THE DRAFT BREEDS OF HORSES 17 
distinctive types or breeds ranging in characteristics from 
coach horses to the heaviest type of drafters. 
These have been introduced into America simply as 
French draft horses. This has led to some confusion in the 
names, as there is no single French draft breed, but rather 
several distinct breeds or types of French draft horses. 
The French draft horse best known in America is the Per- 
cheron (see pages 7-16). Others less well known are 
the Boulonnais, Ardennais, Breton and Nivernais, which 
are here given brief treatment. The Picardy draft horse 
has been said to be a variety or type of the Boulonnais. 
By some writers it is held to be a Belgian breed. 
9. Boulonnais (Fig. 1).—The Boulonnais breed origi- 
nated in the Boulogne district in northeastern France ad- 
joining Belgium. In 
common with the 
other draft breeds of 
France, the Boulon- 
nais horses without 
doubt had their origin 
in the heavy Flemish 
horses. In their gen- 
eral characteristics 
they very much re- 
semble the Percheron, 
so much so that it is 
impossible in the best 
specimens to distinguish one from the other. In recent 
years more animals of gray color are to be found among 
the Boulonnais than among the Percherons, and there 
has probably been less change and improvement in type 
in the Boulonnais breed than in the Percherons. They 
are not so large as the Percherons, and somewhat less 
c 
Fic. 1.— Boulonnais stallion. 
