Horses in Normandy have a clear economic importance, particularly through breeding. Present since the Bronze Age, horse breeding developed with the establishment of the Haras du Pin stud farm. Horses are still a very much alive tradition in this region. Normandy boasts a number of renowned racecourses, in particular the one in Deauville, where events take place regularly, including international ones such as the 2014 World Equestrian Games.
Horse-drawn carriage show at the Haras du Pin.
Draft horse in Caen, 1944.
Horse breeding is reproduction in horses, and particularly the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed. Planned matings can be used to produce specifically desired characteristics in domesticated horses. Furthermore, modern breeding management and technologies can increase the rate of conception, a healthy pregnancy, and successful foaling.
Stallion checking a mare in estrus. The mare welcomes the stallion by lowering her rear and lifting her tail.
A mare in the early stages of labor
A foal with its mother, or dam
A stallion with a proven competition record is one criterion for being a suitable sire.
