Ardennes

Ardennes Horse

The Ardennes is a powerful European draft breed with a massive build, calm temperament and strong work capacity.

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Breed information

Country: Belgium, France
Height: 155–162 cm
Weight: 700–1000 kg
Coat: dense coat; commonly bay, chestnut or grey, often with feathering on the lower legs
Suitable for: heavy driving, farm and forestry work, parades and steady utility work

Tags

horse driving draft calm Europe

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 7/10

Trainability 8/10

Good with children 8/10

Shedding 6/10

Guarding 5/10

Care 6/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Ardennes is a compact, extremely powerful draft horse with a broad chest, deep body, strong limbs and heavy musculature. Petsi lists a height of 155–162 cm and a weight of 700–1000 kg.

History

The breed is associated with the Ardennes region spanning parts of modern Belgium, France and Luxembourg. Strong local horses were used for centuries in agriculture, forestry and transport.

Features

Despite its mass, a good Ardennes remains mobile and sure-footed. The breed is valued for pulling power, calmness and endurance.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Ardennes horses are known for a calm, patient and work-oriented temperament. Manageability and willingness to follow cues without excessive nervousness are especially important.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

Because of the breed's body mass, regular monitoring of hooves, joints and body condition is important. Leg feathering should be kept clean and dry, and feeding should provide ample fibre without promoting obesity.