Often considered Europe's noblest draft horse, the Boulannais' unique appearance and conformation can be credited to its unusual ancestry of old European cold blood and Arabian hot blood. Unlike other draft horses, the Boulannais is very graceful. The neck is long and the head, like an Arabian's, is refined and pointed. The eyes are large and bright and the hair is luxurious.

With its broad chest, large shape, and muscled thighs, the Boulannais is a horse you would expect to see in a fairy tale. Though powerful, it is still very elegant – a feature accented by the horse's strong and confident spirit. Known for its stamina and strength, the Boulannais was a popular war horse. Unlike other drafts, it is able to maintain speeds over long distances and has a proven riding ability.

The Boulannais is native to northwestern France and was developed from crossing ancient coldblooded horses with Eastern blood. The Arabian line was introduced after the Roman occupation of the region, and then again with captured horses from the Crusades.

In the fourteenth century, the Boulannais was the warhorse of choice. The need for a horse able to wear heavy armor and carry supplies required a stronger horse and caused the breed to lean back towards a heavier, stockier style. Then, during the Spanish occupations of France in the sixteenth century, there was an infusion of Spanish blood into the line, adding a bit of lightness to the breed. The horse officially became known as the Boulannais in the seventeenth century when it was established as a breed.

Despite the absolute devastation of the Bologne region during the First and Second World Wars, the breed has survived. And though they are victims of mechanization and modernization, there is a strong contingent of breed fanatics that keep this noble and graceful beast flourishing as a breed.

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