|
The Poitevin, also called Mulassier ("mule-breeder"), Poitevin Mulassier or Trait Mulassier is a draft horse from the Poitou area of France. It is a late-maturing breed with strong bones, known for its calm nature. It is found in many solid coat colors, the result of crossbreeding with several other European draft breeds throughout its history, and is the only French draft horse to be found in bay dun. Today, Poitevins are used mainly for driving, although some are used for riding and equine therapy. Enthusiasts claim descent from the horses painted on the cave walls of Lascaux, though this has not been verified by scientific studies. Horses have been recorded in the area since at least the 10th century, and the regional type was preferred by magistrates and clergy in medieval times. The Poitevin breed as it is known today began to take shape in the early 17th century, as engineers began draining the French marshes and brought with them their draft horses, which were crossed with native horses. Since early in its history, the Poitevin has been used extensively for the breeding of mules, and although commonly called a draft horse, was not favored for agricultural purposes. During the 19th century, the population of the Poitevin increased, reaching 50,000 pure and crossbred mares by 1867. Crossbreeding with other draft breeds led to concerns about the purity of the Poitevin population, but a small group of breeders worked to preserve the remaining purebred population. A studbook was created for the breed in 1884, and was closed in 1922. A breeders' association was created in 1923. The first half of the 20th century saw declining populations of horses and mules due to increased mechanization, and, by 1945, Poitevin breeding was oriented towards the production of meat. The population dropped precipitously, and between 1970 and 1990 varied between 250 and 300 animals, with still lower levels seen in the early 1990s. A genetic study released in 1994 showed genetic bottlenecking and a severe risk of inbreeding, and led to the establishment of a conservation plan. Despite a slight increase in popularity at the beginning of the 21st century, the Poitevin is still in danger of extinction, with a slightly downward-trending population. ==Characteristics== The body of the Poitevin is slender for a heavy horse and longer than other French draft breeds. It stands high,〔Bataille, 2008, p. 175〕 with stallions averaging and mares 15.3 hands.〔 The heavy clay and rich minerals of its homeland help it to develop strong bones,〔〔 and it is late to reach physical maturity, generally around 6 to 7 years. The head is long and strong, with a convex profile〔 and thick, long ears.〔 The neck is long and the shoulders are sloping. The chest is broad and deep, the withers prominent, the back long and broad,〔 and the hindquarters strong. The legs are well developed and powerful,〔 with large joints.〔 The Poitevin has large hooves, an advantage in wet environments, as an adaptation to the alternately hard and waterlogged marshes upon which it developed.〔 The lower legs are well feathered,〔 and the mane and tail are long and thick.〔〔Bataille, 2008, p. 177〕 The Poitevin is gentle, calm〔 and robust.〔 Historically the breed has been known for its slow movement and disinterest in pulling, although it can produce significant power if necessary.〔Biteau, 1997, p. 17〕 The breed enjoys human contact, and shows intelligence, although it can also be stubborn. Prolonged effort is its weak point, as the Poitevin sometimes lack endurance.〔 The Poitevin is found in a wide variety of colors, which are partly the result of the many breeds that influenced it.〔 It is the only French draft horse that can be found in bay dun,〔 a tan body color with black mane and tail and primitive markings. This color likely comes from the Spanish horses that influenced the Flemish horses that later contributed to the breeding of the Poitevin.〔 The most popular colors are pure black and seal brown (the latter called black pangaré by the breed registry, although these horses are genetically brown, not black with pangaré markings),〔 which came from the influence of Flemish and Friesian horses.〔 The breed standard accepts all colors, except for pinto and leopard spotted,〔 and it is common to see gray, bay and bay roan horses, the last probably being inherited from the Brabant breed.〔 Chestnut and chestnut roan are also seen,〔 both being a legacy of Breton crosses in the breed.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Poitevin horse」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|