Horse breeds / French Trotter
Photo: Clément Gruin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
French Trotter
The French Trotter, known in France as the Trotteur Français, was developed in the nineteenth century from a mix of Norfolk Trotter, Anglo-Norman and other trotting bloodlines, with the aim of producing a fast, sound harness horse. It was bred mainly for harness racing and as a driving horse for the roads and carriage work in France. Over time the breed became the principal trotting horse of French racing and remains one of the most important harness breeds in Europe.
French Trotters are typically tall, athletic horses with a long, efficient stride and a calm, willing manner. They are generally honest and forward-going, which suits experienced riders and those interested in driving or sport. Their size and power can feel big for a complete beginner, so a first-time owner should look for a well-started individual with a steady temperament.
Day to day, a French Trotter needs regular turnout, consistent work and plenty of company, as they are social animals. Their athletic build means they benefit from a structured routine of exercise, and they do best when their feeding and conditioning are matched to their workload.
Good for: Experienced riders, driving and harness sport
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1058–1235 lb |
| Height | 62–67 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | France |
Choose a well-started, calm individual, since their size and forward energy can overwhelm a first-time owner.
Living with a French Trotter
Exercise
A healthy adult French Trotter in regular use typically needs daily ridden or in-hand work, along with turnout to stay sound and settled. With too little exercise they can become fizzy, bored or overweight, and their energy may come out as unwanted behavior.
Grooming
The coat is usually short and fine, needing only regular brushing to stay tidy. Mane and tail are generally manageable, and feathering is not a feature of this breed. Hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule, and clipping is needed only for horses in heavy work over winter.
At home
French Trotters adapt well to a range of climates and are generally hardy. Most do well with daily turnout, ideally in a group, and they cope with stabling as long as they have good ventilation and regular exercise. Because they are often athletic and active, many are moderate to hard keepers and need feed matched carefully to their work. Ask a vet or nutritionist for an individual plan.
Training
French Trotters are generally quick to learn and respond well to clear, consistent handling. They excel in harness racing and driving, and they can also be suited to trail, dressage and eventing with good training. A green French Trotter should be expected to need patience and a gradual build-up of work, especially if it has come from a racing background.
Health
Like many athletic horses, French Trotters can be prone to musculoskeletal strain and soundness issues related to work. Ask a vet about breed-specific concerns and a suitable preventive health plan for your individual horse.
- Musculoskeletal strain
- Laminitis
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a French Trotter
Forage and water, adult
17–29 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1058–1235 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
$3,200–$5,400
Hay about $2,015, 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 French Trotter 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.
Recent research
DMRT3 gene variations in horse breeds selected for gaited movement - established research and novel findings
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2026
Paternal determinants of Offspring Sex Ratio in horses: A retrospective analysis of stallion breed, age, and breeding method
Animal reproduction science · 2026
The Genetic Diversity of Stallions of Different Breeds in Russia
Genes · 2023
Veterinary papers that mention the breed, from PubMed.
Rescue a French Trotter
Shelters and breed rescues list French Trotters and French Trotter mixes every week. Search adoptable French Trotters on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a French Trotter right for you?
- Yes if you want a forward, athletic horse for driving or competition
- Yes if you have experience handling a tall, energetic horse
- Yes if you can offer a consistent daily work routine
- Think twice if you are a complete beginner looking for a very quiet ride
- Think twice if you have limited time for regular exercise and turnout
Questions owners ask
Is the French Trotter good for beginners?
Generally, no. They are athletic and forward, so they suit experienced riders. A beginner should look for an older, well-schooled, calm individual with an experienced trainer.
How much does a French Trotter cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, pedigree and region. Racing-bred or well-trained horses can cost considerably more than unstarted youngsters.
How tall is a French Trotter?
They typically stand around 158 to 170 cm at the withers, which is roughly 15.2 to 16.3 hands.
How long do French Trotters live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid to late twenties, similar to many other riding and driving breeds.
What are French Trotters used for?
They are mainly used for harness racing and driving, and are also ridden in sport and recreational riding.
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.