Ardennais - Breed record

Geographical origin

Ardennes hills (Belgium) → harsher climate, rougher terrain

History

• 1812: Napoléon’s Russian campaign → were the only horses to resist the cold

• 1926: Foundation of the Society of the Ardenes Draft Horse in Libramont

Calibre / Size

• Compact & stocky

• 160 cm, 700 kg

• Straight or concave profile, large forehead, small & pointed ears, heavy mandibles

• Powerful neck, large at the base

• Straight & short back

• Balanced

• Short & strong limbs

• All colours except black (most common: bay & roan)

Performance

• Resistance & rusticity

• Have been used to pull artillery & carry military supplies

• Nowadays used in forestry work

Temperament / Behaviour

• Docile & cooperative

• Strenght +++

• Can pull heavy vehiules on steep terrain

Anatomical & pathological particularities

• Limbs are covered in thick hair up to the knees & hocks

• Small feet

Economic & ethical aspect

• Training starts at 3 yo, young horses are coupled w/ older ones

• Physical growth completed at 7 yo → beginning of heavy forestry work

• Life expectancy: 22 (if healthy joints)