The Merlerault is a formerly common breed of horse that originated in the canton of Le Merlerault. Bred under the Old Regime, this reputedly elegant half-bred was used to ride and pull tilburys.
Names
Another common name for these horses is "Merlerautin".[1]
The breed is sometimes erroneously referred to as "Mellerauds", notably by M. Cardini, who also claims (incorrectly) that Merlerault horses were once raised semi-wild in the woods.
History
The Merlerault is the oldest known breeding cradle of horses in Normandy.[2][3] A breeding tradition has existed there for centuries,[4] with secular and religious guilds establishing stud farms as early as the Middle Ages.[5] However, according to Jacques Mulliez, the breed of this name is not that old,[6] despite traditions dating back to the Crusades or the Merovingian kings.
According to Bernard Denis (2012), Merlerault horses are "probably an artificial breed" created by the nobility from purebred horses.[8] This breed was very popular at the end of the Old Regime.[8]Le Merlerault supplied the nobility with saddle horses in the 17th and 18th centuries.[4]
Description
An Anglo-Normand horse from Merlerault in the Atlas statistique de la production des Chevaux en France, 1850.
The Merlerault is an elegant half-breed[9] of medium size, with a square head on a well-set neck.[10] The shoulder is well defined, the hindquarters short, the legs graceful but sometimes a little spindly.[10] The hocks may lack sharpness, and the animal is lightly built, with broad shoulders, agility, and speed.[10]
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