The Boulonnais

Originating in northwestern France, the Boulonnais may descend from the Numidian horses which were introduced into France by the Romans. These Numidians were later refined with outcrossings with the Arab, Andalusian and Mecklenburg. There is another theory that this breed derived from the Hun horses which were abandoned by Atilla. The Boulonnais is of the brachymorphic type, and it has been acclaimed as the noblest draft horse of them all. It is, or perhaps unhappily was, a most beautiful horse which showed its breeding in a dozen features, the fineness of its body tissues and graceful lines is owed to its oriental background. The anchor in the breed's brand mark is explained by the former use of small Boulonnais to transport fish from the northern French ports.

The Boulonnais has its beginnings with the ancient heavy breeds that were native to the northwest region of France prior to the Christian era. The eastern horses of the Romans which were brought in the area for the invasion of Britain in the 1st Century AD were crossed with the native stock. During the Crusades, more Arabian blood influenced the local breed, particularly through the influence of the agency of Eustache, Comte de Boulogne and Robert, Comte d'Artois, both of these being skillful and innovative breeders.

During the 14th Century, the heavy use of armor enforced the usage of the northern heavy blood to increase weight and size, and some Spanish Horses were also used. Two types of the breed emerged during the 19th Century, and the name Boulonnais came into use. Measuring less than 16 hands high, the smaller horse was known as the mareyeur or "horse of the tide." This horse was used for express fish deliveries from Boulogne to Pairs, and today it has almost become extinct.

There are two distinct versions of the Boulonnais. The small Boulonnais stood 15.1 to 15.3 hand high, and weighs 1,210 to 1,430 pounds. Standing at 15.3 to 16.3 hands, the large Boulonnais weighs in at 1,430 to 1,650 pounds. The coat is usually grey, often dappled, with brown, bay or chestnut occurring occasionally. Chestnuts and bays were once much sought after. The small and squarish head is absolutely distinctive, which clearly shows the Oriental influence. It has a straight profile, a broad forehead which is flat and wide, and the jowl is open and clean. The very small ears are well-proportioned, erect and mobile. The eyes are particularly large and lively, and the nostrils flared. The short and muscular neck is broad and quite gracefully arched, and the fairly prominent withers are wide, low, and muscular.

The body of the Boulonnais is wonderfully compact and deep. the whole outline is majestic in appearance and carries an expression of elegance. Its broad back is short and straight, the croup slightly sloping. The quarters are rounded and muscular and have a characteristic double muscling. The bushy tail is set fairly high, which is not very typical of other draft breeds. The chest is wide and full, the ribs are rounded or well-sprung, and the well-muscled shoulder is sloped more than in other draft breeds. It has a good front, or forehand, which is unique among heavy draft breeds. Its limbs are strong with prominent muscular projections in both the forearm and thigh. The fairly short and robust legs have broad joints which are large and solid; short, thick cannons lacking feather; and a well-formed and solid hoof. Its skins is silky and has prominent veining, and it has a fine and bushy mane and tail. Its coat has none of the coarseness which is often associated with cold-blooded breeds.

The Boulonnais is an energetic and lively draft horse which is strong with good endurance. This horse is typically used for draft and farm work. It has exceptional action for a draft horse, which is straight, very swift and energetic, and relatively long. The Boulonnais has stamina and is able to maintain a steady speed over long periods.

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