Boulonnais Horse

Boulonnais horse is also known by the name of White Marble Horse. This horse breed is a heavy draft one. Now chiefly the French Government breeds it because of the decrease in the number of these horses. Boulonnais horse owes its origin to the period before the Crusades. At a time, this horse was an extremely famous as a draft horse in not only France, its native country but also in other parts of Europe. Usually, the branding of this horse breed is done on the neck’s left side with the help of an anchor. If you feel fascinated to gain more information about this horse, then the following piece of writing will do the needful.

History of Boulonnais Horse

The crossbreeding of native French mares and stallions resulted in the emergence of the Boulonnais horse breed. It happened in 55-54 BCE. The need of an alert, fast and strong warhorse to be ridden by the knights in the battlefield made Eustache, Comte de Boulogne and Robert, Comte d’Artois-the two breeders, to cross the heavy French stallions with German Mecklenberg mares. Further Spanish Barb, Andalusian and Arabian blood was blended and added during the 17th century which brought modern Boulonnais type into existence. This horse breed received a serious destruction during the two World Wars. It is disappointingly reported that the smaller Boulonnais type is nowhere to be found today. In small numbers, the larger Boulonnais horse is bred till date.

Physique of Boulonnais Horse

Boulonnais horse is an elegant heavy draught horse. It is very similar to the Percheron in appearance. It has a fine head with a straight or slightly-concave face. It is faintly reminiscent of the Arab with small ears. Its neck is strong and body is deep and powerful with ample front and hindquarters that are pronounced dip in the back. It is gifted with short but muscular legs. The legs have big joints and little feather. The mane is bushy and coat is silky. This horse gives the effect of grace and harmony.

Height of Boulonnais Horse

The Boulonnais horse is 15.3-16.3 hands high.

Body Color of Boulonnais Horse

Usually the body of Boulonnais horse is gray but sometimes it can be chestnut or bay.

Temperament of Boulonnais Horse

As far as the temperament of Boulonnais horse is concerned, it is a lively, intelligent and good-natured horse. It is sociable enough and even-tempered.

Uses of Boulonnais Horse

Boulonnais horse is blessed with a marvelous gait. The horse is an energetic one. As a working draft horse, it is a masterpiece. This horse breed is well-liked for its stylish teams in harness. This horse breed has earned a status for improving other breeds of draft horse, even though it is very few in numbers at present.

Like the Percheron, the Boulonnais Horse has Oriental blood. It is a horse that is admirable. It soothes the eye and fulfils its functions as an active, hard-working farm horse. A majority of owners and breeders of Boulonnais horse are putting up in Northern France, Germany and Belgium. Sincere efforts are being put into practice to save this horse breed from being extinct. Government is providing funds to several studs so that this horse breed doesn’t die out.