Carrossier noir du Cotentin information

Carrossier noir du Cotentin

Anglo-Norman horse from the Caen countryside, corresponding to an exported Carrossier noir. Encyclopédie pratique de l'agriculteur, 1852.
Conservation status	Extinct
Other names	Grand normand du Cotentin, double-bidet
Country of origin	France
Use	Pulling carriage, heavy cavalry mount
Traits
Height	Between 1.50 m and 1.60 m
Colour	Black coat
Distinguishing features	Convex head profile, a long back and loins.
Equus ferus caballus

The Carrossier noir du Cotentin (black carriage horse) is a large, black, pulling horse breed unique to Cotentin. It was regularly described and quoted during the Ancien Régime (Old Regime) and may have descended from Danish horses. As its name suggests, this horse was mainly used to pull carriages, and its uniform color made it possible to form homogeneous groups.

Valued until the beginning of the 19th century, this breed became extinct as a result of crossbreeding with the Anglo-Norman breed, the cornage disease, and the deterioration of its coat color.

The breed was historically bred at the Saint-Lô National Stud Farm. The last Carrossier Noir stallion at this stud farm, "Le Corbeau", died in 1836.

This rather heavy horse had a convex head profile, a long back, and loins. Its character was said to be friendly and docile, although sometimes a bit sluggish.