Photo: Amélie Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 horse breed · 671 on Animalso
Boulonnais Horse
- Animal
- Horse
- Type
- Draft horse
- Origin
- France
- Height
- 1.5 cm
- Weight
- 650 kg
The Boulonnais is a draft horse from France. It is often called the White Marble Horse. The breed has a large yet elegant build and usually appears gray, though French registration also permits chestnut and black. Its recorded height is 1.5 meters and its weight is 650 kilograms. The modern type developed after older sub-types were crossbred.
What the Boulonnais is
The Boulonnais is a draft horse breed that began in France. Its name is also associated with the description “White Marble Horse.”
It is known for a large but elegant appearance. The breed is usually gray, with chestnut and black also accepted by the French breed registry.
Origins and development
Boulonnais origins reach back to a period before the Crusades. During the 17th century, Spanish Barb, Arabian and Andalusian blood was added as the modern type took shape.
Several sub-types once existed. Crossbreeding reduced them to the single type seen today.
Notable traits
The breed combines draft-horse size with an elegant outline. Its recorded height is 1.5 meters, and its recorded weight is 650 kilograms.
Gray is the usual color. Chestnut and black are also allowed under the French breed registry.
Points to weigh
At 1.5 meters and 650 kilograms, the Boulonnais is a substantial horse. That scale may not suit someone looking for a smaller breed.
Color is not limited to gray: the registry also permits chestnut and black.
Size and lifespan records
The available records list a height of 1.5 meters and a weight of 650 kilograms. They do not provide a lifespan figure, so no lifespan estimate is given here.
Who may want another breed
Someone seeking a compact horse may want to compare other options. Browse horse breeds or focus on horse breeds from France instead.
The Boulonnais may be a better starting point for readers specifically interested in a French draft horse with a large, elegant build.
Verdict
Choose the Boulonnais if its French origins, draft-horse type and substantial proportions fit what you want to learn about or keep. Its history includes pre-Crusades roots and later Spanish Barb, Arabian and Andalusian influence.
Look elsewhere if you need a smaller horse or a breed profile with a recorded lifespan. The available description is strongest on origin, type, size and color.
What stands out
- French origin with roots reaching back before the Crusades
- Large yet elegant draft-horse appearance
- Gray, chestnut and black coats are recorded
- 17th-century Spanish Barb, Arabian and Andalusian influence
Worth knowing
- Substantial size at 1.5 meters and 650 kilograms
- Only one modern type remains after earlier sub-types were crossbred
- No lifespan figure is provided
Suits
- Readers comparing French draft horse breeds
- People interested in the Boulonnais’s historical development
- Those comfortable with a large horse
Think twice if
- You want a smaller horse breed
- You need a recorded lifespan figure
In short
The Boulonnais stands out as a French draft breed with a large, elegant frame and a long recorded history. Its usual gray coat gives it the White Marble Horse nickname, while chestnut and black remain accepted colors. A height of 1.5 meters and weight of 650 kilograms define its scale. This profile suits readers comparing substantial draft horses and tracing French breeds. It is less useful for anyone seeking a compact horse or a documented lifespan figure, since that information is not provided here.
Questions
Where does the Boulonnais come from?
The Boulonnais originated in France.
What type of horse is the Boulonnais?
It is a draft horse breed.
How tall is a Boulonnais?
The recorded height is 1.5 meters.
How much does a Boulonnais weigh?
The recorded weight is 650 kilograms.
What colors can Boulonnais horses be?
They are usually gray. Chestnut and black are also allowed by the French breed registry.
Why is it called the White Marble Horse?
The Boulonnais is also known by the nickname “White Marble Horse.”
What breeds influenced the modern Boulonnais?
During the 17th century, Spanish Barb, Arabian and Andalusian blood was added.
How many Boulonnais sub-types are seen today?
Earlier sub-types were crossbred, leaving one type seen today.
More horse breeds from France
Angevin horse France Photo: Eugène Gayot · Public domain 
Anglo-Norman horse France Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
AQPS France Photo: Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Berrichon horse France Height 1.58 cm Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain 
Bidet breton France Photo: Revue Sport universel illustré · Public domain Other draft horse breeds
Brennou horse France Photo: Eugène Gayot · Public domain 
Carrossier noir du Cotentin France Height 1.5 cm Photo: L. Moll & Eug. Gayot · Public domain 
Cauchois horse France Photo: Théodore Géricault · Public domain 
Charentais horse France Photo: Rélier Léonard · Public domain 
Charolais horse France Photo: Comminges Marie-Aiymery · Public domain Photo credits17 photographs on this page
- Boulonnais — Amélie Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Angevin horse — Eugène Gayot · Public domain · file page
- Anglo-Norman horse — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- AQPS — Tsaag Valren · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Auvergne horse — Stephanemartin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Auxois — Cjp24 crop by Peli · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- Barraquand horse — Michael Barbereau WMFr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Berrichon horse — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Public domain · file page
- Bidet breton — Revue Sport universel illustré · Public domain · file page
- Brennou horse — Eugène Gayot · Public domain · file page
- Breton horse — Goulwena MOEL · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Camargue horse — Peter Broster · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- Carrossier noir du Cotentin — L. Moll & Eug. Gayot · Public domain · file page
- Castillonnais — Tylwyth Eldar · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Cauchois horse — Théodore Géricault · Public domain · file page
- Charentais horse — Rélier Léonard · Public domain · file page
- Charolais horse — Comminges Marie-Aiymery · Public domain · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.