The Arden breed of horses is considered one of the most ancient of the heavy draft horses in Europe. It has developed over the centuries in the Ardennes on the border between France and Belgium. The breed influenced the development of other breed lines of working horses, including the Russian draft horse.
.Arden horse
History of the Belgian Arden
There is no exact data on the origin of the Arden horses. It is known that Julius Caesar, describing the conquest of Gaul in the 1st century, mentioned tireless, strong and simple horses. Historians and hippologists agree that it was the ancestors of the Ardenians that were discussed in the historical documents of the Roman ruler. Scientists suggest that this breed comes from an extinct population of solutre.
In those days, the Ardennes were notable for their short stature – 1,4–1,42 m, but they were quite strong and courageous horses. Under Napoleon, the breed was improved by the infusion of the blood of Arabian thoroughbred horses. This gave the animals endurance and slightly increased their height, up to 1,52 m.
Attention! Napoleon Bonaparte used improved Ardennes during the war with Russia. It was believed that only these horses were able to survive the Russian cold in winter.
In the 18th century, attempts were again made to modify the breed. For this, Arden mares were crossed with Boulogne, Percheron and thoroughbred riding stallions, but this did not have a significant effect.
Later, the blood of the Brabancons was added, which led to an increase in the dimensions of the body of the Ardenes. If in the past the weight of these horses did not exceed 550 kg, now they have become much more massive. A modern stallion of this breed can weigh 700-900 kg.
In 1929, a stud book was opened. Now there are 3 books on the Ardennes in different countries – in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Great Britain is also interested in preserving this breed line. There they organized the Arden Horse Society.
Ardennes in Russia
Heavy-duty horses of Belgian origin came to the territory of Russia closer to the middle of the 19th century. Breeding of this breed is carried out here to this day. The local climate and forage base are very different from the Belgian ones, so a completely new type of Ardennes has been formed at Russian stud farms, it is very different from the European one.
Belgian heavy draft horse in Russia
Reference. On the basis of the Arden horses, Russian breeders bred working breeds – the Russian and Vladimir heavy trucks.
Exterior and character
Modern representatives of the breed are distinguished by a massive physique. If during the Middle Ages their growth reached 1,45–1,5 m, today they are taller animals. The height at the withers of an adult stallion is 1,48–1,57 m.
External features of the Arden horses:
- a large head with a low and flat forehead, a straight profile and expressive intelligent eyes;
- medium overgrown bangs and mane;
- trapezoid dense curved neck of medium length;
- a powerful rounded chest, the girth of which varies between 1,9–2,1 m;
- the back is short and wide;
- well muscled forearms and thighs;
- large downed forked croup with a low landing;
- short dry and strong legs;
- slightly developed brushes;
- the pasterns are large, their girth exceeds 22–24 cm;
- suits – bay, red, roan, gray.
Despite the intimidating appearance, the Arden horses are the owners of a good disposition. Breeders note that animals are easily trained and show humility. They are not aggressive.
Breed benefits
The famous breeder Lebedev notes the advantages of the Arden horses:
- activity and mobility.
- High work capacity.
- Early maturity. At the age of two, the animals reach the size of an adult and can be involved in work.
- The fertility rates of the Ardenes are higher than those of other heavy draft breeds.
- Undemanding to feed and conditions of detention.
- Kindness, obedience.
- Endurance and strength. The horses of Arden are capable of pulling a wagon loaded with goods for several hours.
Ardennes today
According to Lebedev, the small growth of ardenes is more than compensated by their excellent working qualities. This breed is in many ways superior to the characteristics of other heavy draft horses.
Use today
The Arden horse breed is still in demand in the villages. Horses help to transport goods in wooded and mountainous areas, where the movement of vehicles is difficult. Due to their calm nature, animals are successfully used in equestrian tourism and hippotherapy. In European countries, well-muscled horses are used for meat production.
Arden horses have come a long way in development. In ancient times, they participated in knightly battles and wars of conquest. They were praised by the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and Napoleon. Today, these good-natured animals still serve for the benefit of man, helping to do hard work in the field in villages and difficult terrain.
