Horse breeds / Auxois
Photo: Cjp24 crop by Peli · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Auxois
The Auxois is a heavy draft horse from the Burgundy region of France, bred in the Auxois area around the town of Semur-en-Auxois. It was developed to pull heavy loads on farms and in forestry, and to serve as a powerful agricultural workhorse. Its breeding drew on local draft lines, and it became one of the recognized French heavy breeds.
Auxois are known for a calm, patient, and willing temperament, which makes them easy to handle for experienced people. Their way of going is slow, steady, and deliberate rather than quick or flashy. They are rarely chosen as riding horses, and they are not usually recommended for beginners, since their size and strength call for a handler who is comfortable working with a large, powerful animal.
Day to day, an Auxois needs regular turnout, consistent handling, and enough work to keep its muscle and condition. Because it is a heavy horse, it benefits from a steady routine, good farrier care, and companionship with other horses. Owners should plan for the space, feed, and upkeep that come with a horse of this size.
Good for: Experienced handlers, farm work, driving and draft work
| Size | giant |
| Weight | 1984 lb |
| Height | 61–67 in |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | France |
Auxois are large, powerful horses, so first-time owners should work with an experienced trainer and farrier from the start.
Living with a Auxois
Exercise
An adult Auxois in regular use typically needs around an hour or so of work each day, along with daily turnout to move freely. With too little exercise, they can become overweight, stiff, and prone to boredom, which can show up as poor condition or unwanted behavior.
Grooming
The Auxois has a dense coat that is usually bay, chestnut, or gray, and it needs regular brushing to keep it clean. Mane and tail should be brushed out and kept tidy. Feathers on the legs need regular cleaning to prevent skin problems. Hooves require regular trimming or shoeing by a farrier, and cli
At home
Auxois do best with daily turnout on pasture, with shelter from wind and rain, and stabling mainly when needed for weather or work. They are generally hardy and cope well with cold climates. They are social and do well in a herd. Because of their large size, they usually need substantial feed, so they are typically moderate-to-hard keepers that require careful management of forage and calories.
Training
Auxois learn steadily and respond well to patient, consistent handling. They are best suited to draft work, driving, and farm tasks, and they can be trained for light riding or in-hand work. A green Auxois tends to be slow to mature and needs time to build strength and balance, so early work should be gentle and progressive.
Health
Like other heavy draft breeds, Auxois can be prone to conditions linked to weight and metabolism, including laminitis. Owners should ask a veterinarian about breed-specific screening and about appropriate feeding and weight management for their individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Joint problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Auxois
Forage and water, adult
30–50 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1984–1984 lb, and 18–32 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$4,700–$7,500
Hay about $3,504, 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 Auxois 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 Auxois
Shelters and breed rescues list Auxoiss and Auxois mixes every week. Search adoptable Auxoiss on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Auxois right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, powerful horse for farm or draft work.
- Yes if you have space, feed budget, and time for a large horse.
- Yes if you enjoy slow, steady work rather than speed or jumping.
- Think twice if you want a quick, athletic riding horse.
- Think twice if you are a beginner without support from an experienced trainer.
Questions owners ask
Is the Auxois good for beginners?
Usually not on their own. Their size and strength call for an experienced handler, though their calm temperament helps. A knowledgeable trainer is strongly recommended for newcomers.
How tall is an Auxois?
Auxois typically stand around 155 to 170 cm at the withers, which is roughly 15 to 16.5 hands. Individual horses can vary somewhat.
How long do Auxois live?
Life span is not something I can state with confidence for this breed. Your veterinarian can give you a better sense based on the horse's health and care.
What are Auxois used for?
They were developed as heavy draft horses for farm work and pulling heavy loads. Today they are used for driving, draft work, and occasionally light riding or in-hand work.
Is the Auxois an easy keeper?
They are generally considered substantial eaters because of their size. Many need careful feed management to avoid weight gain, so ask a vet or nutritionist about a suitable plan.
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.