10 / Sport and Trail Magazine
The Boulonnais
In the 1600’s the Boulonnais were bred as the first true heavy mounted war and work horse. While there is some speculation that during this time, Arabian and Andalusion horses were introduced into the breed to create more fire, that is no longer the case. DNA testing done by a French stud farm, as well as at Texas A&M by Dr. Gus Cohran has determined that the Boulonnais of today exhibit no other DNA markers of outside breeds. Despite their size, they continue to be extremely agile with the ability to achieve suspension in air. Thus, not only is the Boulonnais a true work horse but also a good riding horse.
Pre-1900’s the Boulonnais was imported to the U.S., but their majority and popularity remained in France with their numbers estimated to be close to 660,000. Despite this high number, World War I and World War II brought these numbers crashing to their knees, decimating the breed, leaving less than one thousand of these mighty horses to date. The breed has lingered on the edge of extinction ever since and is considered a heritage breed that should be classified
endangered. As of 2010 falling demand for this breed means that 60% of the Boulonnais bred in France are destined for meat. Today they are bred for pleasure but if the colts are not sold before weaning and gelding, they will be sold to the butchers. 95% of the colts born in 2016 are no longer with us.
Despite their size, the Boulonnais continue to be extremely agile with the ability to achieve suspension in air