergne

The Auvergne horse, or cheval d'Auvergne, is a small French mountain horse from the Auvergne region of the Massif Central. It descends from local saddle and farm horses used on volcanic uplands, where strength, balance, and thrift mattered more than size. The modern breed is compact, dark-coated in many lines, deep-bodied, and sure-footed, with enough bone for trail riding, light driving, and traditional rural work. After major decline in the twentieth century, it has been rebuilt through regional conservation and breed association efforts.

Auvergne horses are often kept for trekking, low-key farm use, equestrian tourism, and leisure riding on uneven ground. Their hardy background makes them efficient on pasture, but easy keepers still need weight control, mineral balance, and hoof care rather than unlimited rich grass. Because numbers are limited, breeding choices are part of stewardship as well as personal preference. Foal identification, avoiding close inbreeding, and maintaining the practical mountain type are important for people working with the breed.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White