Cauchois horse
The Cauchois, also known as the Norman bidet, is a breed of heavy draft horse native to the Pays de Caux, on the coast of the former Haute-Normandie region of France. Valued for its strength and ability to move at a high pace, the Cauchois was especially sought after during the 17th and 18th centuries. These horses were primarily used for hauling heavy loads, including the stagecoaches operated by the Compagnie Générale des Omnibus, but they were also ridden by local peasants to transport goods to market. Despite their initial popularity, the Cauchois faced a decline by the late 19th century due to the rise of railroads and the increasing use of lighter horse-drawn vehicles. As a result, this breed eventually became extinct, with its genetic legacy absorbed into the Boulonnais breed. The Cauchois has been immortalized in art, notably through a lithograph by artist Théodore Géricault in 1822, showcasing the breed's significance in the cultural landscape of its time.
| Life Span | 25-30 years |
| Weight | 380-550 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Cauchois horse
Finding a responsible Cauchois horse breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells horses commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Cauchois horse. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Cauchois horses appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Cauchois horse breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
Search USDA Breeders
