Horse breeds / Selle Français
Photo: Clément Bucco-Lechat · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Selle Français
The Selle Français is France's principal sport horse, developed over the twentieth century from a mix of local French saddle horses and imported Thoroughbred and Anglo-Arab blood. Breeders aimed for a powerful, athletic horse that could excel in show jumping, eventing and dressage, and the breed has become one of the most successful jumping breeds in the world.
Selle Françaises are known for a bold, forward, and generous way of going, with good scope over fences and a willingness to work. Most are sensible and trainable, though they are not especially soft; a confident rider who sets clear expectations will get the best from them. They are better suited to riders with some experience than to complete beginners, given their size and power.
Day to day, they need regular turnout with other horses, consistent schooling, and a steady routine. They are happiest with purposeful work and good company, and they do best with a balanced diet matched to their workload.
Good for: Experienced riders, show jumping, eventing, dressage
| Size | large |
| Weight | 1241 lb |
| Height | 65–67 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | France |
Selle Françaises are powerful and forward, so first-time owners should plan for experienced guidance and a structured training program.
Living with a Selle Français
Exercise
Most Selle Françaises need five to six days of work per week, mixing flatwork, jumping and hacking to keep both body and mind engaged. They also need daily turnout to stay sound and content. Too little work often shows up as excess energy, tension, or boredom under saddle.
Grooming
Their short, glossy coat needs regular brushing, and they shed moderately as the seasons change. Manes and tails are usually fine and need only light attention. Hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule, and clipping is often needed for horses in heavy work over winter.
At home
Selle Françaises are hardy and generally adapt well to either turnout or stabling, though they benefit from daily time outdoors with company. They cope well with most climates when given shelter and a sensible rug in cold weather. Their size and athletic build mean they often need more feed than smaller breeds, so they are usually moderate to average keepers rather than easy ones.
Training
Selle Françaises learn quickly and respond well to clear, consistent schooling. They are especially suited to show jumping, eventing and dressage, and many also work well in hunter classes. A green horse of this breed will usually be forward and willing but may need time to build strength and balance before tackling bigger jumps or advanced movements.
Health
Like many sport horses, Selle Françaises can be prone to orthopedic issues such as joint problems, and they are not usually known for a specific inherited condition that affects the whole breed. Ask a veterinarian to advise on screening and on care suited to the individual horse, especially before purchase.
- Joint and orthopedic problems
- Laminitis
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Selle Français
Forage and water, adult
19–31 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 1241–1241 lb, and 11–20 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,400–$5,650
Hay about $2,190, 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 Selle Français 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 Selle Français
Shelters and breed rescues list Selle Françaiss and Selle Français mixes every week. Search adoptable Selle Françaiss on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Selle Français right for you?
- Yes if you want a bold, athletic jumper with real scope.
- Yes if you enjoy structured schooling and regular competition goals.
- Yes if you have the experience to handle a forward, powerful horse.
- Think twice if you are a complete beginner looking for a quiet first horse.
- Think twice if you want a low-maintenance horse with a small feed budget.
Questions owners ask
Are Selle Français good for beginners?
Generally not for complete beginners. They are powerful and forward-going, so they suit riders with solid experience or a trainer's guidance.
How tall is a Selle Français?
Most stand roughly 160 to 170 centimetres at the withers, which is about 16 to 16.3 hands, making them a large horse.
How long do Selle Français live?
With good care, they typically live into their mid to late twenties, and many remain active in sport well into their teens.
What are Selle Français used for?
They are mainly used for show jumping, eventing and dressage, and they are among the most successful sport horse breeds internationally.
Are Selle Français easy keepers?
They are usually moderate keepers. Their athletic build and workload mean they often need more feed than smaller, easier breeds.
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.