Intro
The Swedish development of the Ardennes breed is a rather recent one, spurred by an agricultural boom in the late 19th century that local animals were ill-equipped to handle.
Origins
Breeding began in 1873 when Count C.G. Wrangle imported Ardennes stallions to couple with the local Swedish Country Horse and by 1880 there were Ardennes animals throughout most of southern and central Sweden. The result of the cross proved to be a valuable animal and stud farms were established to continue breeding. The breeding association and stud book was formed in 1901.
For many years this breed was a dominant force in the country’s horse breeding industry and their careful breeding practices have created a truly pure breed in its own right.
Features
Average height 15 – 16 hands
Physique
Head is heavy with a straight profile
Eyes are relatively small
Neck is short and muscular
Back is short
Chest is wide and deep
Shoulder is sloped and well muscled
Legs are short and strong with a little feathering at the fetlocks
Hooves are broad and round
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Sweet tempered and easy to work with
Use
Draft
Carting
Helpful Links
The Swedish Ardennes Horse Breeding Association
NordGen
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