\n<\/p>\n
Origins<\/h3>\n
The Ardennes is significant as the oldest breed of horse in France and thought to be a direct descendant of the smaller Solutr\u00e9 horse. Almost from their inception the French Ardennes has been a breed shaped by war, from the Roman days of Julius Cesar through to Napoleon.<\/p>\n
During the Middle Ages heavier animals became needed for agriculture which again changed the Ardennes type and as their use spread to new areas their bloodlines changed as well. Different areas required different characteristics in their animals and the breed diversified until it became known as a small yet robust horse. <\/p>\n
In the 19th century an infusion of Belgian Draft<\/a> blood provided a needed size boost as a need for strong animals to work difficult soil arose in eastern France. Sadly today the demand for draft animals in France is primarily for meat production, while some small farmers still use them to work the land.<\/p>\n Average height 15 – 16 hands<\/p>\n Head is expressive with straight or slightly dished profile chestnut<\/a> | grey<\/a> | bay<\/a> | roan<\/a> | palomino<\/a><\/p>\n Docile and willing <\/p>\n AgricultureFeatures<\/h3>\n
Physique<\/h3>\n
\nEars are small and well set
\nChest is deep and powerful
\nLegs are muscular with low, wide joints
\nHooves are wide and sound<\/p>\nTraditional Colors<\/h3>\n
Temperament<\/h3>\n
Use<\/h3>\n
\nMeat production <\/p>\nHelpful Links<\/h3>\n
![\"French](\"\/images\/french-ardennais.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n![\"French](\"\/images\/french-ardennais-horse-1.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"