TRAIT DU MULASSIER

Outside of its native France, the Trait du Mulassier is almost unknown. Within France this draft breed is nearly extinct, with only about 300 left. Mulassier horses are used in France exclusively to produce large draft mules with shaggy coats. Mulassiers either resemble a Clydesdale or appear less leggy and more drafty. There are fewer than a dozen in the United States because of very rigorous blood tests required for importation. The ancestors of the Mulassier were brought to France from Norway, Denmark, and Holland by immigrants from Holland. They were well-suited for use in draining the Marais (marsh) region of France because of their huge feet and feathered legs. They often bore the unpleasant labels of "sluggish" and "dull." Much like the Norwegian Fjord, the common colors of the Mulassier are red dun, zebra dun, apricot dun, and grullo. These are colors that do not occur in any other draft breeds.

Diane Jones
Windt im Wald Farm