Horse breeds / Cauchois horse
Photo: Théodore Géricault · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Cauchois horse
The Cauchois is a heavy draft horse from the Pays de Caux in Normandy, in northwestern France. It was developed as a farm and cart horse, hauling loads, working fields, and supporting the agricultural economy of the region. Its strength and steady nature made it well suited to the demanding work of the Norman countryside.
Cauchois horses are known for a calm, willing temperament and a sturdy, steady way of going. They are generally patient and sensible, which makes them approachable for owners who want a gentle working horse rather than a fast or flashy one. Their size and weight mean they need experienced handling, so they are usually a better match for owners comfortable with draft horses than for complete beginners.
Day to day, a Cauchois needs regular turnout, daily handling, and enough work to keep its muscles and mind engaged. Companionship matters, as with most horses, and a well-kept Cauchois thrives on routine and consistent care.
Good for: Experienced owners, draft and farm work, calm trail riding
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1543–1984 lb |
| Height | 61–67 in |
| Life span | 20–25 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | France |
Cauchois horses are large and strong, so first-time owners should gain hands-on experience with draft breeds before taking one on.
Living with a Cauchois horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Cauchois typically needs daily turnout plus regular ridden or driven work several times a week. Without enough movement, it can become overweight, stiff, and bored, which may lead to weight gain and reduced fitness.
Grooming
The Cauchois has a thick coat that sheds heavily in spring. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy. Mane and tail should be detangled regularly, and feathers, if present, need cleaning to prevent skin issues. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing, depending on workload a
At home
Cauchois horses are hardy and handle cold weather well, so many do comfortably in turnout year-round with adequate shelter. They generally do well in a herd and enjoy the company of other horses. Their feed needs are moderate, and many are fairly easy keepers, though body condition should be monitored. A good forage-based diet with appropriate supplementation usually suits them.
Training
Cauchois horses learn at a steady pace and respond well to consistent, patient handling. They have traditionally been used for draft and farm work and can be trained for driving, light pulling, and general riding. A green Cauchois is typically calm and willing but will take time to build strength and balance, so expect gradual progress and plan training around its physical development.
Health
Like many heavy horses, Cauchois can be prone to conditions linked to weight and metabolism, including laminitis. Owners should monitor body condition and diet closely. Ask your veterinarian about breed-specific screening and an appropriate health plan for your horse.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic issues
- Joint stress
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Cauchois horse
Forage and water, adult
26–44 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1543–1984 lb, and 16–28 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$4,250–$6,900
Hay about $3,066, 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 Cauchois 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 Cauchois horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Cauchois horses and Cauchois horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Cauchois horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Cauchois horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, steady horse for driving or light work
- Yes if you have experience handling heavy or draft breeds
- Think twice if you want a fast or athletic performance horse
- Think twice if you are a complete beginner with limited handling skills
- Yes if you have space for turnout and a patient, routine-based approach
Questions owners ask
Is the Cauchois good for beginners?
Usually not as a first horse. Its size and strength call for experienced handling, though its calm temperament helps once you know what you are doing.
How tall is a Cauchois horse?
Adults typically stand about 155 to 170 centimetres at the withers, roughly 15 to 16.5 hands, making them a substantial heavy horse.
How long do Cauchois horses live?
Cauchois horses often live around 20 to 25 years with good care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.
What are Cauchois horses used for?
They were bred for farm and cart work and are used today for driving, light draft, and calm riding, especially by owners who value a steady horse.
Are Cauchois horses easy keepers?
Many are fairly easy keepers, so diet should be managed carefully to prevent weight gain and metabolic problems such as laminitis.
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.