Auxois

The breed at a glance

The Auxois is renowned for its calm, gentle, and docile temperament. It is a willing, courageous horse, very close to humans, which makes it easy to handle and work with. It is also known for its patience and robustness.

Category

draft horse

Origin

France · 19th century

Height at withers

155–165 cm

Weight

700–800 kg

Lifespan

20-25 years

Common coats

chestnut, liver chestnut, roan

Disciplines

driving, agricultural work, logging

Origin and history

The Auxois is a draft horse breed originating from the Auxois region in Burgundy. Its development was influenced by crosses with northern draft horses, notably the Boulonnais and the Percheron, in the 19th century. The breed was officially recognized in 1913 with the creation of its studbook. Historically used for agricultural work and transport, it is now valued for its meat production and its use in harness.

Conformation and physique

It is a medium to large-sized draft horse, powerful and compact, with a solid bone structure and well-developed musculature. Its silhouette is harmonious, typical of heavy draft horses.

The head is expressive, medium-sized, with a straight or slightly convex profile. The forehead is broad, the eyes lively, and the ears well-set and medium-sized.

The neck is short, thick, and muscular, well-set into the shoulders. The withers are broad and not very prominent, blending smoothly into the back.

The back is short, broad, and strong, with a taut topline. The chest is deep and ample, the ribs well-sprung. The croup is broad, double, and very muscular, slightly sloped.

The limbs are short, strong, and muscular, with large, sound joints. The cannons are short and clean. The feathering is sparse. The feet are large and well-formed.

• Common coats: chestnut, liver chestnut, roan

Temperament and aptitudes

The Auxois is renowned for its calm, gentle, and docile temperament. It is a willing, courageous horse, very close to humans, which makes it easy to handle and work with. It is also known for its patience and robustness.

The gaits are ample, energetic, and regular, with good impulsion. The walk is particularly efficient and powerful, suited for draft work.

• Uses: agricultural work (historical), logging, recreational and competitive driving, meat production, green space maintenance, equestrian tourism (carriages)
• Disciplines: driving, agricultural work, logging

Feeding the Auxois

The Auxois is a draft horse with a rather efficient metabolism, capable of effectively utilizing forage. It tends to gain weight if not worked sufficiently or if its diet is too rich. A diet based on good quality forage (hay, grass) is essential. Concentrates are only necessary in cases of intense work or to compensate for a deficiency, and should be given sparingly to avoid excess weight.

Like many draft horses with an efficient metabolism, the Auxois can be predisposed to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and laminitis in cases of overfeeding or a diet too rich in sugars and starch. Careful weight monitoring and rigorous dietary management are essential to prevent these conditions.

With Equio, every feed, supplement or treat is read against the horse's real profile (age, weight, Body Condition Score, conditions) — useful for a Auxois as soon as a metabolic or digestive sensitivity is known.

Health and points to watch

Particular attention must be paid to weight management to prevent the risks of laminitis and EMS. The quality of the conformation and feet must be regularly checked to avoid joint and hoof problems, which are common in heavy horses. Regular dental care is also important.

• More frequent conditions: laminitis, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), osteoarthritis (related to weight and age)

Care and grooming

The Auxois' hooves, often large and solid, require regular trimming adapted to their conformation to prevent imbalances. The sparse feathering does not require specific care, but regular brushing of the coat is sufficient. Clipping is generally not necessary, except for horses in intense work or for aesthetic reasons.

Did you know?

• The Auxois is one of the nine recognized French draft horse breeds.
• It is sometimes nicknamed the "Burgundian draft horse".
• The breed has seen a resurgence of interest for vineyard and forest maintenance due to its strength and docility.

The Auxois and how to track it

The Auxois breed is considered endangered, with a small but stable population in France. Breeding is concentrated in Burgundy, and efforts are being made for its conservation and promotion, particularly for meat production and driving.

Equio lets you build a complete profile for a Auxois: identity, weight, Body Condition Score, feeding, conditions, care reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming) and an exportable health log. The breed sets the identity; everyday decisions still depend on the real horse and your vet's advice.

• Record the activity level: rest, leisure, sport or breeding
• Add known conditions or sensitivities
• Scan feeds, plants and care products
• Keep reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming)
• Prepare a PDF export before a vet appointment

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