{"id":262,"date":"2010-08-09T00:29:20","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T00:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=262"},"modified":"2025-10-28T23:37:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T23:37:20","slug":"belgian-ardennes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/belgian-ardennes","title":{"rendered":"Belgian Ardennes Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Originated in the Ardennes Mountains bordering Belgium and France, but distinctly different from both the French or Swedish version of the breed.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Thought to have been bred in the Ardennes plateau for around 2000 years and considered one of the oldest draft breeds. The Belgian Ardennes was valued by Napoleon’s army as heavy war mounts. During the 18th century Arabian<\/a> blood was added for refinement and even more recently Belgian Draft<\/a> blood has been used to increase size and strength. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 15.1 – 16.1 hands
\nSurefooted and agile
\nWell suited for rough and uneven terrain<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is well-shaped with a straight profile
\nEars are small
\nNeck is short, muscular and crested
\nWithers are low and well defined
\nBack is short, wide and strong
\nShoulder is muscled and well sloped
\nLegs are sturdy, muscular and short with feather on lower legs
\nHooves are broad and strong<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

chestnut<\/a> | grey<\/a> | bay<\/a> | roan<\/a> | palomino<\/a> | black<\/a> is rare<\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Calm an tolerant<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Draft animals
\nFood<\/p>\n

Useful Links<\/h3>\n

Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 Royale Le Cheval de Trait Ardennais<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Belgian\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Belgian\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n