Horse breeds / Barraquand horse
Photo: Michael Barbereau WMFr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Barraquand horse
The Barraquand is a French draft-type horse from the southwest of France, developed in the Pyrenean foothills region around the Hautes-Pyrénées and Gers. It was bred as a practical working animal for farm labor, carting and light draft work, with a sturdy build suited to rough terrain.
Barraquands are known for a calm, willing temperament and a steady, economical way of moving. They tend to be patient and easy to handle, which makes them a sensible choice for owners who want a sturdy, good-natured horse for trail riding or light work rather than fast-paced competition. Their size and build make them comfortable for many adult riders.
Day to day, a Barraquand does best with regular turnout, consistent handling and steady work that keeps it fit without overloading the body. They are happiest with companionship, whether a herd or a steady stable mate, and they respond well to a predictable routine.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, light driving
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 59–63 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 50 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | France |
Barraquands are easy keepers, so monitor weight and pasture intake carefully from the start.
Living with a Barraquand horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Barraquand typically benefits from roughly 45 to 60 minutes of ridden or in-hand work most days, mixed with daily turnout. Too little work can lead to weight gain and stiffness, while overly intense schedules may strain a horse that is not yet conditioned.
Grooming
The coat is typically short to medium and needs regular brushing to keep it clean and healthy. Mane and tail should be detangled gently and kept tidy. Feathering, where present, should be brushed and kept dry. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing, and clipping is usually only needed for horses in
At home
Barraquands are generally hardy and cope well with outdoor living, so turnout with suitable shelter is usually preferable to full stabling. They do well in a herd, where they can show natural social behavior. Many are easy keepers, so pasture and forage should be monitored closely to avoid excess weight.
Training
Barraquands tend to learn calmly and respond well to consistent, patient handling. They are most at home on trail, in light driving and in general riding work, and they can be trained for basic dressage or ranch-style tasks. A green horse of this breed is often steady and willing, though it may need time to build strength and confidence.
Health
Like many easy-keeping draft-type horses, the Barraquand may be prone to weight-related conditions such as laminitis and metabolic issues. Owners should ask a veterinarian about breed-specific risks and appropriate monitoring. Regular farrier and veterinary care are important for keeping the horse healthy.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Obesity-related conditions
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Barraquand 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 Barraquand 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 Barraquand horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Barraquand horses and Barraquand horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Barraquand horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Barraquand horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, sturdy horse for trail riding
- Yes if you enjoy steady, patient work over speed
- Yes if you can manage feed carefully for an easy keeper
- Think twice if you want a fast, athletic competition horse
- Think twice if you have little time for daily turnout and work
Questions owners ask
Is the Barraquand good for beginners?
Many Barraquands have a calm, steady temperament that suits capable beginners, especially on trail. Look for a horse with a proven record and have it assessed by an experienced instructor.
How much does a Barraquand cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, and region. Because this is a less common breed outside France, expect to search specialist sellers and factor in transport costs.
How tall is a Barraquand horse?
Adults typically stand around 150 to 160 centimetres at the withers, roughly 14.2 to 15.3 hands. Individual horses can vary.
How long do Barraquand horses live?
With good care, Barraquands commonly live into their mid-to-late twenties or longer. Regular veterinary and farrier care supports a long, healthy life.
What is a Barraquand horse used for?
They are traditionally used for farm work, carting, and light draft, and are now often ridden on trail or used for light driving and general recreation.
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.