About Boulonnais Horse
| Height | 15.1 – 16.3 hands (adult) |
| Weight | 1,320 lb |
| Physique | Large, powerful, elegant |
| Lifespan | 30 years |
| Best Suited For | All levels of horse owners and riders |
| Temperament | Active, energetic, social, easygoing, gentle |
| Comparable Breeds | Andalusian Horse, Arabian Horse |
Boulonnais Horse Breed History
The Boulonnais horse is regarded as the most graceful among the draft horse breeds as well as the White Marble Horse which is the same one. The breed goes back to a time long before the Crusades, so it is been around for a long time now. In truth, as claimed by a few scientists, these horses come from the Boulogne Region in France and they can even be traced back to the animals left by the cavalry of Julius Caesar before the invasion of England.
Initially, through breeding the Boulogne horse combined some equestrian breeds to make it more delicate. Additionally, this breed was also utilized as the parent of other drafts as well. Such as, in the 17th century, the Andalusian, Arabian, and Spanish Barb horses were mated with the Boulonnais.
It is recognized that the Boulonnais is a very friendly and gentle animal.
At the outset, the breed had diverse types as well. For instance, the Petit Boulonnais or Mareyeur, which was lesser than the others, it had a length of about 15 hands and was normally the vehicle of fresh fish. In the last prediction, we came across the mention of the Picard horse as the “horse of the desert” and of the Cauchoix horse as the horse of the habitable. Finally, Grand Boulonnais, which could be 16 hands high, was grown to be a working horse on farms. The types were then graded by time and the modern breed was born.
The first Boulonnais horses were taken to the USA in the early 1900s, nevertheless, these horses were almost extinct in Europe due to the wars of the 20th century as well as right after the Second World War. The breed is survived and even became popular again in the 1970s in France because they were used as food.
Indeed, Boulonnais horses are the favorite of the people in France.
Breed Traits
No need to be impressed by the size and strength of the Boulonnais horse, they are the most comfortable to be around. Being active, social, and energetic, they are also great friends. And they are very quiet too, so they can be with owners and riders whether they are beginners or experts, although they are quite big.
These types of horses are incredibly attractive, resilient, and intelligent, and more importantly, their personality is very serene and affectionate and they show the ability to perform manifold tasks, thereby being the most suited for everyone.
The Boulonnais horse is mostly gray. The fact that this noble breed is so well-natured makes them equipped for therapeutic riding programs. Their gentle demeanor and desire to please not only make them family-friendly but also enhance their calmness. Surprisingly, the size of these animals does not present a problem, as they are quite easy to train, and their management is eased. They are good at work and play at the same time as they are so amendable. Accordingly, the Boulonnais horse is often portrayed as a charming and loyal friend or a solid partner, it hardly matters, who is either very young or very old and does not have any experience with these animals.
Overall Description
These enormous, exquisite ponies are refined and staggering by all accounts. They have a distinctive head that is short, with a wide forehead, straight profile, and small, erect ears. Their neck is muscular, thick, and gracefully arched, with a wide chest and prominent withers. Compared to other draft horses, the Boulonnais has more sloped shoulders and a higher-set tail. Their back is straight, and their legs are solid, strong, and have clean joints.
The tail and mane of these horses are thick, silky, and luxurious. The skin is fine, showing some veining, which gives the horse a polished marble appearance.
The Boulonnais is also known as the White Marble Horse.
Colors
The Boulonnais horse is commonly dark in variety. However, dark, and chestnut are likewise colors that are permitted by the variety library in France. Authorities on the matter agree that the most well-known colors for this breed were dark and narrow, thinking back to the eighteenth hundred years. Be that as it may, as the variety’s numbers began to decline, a predominant dark quality made different varieties become progressively uncommon.
Grooming Requirements
Preparing your Boulonnais pony might be somewhat troublesome because these creatures are enormous, however, it will be certainly worth the work. Not only can you bond with your pony, but you will likewise assist with guaranteeing that his glistening coat and full mane and tail will stay looking sound and delightful.
At the point when your pony becomes excessively filthy for an essential brushing schedule, you could wash him with a delicate cleanser that is intended for the equines. Consistently, in any case, brushing with a curry brush, a dandy brush, a body completing brush, shedding sharp edge, and a brush for the tail and the mane, ought to be adequate, as these will assist with eliminating soil, garbage, and free hair from the coat. You will need to focus on the mane and tail, which are thick, so you can appropriately clean them and detangle them with the goal that they will be overall quite smooth. Utilizing a saturated delicate fabric around the eyes and ears will permit you to clean those sensitive regions too. Furthermore, a foot pick will be important to clean the hooves of soil and trash that can be gathered from everyday exercises.
Common Health Problems: What Owners Need to Know?
The Boulonnais horse, which is well known for its strength, elegance, and quiet temperament, is a beloved breed among horse lovers. However, like any other horse, Boulonnais horses are prone to particular ailments. As a mare’s would-be keeper or mare’s dtorer, you need to keep in mind the common health problems of Boulonnais horse that will in turn be a healthy and happy animal that lives with you. We will be discussing here the prevalent health concerns that Boulonnais equines often suffer from, and provide some ideas on how to prevent and manage them.
1. Joint Problems
The Boulonnais horses are very large and big-boned, which may lead to the exerting of excessive weight on their joints which causes discomfort. Joint inflammation and arthritis are examples of common joint conditions. Regular medical examinations of your horse by a veterinarian can help in the early diagnosis of these problems. Besides, include in their diet proper supplements that can make them sturdy to less of the strains as well as ensure that they receive adequate rest in between heavy loads for the prevention of overexertion.
2. Laminitis
Laminitis is an unsavory floor hoof condition that is very much a result of eating too much grain or succulent grass. For its robust construction, Boulonnais horses are at risk of laminitis. To avoid laminitis, regulate the diet and the weight of your horse. It is only through the expiration of farrier visits that the health of the hooves remains excellent.
3. Colic
Colic is a very common gastric problem that the Boulonnais horse also suffers from. It is not a single cause that can bring on colic. The innovative technologies are conducive to telecommunications and have shown a great engineering project through some of the improvements. Some of the major factors include unexpected changes in diet, which cause a game for some problems; dehydration; and also intestine blockages. To prohibit colic provide a steady feeding schedule, always have fresh water available, and avoid abrupt changes in diet. Alert your vet immediately if you see any colic symptoms.
4. Respiratory Issues
Boulonnais horses, because of their great physical abilities and large figure, are at times affected by the same breathing problem, such as heaves or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These issues can be increased by dirty places or insufficient aeration. A dirt-free atmosphere organizes the method to minimize the impact of hindrances on the horses’ health. One way of doing this is to use dust-free bedding that is hygienic.
5. Skin Conditions
The delicacy or fineness of the skin belongs to the Boulonnais breed which predisposes it to a variety of skin ailments like dermatitis and other fungal infections. Frequent brushing and checking for skin growth can be an effective tool for an early diagnosis. June was lovely as it had some fine weather and the annual activities for the kids, which is a strong point of the Smith Family Days. Find ways to protect your horse against skin problems that are brought about by too much moisture by the assurance of a clean and easy-to-find shelter.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Boulonnais Horse
- Regular Veterinary Care: Schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor your horse’s health and catch any potential issues early.
- Balanced Diet: Provide a diet that meets your Boulonnais horse’s nutritional needs, including supplements for joint and digestive health if necessary.
- Exercise and Rest: Ensure your horse gets adequate exercise to maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility, but also provide ample rest to avoid overexertion.
- Clean Environment: Keep your horse’s living area clean, dry, and well-ventilated to prevent respiratory and skin issues.
- Grooming: Regular grooming helps maintain your horse’s skin health and allows you to check for any abnormalities or signs of health problems.
Utilization of the rare Boulonnais
Traditionally, the Boulonnais were the main force in the northern areas of France in agriculture, for example, the plowing of the field, transportation of heavy lorries, and working in vineyards. It was outstanding in the strength and the ability of being able to work for the farmers and winemakers. Nowadays, the Boulonnais still play a big role in sustainable agriculture. Its graceful body and tough movements attract the breeders and show the competition of the best-horse breeders. Although its past as a draft horse, it has successfully responded to new requirements by being versatile and appealing, thus, demonstrating the horse’s versatility, which appears to have grown stronger with time.
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