Horse breeds / Augeron horse
Horse breed
Augeron horse
The Augeron is a draft horse from the Augeron region of Normandy and Poitou-Charentes in western France, a landscape of marshes, farmland and coastal plains. It was developed to work the heavy fields and carry farm loads, and for much of its history it served as a dependable agricultural and cart horse rather than a riding animal.
As an owner, the Augeron is a calm, steady and willing partner. Its size makes it impressive to handle, and it is best suited to experienced handlers who are comfortable managing a large, powerful horse. Its way of going is slow and deliberate, more suited to walking and light driving than to fast or athletic riding, and it is not a typical choice for a beginner rider.
Day to day, the Augeron needs regular turnout to move and graze, along with consistent handling and some regular work to stay fit and content. It thrives on routine and benefits from companionship with other horses, and its considerable size means it requires generous space, sturdy fencing and a balanced diet to keep it comfortable.
Good for: Experienced handlers, driving, light draft work
| Size | giant |
| Weight | 1576 lb |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | France |
Augerons are large, powerful horses, so first-time owners should get experienced guidance before committing to one.
Living with a Augeron horse
Exercise
Augerons benefit from regular daily work, typically walking or light driving, combined with turnout for free movement. Too little exercise can lead to weight gain and stiffness, particularly given their large frame.
Grooming
Augerons have a thick coat that needs regular brushing, especially during heavy seasonal shedding. Their mane and tail should be kept clean and detangled. Their large hooves need regular trimming or shoeing, and clipping is optional, usually only needed for horses that are worked hard in winter.
At home
Augerons do best with generous daily turnout, since their size and weight make them need room to move. They are generally hardy and cope well with outdoor living in most climates, with a sturdy shelter for bad weather. They are happiest with equine company. Because of their large body size, they usually need substantial feed, so they are generally not considered easy keepers and require careful forage-based nutrition.
Training
The Augeron is known for a patient, willing temperament, which makes it a cooperative learner once trust is built. It is best suited to driving, light draft work and steady trail or hacking rather than advanced dressage or jumping. A green Augeron will likely progress slowly and needs consistent, calm groundwork before taking on any significant load or harness work.
Health
Like many large draft breeds, Augerons may be prone to conditions associated with heavy body weight, such as laminitis and issues related to hoof and joint health. Breed-specific health concerns are not widely documented, so ask a veterinarian for guidance on screening and care.
- Laminitis
- Hoof and joint problems
- Metabolic issues
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Augeron horse
Forage and water, adult
24–39 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1576–1576 lb, and 14–25 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,950–$6,450
Hay about $2,759, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Augeron horse is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Augeron horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Augeron horses and Augeron horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Augeron horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Augeron horse right for you?
- Yes if you have experience handling large, heavy horses
- Yes if you want a calm, patient animal for driving or light work
- Yes if you have space and sturdy fencing for a big horse
- Think twice if you want a fast, athletic riding horse
- Think twice if you are a beginner looking for an easy first horse
Questions owners ask
Is the Augeron good for beginners?
Usually not as a first horse. Its size and strength call for experienced handling, so a beginner should work with a knowledgeable trainer or choose a smaller, quieter breed.
How tall is an Augeron?
Augerons are a giant draft breed, so they stand considerably taller than most riding horses. Ask a breeder or registry for exact measurements of a specific horse.
How long do Augerons live?
Life span is not something I can state with confidence for this breed. A veterinarian can advise on expected longevity based on the horse's health and care.
What are Augerons used for?
Augerons were traditionally used for farm work, carting and light draft. Today they are mainly kept for driving, light work and as companions.
Are Augerons easy keepers?
No, their large size generally means they need substantial feed, so they are not considered easy keepers and need careful forage-based management.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.