For nearly 250 years the people who built, defined, and defended Canada relied on horses to help get their job done. One breed stood out during that period for its outstanding role in Canadian life. It's known as "The Canadian, Le Canadien." In 2002, Parliament officially declared The Canadian to be Canada's national horse. The origins of the breed are in horses sent to New France at the express order of King Louis XIV. Beyond Quebec, Canadians carried settlers and the first North West Mounted Police into western Canada. They were also on hand to drag artillery and supplies through mud and thunder to Canada's victorious troops during the Battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele.