Ardennes is a breed of horse that originated in the Ardennes mountains, and was used for pulling heavy carts and artillery.
In this blog post, we’ll tell you all about the Ardennes horse, including its history, characteristics, so read on to learn more!
Ardennes Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Ardennes horse:
| Height (size) | 15.3 – 16.0 hands high |
| Colors | Bay and roan are the two most common colors. Chestnut, gray, and palomino, on the other hand, are not uncommon. Black is very unusual and is not included in breed confirmation, but it is possible. |
| Country of Origin | They originate from the Ardennes massif which stretches between Belgium, Luxembourg and France. |
| Common Uses | Today, they are used mostly for draft work, including competitive driving events, forestry work, riding, but also in the meat industry. They do well as therapeutic riding mounts. |
Ardennes Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Ardennes is one of the earliest draft horse breeds for which historical records are available.
The challenging environment led to the development of a breed that is exceptionally robust, resistant, and low-maintenance.
There is a strong belief that the Ardennes horse is the direct descendent of the ancient Solutrian horse, which inhabited the region in Paleolithic period (circa 50,000 BC).
References to the Ardennes may be found in the writings of knights, monarchs, and emperors from various time periods throughout history.
The breed has remained relatively unchanged since the end of the Ice Age.
It is also widely believed that Julius Caesar referred to the Ardennes breed as ‘rustic, hard, and tireless’ in his account of the Gallic Wars (Commentarii de Bello Gallico).
It is said that Napoleon’s return from the Napoleonic Wars was partly due to his cavalry of Ardennes horses, which survived the desolate cold and harsh conditions that killed so many other horses in the battlefields of Europe during the Napoleonic Wars.
The breed began to resemble the modern-day Ardennes in the 1800s.
The Ardennes were bred with Belgians to produce a heavier-framed horse that could be used for draft work.
The Ardennes was used as an artillery hose before becoming popular for its meat later.
In 1929, the first European breed registration was formed, and now there are separate studbooks in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Originally, the Ardennes stood just 14 hands tall, but the addition of Arabian blood in the early 19th century helped increase the height, strength, and endurance of the breed.
However, the addition of Boulonnais, Thoroughbred, and Percheron blood did not have a significant effect.
The breed was profoundly impacted by the addition of Belgian draft blood in the 19th century.
The horses’ initial vitality and stamina diminished as the breed evolved to its present form.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Ardennais”
Temperament/Personality
Gentle, intelligent, easy to work with.
They are docile and calm, making them perfect for beginner horse owners.
Physical Characteristics
Their legs are particularly big, which gives them a lot of pulling power.
These horses are quite massive; not only are they tall, but they are also big boned.
They have a large, wide, and hefty head.
Their whole body frame is often fairly large and powerful, and muscular.
In spite of their size, they have a smooth-flowing stride, and in most cases, they are quite lively.
Their small back and well-set shoulders give them a straight, free, and dynamic movement.
Colors
Bay and roan are the two most common colors.
Chestnut, gray, and palomino, on the other hand, are not uncommon.
Black is very unusual and is not included in breed confirmation, but it is possible.
In addition to their solid coat color, there is a chance that they will have white markings.
Typically, simply a star or a blaze are seen.
Height (size)
15.3 – 16.0 hands high
Stallions
Around 16 hh
Mares
Around 15.3 hh
Weight
1,500 to 2,200 lb (680 – 1000 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Today, they are used mostly for draft work, including competitive driving events, forestry work, riding, but also in the meat industry.
They do well as therapeutic riding mounts.
Health
They may be kept outdoors, but you will need to keep a close check on their feathers.
All horse breeds with feathers are prone to skin irritation in this area.
Their overall health is otherwise excellent.
Popular Traits
The Ardennes has a remarkable build, and the breed is able to perform in difficult, mountainous, and harsh terrain, where other draft breeds would have difficulty.
They have a wonderful temperament and are extremely hardy.
Feeding/Diet
Very easy keepers.
They shouldn’t be put in a very rich pasture because they might get overweight.
Country of Origin
They originate from the Ardennes massif which stretches between Belgium, Luxembourg and France
Ancestors
Solutrian horse, Arabian, Percheron, Thoroughbred, Boulonnais, Belgian draft