The Selle Francais
OverviewCountry of Origin: France
Date Founded: 1958 The Selle Francais is a sport horse known primarily for its successes in show jumping, although its athleticism and movement also make it competitive in eventing, dressage, combined driving, and vaulting. HistoryBefore the 20th century, French saddle horses were bred primarily for war, with qualities such as courage, strength, and ease of use. As the need for war horses subsided, breeders focused on producing saddle horses for sport and leisure.
In 1958, three regional French breeds, the Anglo-Norman, Vendéen and Charolais, were combined under one stud book, known as the "Selle Français" or French Saddle Horse. The National Association of French Saddle Horses, or ANSF, was established as the official breed association in 2003. Today the Selle Francais is widely bred in France and across the world and has contributed to the Holsteiner, Oldenburg, and other European breeds. |
Rahotep de Toscane - Selle Francais
Competing in 2016 Rio Olympics, leading to a team Gold for France |
Breed Characteristics
Six words define the ideal Selle Francais: Performance, Versatility, Energy, Elegance, Strength and Intelligence. While there are no official breed standards due to the diverse origins of the breed, the Selle Francais can range from 15.1 to 17.3 hands, most commonly standing between 16.1 and 16.3 hands.
Bay and Chestnut are the most common colors, with Grey being much less common.
Bay and Chestnut are the most common colors, with Grey being much less common.
Naming Convention
Selle Francais are named according to the corresponding year below:
1995 - H
1996 - I
1997 - J
1998 - K
1999 - L
2000 - M
2001 - N
2002 - O
2003 - P
2004 - Q
2005 - R
2006 - S
2007 - T
2008 - U
2009 - V
2010 - A
2011 - B
2012 - C
2013 - D
2014 - E
2015 - F
2016 - G
2017 - H
1995 - H
1996 - I
1997 - J
1998 - K
1999 - L
2000 - M
2001 - N
2002 - O
2003 - P
2004 - Q
2005 - R
2006 - S
2007 - T
2008 - U
2009 - V
2010 - A
2011 - B
2012 - C
2013 - D
2014 - E
2015 - F
2016 - G
2017 - H
Breed Uses
The Selle Francais is recognized internationally as a top breed for showjumping and eventing. The selection criteria for the Selle Francais focuses on its jumping ability.
The Selle Francais is also competitive in Dressage, but is often overlooked for other European breeds which feature more active gaits.
The Selle Francais is also competitive in Dressage, but is often overlooked for other European breeds which feature more active gaits.