called ancient breed small riding horse southwestern france breed currently overall resembles confused common horse members breed dark bay black color modification results paler color eyes muzzle underside body today principally pleasure riding including tourism driving probably descends horses inspired era paintings found example oriental blood added later originally bred breed cavalry agriculture driving breed declined population 20th century extinct group supporters began work save breed breed association called formed breed officially recognized french government breed association regional conservation group share interest preservation breed population numbers low concern characteristics physical characteristics seen breed currently single breed members breed closely resemble enthusiasts breeding mountain horse medium size good good temperament members breed closely resemble horses horse official breed standard calls moderately long neck long sloped shoulder broad rounded muscular legs members breed branded left relative rarity physical similarities commonly confused horses range hands inches high ideal height hands inches hands inches colors allowed breed dark bay black modification results paler color eyes muzzle underside body horses color prohibited entry horses genetically tested officially determine color allowed breed considered easy keeper temperament horses sure mountain paths exhibit extended strong engagement history like french breeds probably descends horses inspired era paintings found example time blood oriental horses added breed influenced physical appearance temperament originally known horse saint town large horse fair held day saints day late nineteenth century horses known use mounts light cavalry historian president agriculture agricultural society began study breed work development native horse populations france breed originally horse agriculture cavalry pulling type carriage lack support breeding syndicate existence horse need breed declined population horses draft horses breed extinct intervention group supporters saved breed extinction formed support french government agencies stud farms annually august association holds small competition sale breed includes register horses breed officially recognized efforts small number breed enthusiasts time remained breed association changed association headquartered organization worked protect diversity animal species region committed protecting breed population numbers low majority breeders located found brittany november existing goal created breed association double number concern low population numbers national stud farm national brought help safeguard genetic resources breed uses mainly pleasure riding adapted mountainous terrain makes useful equestrian tourism area driving seen competitions logging pack horses taking food equipment mountainous areas accessible helicopter
Castillonnais