You didn't know we have a National horse did you. Well neither did I.
It seems that when Canada was being founded/settled in the 17th century the King of France sent three kinds of horses from his stables. Centuries of cross breeding these horses produced a particular breed.
The numbers got a bit low, but there are breeders working to preserve the breed so the blood lines will continue. I think it is special that we have our own Canadian Horse.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/rare-canadian-horse-breed-making-a-comeback-1.2504072
It is a gentle versitile breed, rather nice looking and I bet they are polite.