Horse breeds / Auvergne horse
Photo: Stephanemartin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Auvergne horse
The Auvergne horse comes from the Auvergne region of central France, a mountainous area of volcanic plateaus and farmland. It was developed over centuries as a versatile working horse, bred to pull carts and farm implements, carry loads over rough country, and serve as a reliable mount for local farmers and travelers.
Auvergne horses are known for being sturdy, steady, and willing. They have a calm, practical temperament and a solid, rhythmic way of moving that suits long days on the trail. They can be a good choice for beginners who want a dependable, uncomplicated partner, though a new owner should still have experienced guidance for training and handling.
Day to day, an Auvergne horse does best with regular turnout, consistent work, and the company of other horses. Routine matters to them, and they settle well with a predictable schedule of feeding, exercise, and grooming that keeps both body and mind occupied.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, and farm work
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 59–63 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | France |
Watch feed carefully, since Auvergnes can gain weight easily on rich pasture and hay.
Living with a Auvergne horse
Exercise
Auvergne horses need regular riding or in-hand work several days a week, along with daily turnout to stay fit and content. Too little movement can lead to weight gain and boredom, which may show up as restlessness or stiffness when work resumes.
Grooming
Auvergne horses have a dense, weather-resistant coat that needs regular brushing to keep clean. Their mane and tail are usually kept tidy with gentle detangling. Hooves need trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, and clipping is only needed for horses worked hard through winter.
At home
Auvergne horses handle a range of climates and generally cope well outdoors with shelter and access to forage. Turnout is preferable to long periods of stabling. They do best in a herd, where they can socialize. Most are fairly easy keepers, so feed should be monitored closely to avoid excess weight, and good-quality hay makes up the core of the diet.
Training
Auvergne horses tend to learn steadily and calmly, responding well to patient, consistent handling. They are well suited to trail riding, driving, and general riding work. A green horse of this breed usually takes its time to build strength and confidence, so expect gradual progress rather than quick results.
Health
Like many easy-keeping horses, Auvergnes can be prone to weight-related issues such as laminitis if their diet is not managed carefully. Breed-specific conditions are not well documented, so please ask a veterinarian about screening and care based on your individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Obesity
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Auvergne horse
Forage and water, adult
17–28 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1213 lb, and 10–18 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,150–$5,350
Hay about $1,971, 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 Auvergne 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 Auvergne horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Auvergne horses and Auvergne horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Auvergne horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Auvergne horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, dependable all-round horse
- Yes if you enjoy long, steady trail rides
- Yes if you have space for turnout and a herd setting
- Think twice if you want a fast, showy performance horse
- Think twice if you are prone to overfeeding an easy keeper
Questions owners ask
Is the Auvergne horse good for beginners?
Many find it suitable because of its steady, calm temperament. A beginner should still have experienced help with training, handling, and daily care.
How tall is an Auvergne horse?
Adults typically stand around 150 to 160 centimetres at the withers, which is roughly 15 to 16 hands.
How long do Auvergne horses live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid-twenties or thirties, though individual lifespans vary.
What are Auvergne horses used for?
They are used for trail riding, driving, farm work, and general riding, valued for their reliability and sturdiness.
Are Auvergne horses easy keepers?
Yes, most are easy keepers, so their diet and pasture access should be monitored to prevent excess weight.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.