Ardennes Horse_ Breed Profile

 
With a history spanning centuries and an impressively powerful stature the Ardennes Horse stands out in any stable. Though this breed is plenty powerful its also docile and eventempered making it a pleasure to work with. The Ardennes is one of the heavier breeds that youll find but its wellsuited for navigating challenging hilly terrain making it a fabulous working horse.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT 1500 to 2200 pounds
HEIGHT 15 3 to 16 hands
BODY TYPE Heavy draft
BEST FOR Farm work and driving
LIFE EXPECTANCY 25 to 30 years

Ardennes Horse History and Origins
The Ardennes Horse has a rich history dating all the way back to Ancient Rome. Rumored to be descended from the horses that Julius Caesar prized for use in cavalry units the breed originated on the Ardennes plains. During Ancient Roman times the Ardennes was much smaller standing closer to 14 hands. Napoleon crossed Arabians with these horses to increase their stamina and Percherons and Thoroughbreds were later added to the breed too.
It was in the 1800s that the breed started to resemble the Ardennes that we know today. Belgians were crossed with the Ardennes creating a heavier conformation and transforming the breed into a heavy draft horse. The Ardennes served as an artillery horse then was eventually sought after for its meat. A breed registry was established in 1929 and studbooks in France Luxembourg and Belgium now serve as modernday breed registries.
Ardennes Horse Size
The Ardennes is a powerful heavy draft breed weighing between 1500 and 2200 pounds. Mares stand an average of 15 3 hands high while stallions are slightly larger at 16 hands.
Breeding and Uses
Because the Ardennes has such tremendous muscling it is sought after for its meat in European countries like France Germany and Switzerland. The breeds strength also makes it ideal for farming and forestry work. Theyre often used for competitive driving and thanks to their great temperaments they can also be riding horses as well as therapeutic riding mounts.
While this breed is still refined and bred the Ardennes has been introduced to other draft breeds. It contributed to the development of the Sokolsky horse and the Trait Du Nord. The Ardennes was imported into the United States through 2004.
Colors and Markings
Black and bay are the most common colors though palomino roan chestnut and gray goats do occur too. Black coated Ardennes are very rare and are not eligible for registration.
Unique Characteristics of the Ardennes Horse
The Ardennes has