Le Cheval lorrain, nicknamed the haretard, is an ancient working horse breed originating in the Lorraine region, in France. Its origins date back to the 15th century, perhaps by crossbreeding between the Comtois and Ardennais races of the time, although it is claimed, like many other French races, a distant Arab origin. The numerous conflicts which agitated its breeding cradle at the time of Louis XIV lead the peasants to keep and raise small ugly and puny horses, which they are not afraid of seeing captured or requisitioned by armies.