 The Anglo @-@ Norman was developed in the early 19th century , and along with Thoroughbred and local Norman blood , influences were seen from other breeds , including British and Russian trotting horses . By the mid @-@ 19th century , the Anglo @-@ Norman was a popular breed throughout France , and in 1864 a breed association was founded . While often purchased by the French army and used as cavalry and artillery horses , there was controversy over whether the Anglo @-@ Norman was the best choice for the military . The late 19th century saw significant improvements in breeding programs , although there remained a dispute between the goals of breeders and the needs of the military . Mechanization in the early 20th century significantly reduced demand for the breed , and fighting during World War II and the German occupation of France resulted in major damage to breeding centers and the deaths of many horses . While rebuilding their herds , breeders turned away from draft and carriage horses and began breeding sport horses for equestrian competition . 
