Breed of horse?


Does anyone know what breed of horse the captain is riding throughout this movie? He (the horse) resembles a Friesian, but lacks feathering at the fetlocks. I am from the U.S., and not very familiar with European breeds; nevertheless, he is a BEAUTIFUL horse!
I just saw this movie on IFC, and it is very, very good. The relationships between the captain, his wife, and Neel are very thought-provoking. It seemed like Madame La loved Neel in a non-sexual way, much as one would love a beloved pet. When she tries to make him run (okay, row) away to Newfoundland, the way she yells at him and tells him to just GO made me think of those movies where a kid is setting free, for its own good (supposedly), some wild critter he/she has been caring for. You know, where they yell, "Go on! Get! I don't need you!" (And then the tears ensue as the fox/hawk/deer/wild horse/raccoon run off to freedom and most likey certain death...)

"I have been one acquainted with the night..."
(Robert Frost)

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I presume that it's an Iberian breed, either an Andalusian, Lusitano or PRE (pura raza espanol). It also resembles a Cheval canadien, a breed specific to Canada. The Chevaux Canadiens are often black and look somewhat like "Morue Salée," the horse in the movie. http://www.canadianhorselink.com/stallions.htm

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Huh!! To use a Canadian reference point, your question about the horse's breed reminds me of Bruce Cockburn's song "Peggy's Kitchen Wall" where the cops pronouncd, "It's a 38, for sure".

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It seemed like Madame La loved Neel in a non-sexual way, much as one would love a beloved pet. When she tries to make him run...
Nicely put, bizarre.

And I agree, the relationship between the three is very thought provoking.

Another fine movie by Monsieur Leconte. I yet have to be disappointed with his films.

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