Heavy horses have always been very popular among horse breeders. These are versatile breeds that have many advantages. Ardennes horses fall into this category. They are no longer used to participate in military operations. However, today these animals are often used to transport heavy loads. They are also able to go through places that technology cannot overcome.
History of the breed
Ardennes are considered an old draft breed. For the first time they were used for draft work in the Ardennes Mountains, which are located in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Subsequently, powerful and hardy horses were used as cavalry horses. They transported artillery during hostilities.
The first official information about the breed is found in the stud book of 1929. Throughout their existence, horses have been crossed with other breeds. These include Boulogne, purebred riding horses, and Percherons. However, the powerful Brabançons had the greatest influence on the appearance of the horses.
Description and characteristics of the Arden horse
These horses are large in size and impressive in weight. At the same time, they are characterized by a calm and flexible disposition.
Character and disposition
Representatives of this breed are distinguished by a calm and submissive disposition. At the same time, the animals are characterized by large sizes and are capable of developing impressive speed. Horses are considered hardy and reliable. They are capable of performing complex work.
Animals are characterized by excellent intellectual abilities. They are trainable and have an obedient nature. In addition, horses are easy to care for. Since Ardens have a soft character, they are often used in hippotherapy.
Exterior
Representatives of this breed are characterized by certain characteristics. The height at the withers reaches 1.7 meters, and the average weight is 700-1000 kilograms.
It is easy to recognize these animals. To do this, you should pay attention to the following signs:
- The animals are characterized by a dark and thick mane. They are distinguished by a powerful, rounded croup and well-developed muscles. Horses have strong shoulders.
- Animals are distinguished by short but powerful legs. The hooves look three-dimensional.At the bottom of the legs there is thick and long hair, which forms the so-called leg warmers.
- Ardennes horses are distinguished by their deep chest and not too long back. They are also characterized by a short neck, which has a beautiful curve.
- Horses are distinguished by expressive eyes and a straight profile. They are characterized by a somewhat flat forehead, which is located quite low.
Ardennes are red, bay, gray or roan. There is a standard rule that horses have their tail trimmed almost to the moving vertebrae.
Productive qualities of animals
First of all, these horses are used to perform agricultural work. They are capable of moving large loads. Horses are also used to produce high-quality meat.
Ardens are capable of impressive speed. That’s why they are often used for horse racing. These animals are often used to produce new breeds.
Maintenance and care
Animals are easy to care for. However, in order for animals to remain strong and healthy, they need to be provided with suitable conditions.
Stable
Ardens require a spacious room with full lighting and good ventilation. Despite their impressive size, horses are highly sensitive to low temperatures, moisture and drafts. Therefore, the temperature in the stable should not be less than +18 degrees. The stall should also be spacious. The animal should feel as comfortable as possible. It is important that he has the opportunity to lie down and rest. Therefore, the size of the stall should be at least 4x4 meters. The height of the room should reach 3 meters.
It is recommended to provide a window in the stall. It is better to make doors in the form of a lattice.It is also permissible to place them no higher than the chest of the horse. This allows him to look out of the stall and observe what is happening outside. You should use straw, peat or sawdust as bedding. At the same time, it must be of sufficient thickness to provide the animal with comfortable conditions.
Feeders and drinking bowls are recommended to be placed at chest level of the animal. This will help avoid constant tension in the cervical vertebrae. It is permissible to use a bucket or a device with automatic water supply as a drinking bowl.
Cleaning and hygiene
Animals of this breed need to be kept clean. Therefore, it is definitely recommended to regularly clean the stables and stalls. Horses often relieve themselves, so it is recommended to control this. To perform cleaning, the horse should be taken outside. It is recommended to do the following:
- clean the stall every day;
- clean the stables 3-4 times a week;
- change litter daily;
- wash feeders and drinkers.
If the rules of care are violated, the hooves of these animals become inflamed. To avoid such problems, they should be washed and dried. To keep the animal alert and healthy, it is recommended to perform water treatments for the feet after walks. Contrast showers are also useful for horses. The tail and mane will have to be washed 1-2 times a week. To do this, you should use a special shampoo and conditioner. To improve the condition of the coat, it is combed and cleaned with special devices.
Feeding
Horses of this breed must eat a complete and balanced diet. The diet must contain vitamins and minerals that provide animals with energy. This is especially true for pregnant mares. Horses get most of their vitamins and minerals from their feed. However, such nutrition is not enough for health and longevity.Arden requires bran, chalk, cake, fish oil. Vitamin deficiency is accompanied by increased fatigue, problems with ligaments, and cessation of horse development.
Features of animal breeding
Animal pregnancy lasts 11 months. For normal fetal development, it is recommended that the mare be provided with a balanced diet and quality care. In the second half of pregnancy, the animal should be transferred to lighter work. If there are no complications, labor takes 45 minutes. Half an hour later the afterbirth comes out. After another 2 hours, it is recommended to give the mare hay and water. During this period, the foal rises to its feet and begins to suck its mother's milk.
Frequent illnesses
With improper care, animals develop various pathologies. If you do not provide the horse with adequate nutrition, colic and other pathologies of the digestive organs appear. Horses also often develop dermatological diseases or dangerous infections. To cope with diseases, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. It is recommended to vaccinate horses promptly.
How much does an Ardennes horse cost?
The price of animals is influenced by many factors. These include the following:
- reputation of the stud farm;
- horse age;
- availability of a veterinarian's certificate;
- characteristics of health status;
- availability of documentation that confirms the pedigree;
- gender;
- presence of merits and victories in competitions.
This is not a complete list of factors that influence pricing. On average, the cost of such an animal is 150-500 thousand rubles.
Application of the breed
These animals are often used for various agricultural work and transportation of heavy loads.In addition, such horses are considered a source of high-quality meat. They can be used for horse racing or creating new breeds. The Ardennes are great for hippotherapy. This is due to their endurance and gentle nature.
Ardennes horses are very popular among horse breeders. These animals have many advantages. They are considered strong and resilient. At the same time, horses have a calm and gentle character. This helps to use animals for various tasks - performing agricultural work, conducting hippotherapy, participating in competitions and contests.
