The Selle Français Registry
CURRENTLY ON HIATUS
BACKGROUND AND BREED STANDARDS
The Selle Français was created by crossing regional breeds with trotters, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Anglo-Arabians.
The most influential breed was the Anglo-Norman, developed in Normandy in the 19th century by crossing Norfolk Trotter, Thoroughbred, and Arabian stallions to refine the local mares (which themselves traced back to the medieval Norman war-horse). About 90 per cent of today's Selle Français trace back to this breed. Other regional breeds used to influence the Selle Français were the Charolais, Corlay, Vendee, Anjou, Ain, and Ardennes. A small number of Thoroughbred stallions influenced the breed.
The Selle Français is a naturally athletic horse with a willing attitude and a "people" personality. Generally of a strong but elegant type, the "ideal" Selle Français conformation is that of a large-boned Thoroughbred with a strong back, a long neck, an expressive head, and sturdy legs with good bone and joints. Normally in the 16.0 h - 17.0 h size range, Selle Français horses are seen in many colors, but bays and chestnuts are the most predominant.
The Selle Français excels in show jumping, but they also can be found competing successfully in dressage and eventing.
*Any Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, French Trotter, and Warmblood horse may be registered as a Facteur Selle Français, which gives them breeding approval within the Selle Français breed.
The most influential breed was the Anglo-Norman, developed in Normandy in the 19th century by crossing Norfolk Trotter, Thoroughbred, and Arabian stallions to refine the local mares (which themselves traced back to the medieval Norman war-horse). About 90 per cent of today's Selle Français trace back to this breed. Other regional breeds used to influence the Selle Français were the Charolais, Corlay, Vendee, Anjou, Ain, and Ardennes. A small number of Thoroughbred stallions influenced the breed.
The Selle Français is a naturally athletic horse with a willing attitude and a "people" personality. Generally of a strong but elegant type, the "ideal" Selle Français conformation is that of a large-boned Thoroughbred with a strong back, a long neck, an expressive head, and sturdy legs with good bone and joints. Normally in the 16.0 h - 17.0 h size range, Selle Français horses are seen in many colors, but bays and chestnuts are the most predominant.
The Selle Français excels in show jumping, but they also can be found competing successfully in dressage and eventing.
*Any Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, French Trotter, and Warmblood horse may be registered as a Facteur Selle Français, which gives them breeding approval within the Selle Français breed.
INSPECTION
The breed is not a traditional 'breed' where breed type and the right blood lines are all important. To understand their success the horse lover must understand the grading. For mares and stallions alike, competition success and the success of offspring and other relatives all influence the grading of a horse.
For ALL stallions, as well as competing mares, the following is required.
Conformation (4 photos): simple conformation shots from the front, back, left and right. Halter or rein-less bridle required. Boots are not permitted. Can be CAP images, and custom poses are allowed.
Movement (3 photos): can be under-saddle or at liberty (horse MUST be wearing halter/rein-less bridle if at liberty). No martingales or boots permitted. One shot each of the walk, trot and canter. Custom poses are allowed.
Jumping ability (2 photos): images of the horse jumping an intermediate or higher vertical and an oxer (can be a triple-bar or fan). No cavaletti's or crossrails. Martingales and boots are permitted. Custom poses are allowed.
For retired/broodmares, only the conformation shots are required.
For ALL stallions, as well as competing mares, the following is required.
Conformation (4 photos): simple conformation shots from the front, back, left and right. Halter or rein-less bridle required. Boots are not permitted. Can be CAP images, and custom poses are allowed.
Movement (3 photos): can be under-saddle or at liberty (horse MUST be wearing halter/rein-less bridle if at liberty). No martingales or boots permitted. One shot each of the walk, trot and canter. Custom poses are allowed.
Jumping ability (2 photos): images of the horse jumping an intermediate or higher vertical and an oxer (can be a triple-bar or fan). No cavaletti's or crossrails. Martingales and boots are permitted. Custom poses are allowed.
For retired/broodmares, only the conformation shots are required.