Ardennes Horse_ Breed Profile

an impressive build and the breed is able to work in challenging rough hilly areas that other draft breeds would struggle with. This breed has a great disposition and is tremendously hardy.
Diet and Nutrition
Ardennes horses tend to be easy keepers making them more affordable to keep than some other draft breeds. Their hardy nature means they can survive on lower quality forage. Because these horses are such easy keepers owners may need to restrict their access to lush pasture which can cause them to become overweight and possibly lead to founder.
Common Health and Behavior Problems
The Ardennes horse is hardy and not prone to any breedspecific health conditions. These horses tend to have an agreeable calm temperament so theyre often easy to work with.
Grooming
The Ardennes will benefit from frequent thorough grooming. Currying can help to bring out a shine in the coat. This breed has significant feathering around its fetlocks and hooves which will require careful attention. If that feathering frequently gets wet and muddy the horse can develop scratches so grooming and even braiding that feathering may be necessary.
Pros
Powerful and hardy
Easy keeper
Great temperament
Cons
Rare in the United States
Feathering around fetlocks and hooves needs careful attention
Champion and Celebrity Ardennes Horses
The Ardennes is a relatively uncommon breed so there arent currently any widelyknown champion or celebrity Ardennes horses.
Is the Ardennes Horse Right for You?
The Ardennes is large and powerful so its an ideal mount for larger riders looking for a taller horse. It can also be used for driving and farming and its hardy nature and easykeeper characteristics make it relatively affordable to feed. Keep in mind that this breed is rare in the United States so while it might have the characteristics that youre looking for in a horse buying one could be a challenge.
How to Adopt or Buy the Ardennes Horse
Few Ardennes Horses exist in the United States today. While a few breed enthusiasts have imported and bred the horse within this country these arent horses that frequently come up for sale. If you plan to buy one be prepared to pay a premium for a horse already within the country or budget for the expenses of importing a horse.