Description and characteristics of horses of the Ardennes breed, features of the content and price
Heavy horses have always been very popular with horse breeders. They are versatile breeds that have many benefits. Ardennes horses fall into this category. They are no longer used to participate in hostilities. However, today these animals are often used to transport heavy loads. They are also able to pass through places that the technique cannot overcome.
History of the breed
Ardens are considered to be an old breed of heavy-duty trucks. For the first time, they were used for draft work in the area of 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 the period of hostilities.
The first official information about the breed is found in the 1929 studbook. Throughout their existence, horses were crossed with other breeds. These include Bois de Boulogne, thoroughbred horses, and Percherons. However, the strongest brabancons had the greatest influence on the appearance of the horses.
Description and characteristics of the Ardennes horse
These horses are distinguished by their large size and impressive weight. At the same time, they are characterized by a calm and docile disposition.
Character and disposition
Representatives of this breed are distinguished by a calm and submissive disposition. At the same time, animals are characterized by large size and are capable of developing impressive speed. Horses are considered to be hardy and reliable. They are capable of performing complex jobs.
Animals are characterized by excellent intellectual abilities. They are trainable and docile. In addition, horses are unpretentious in their care. Since ardens are mild in nature, they are often used in hippotherapy.
Exterior
For representatives of this breed, certain features are characteristic. 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 voluminous. At the bottom of the legs there is a thick and long coat that forms the so-called gaiters.
- Ardennes horses are distinguished by a deep chest and not too long back. They are also characterized by a short neck, which has a beautiful bend.
- The horses are distinguished by expressive eyes and a straight profile.They are characterized by a somewhat flat forehead, which is set quite low.
Ardens are red, bay, gray or roan. There is a standard rule that horses trim their tail almost to the movable vertebra.
Productive qualities of animals
First of all, these horses are used for agricultural work. They are capable of moving large loads. Horses are also used to produce high quality meat.
The Ardens are capable of developing impressive speed. Therefore, they are often used for horse races. These animals are often used to create new breeds.
Maintenance and care
Animals are distinguished by their unpretentious care. However, in order for animals to remain strong and healthy, they need to provide suitable conditions.
Stable
The Ardens require a spacious room with adequate lighting and good ventilation. Despite their impressive size, horses are highly sensitive to low temperatures, moisture and drafts. Therefore, the temperature indicators 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 room should be up to 3 meters in height.
It is recommended to provide a window in the stall. Doors are best done 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. Use straw, peat, or sawdust as bedding. At the same time, it should be of sufficient thickness, which will provide the animal with comfortable conditions.
It is recommended to place feeders and drinkers at the level of the animal's chest. This will help avoid constant stress on the cervical vertebrae. It is permissible to use a bucket or a device with an automatic water supply mode as a drinker.
Cleaning and hygiene
Animals of this breed need to be kept clean. Therefore, it is definitely recommended to regularly clean the stable and stall. Horses often relieve themselves, therefore it is recommended to control it. To clean up, 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 the 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. In order for the animal to remain vigorous and healthy, it is recommended to perform water procedures for the legs after walking. A contrast shower is also useful for horses. The tail and mane will have to be washed 1-2 times a week. To do this, 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 have a complete and balanced diet. The diet must contain vitamins and minerals that provide animals with energy. This is especially true for pregnant mares. Most of the vitamins and minerals are obtained from horse feed. However, such nutrition is not enough for health and longevity. Ardens require bran, chalk, cake, fish oil. Vitamin deficiency is accompanied by increased fatigue, the appearance of problems with the ligaments, the cessation of the development of horses.
Features of animal breeding
Pregnancy of animals lasts 11 months. For the normal development of the fetus, the mare is recommended to provide balanced nutrition and quality care. In the second half of pregnancy, the animal should be transferred to lightweight work.In the absence of complications, labor takes 45 minutes. After half an hour, the afterbirth comes out. After another 2 hours, the mare is recommended to give hay and water. During this period, the foal itself rises to its feet and begins to suck its mother's milk.
Frequent illnesses
With improper care, animals develop various pathologies. If the horse is not provided 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 your veterinarian. It is recommended to vaccinate horses in a timely manner.
How much is the Ardennes horse
Many factors influence the price of animals. These include the following:
- the reputation of the stud farm;
- the age of the horse;
- availability of a certificate from a veterinarian;
- features of health status;
- availability of documentation that confirms the pedigree;
- gender;
- the presence of merits and victories in competitions.
This is not a complete list of factors that affect 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 transporting heavy loads. In addition, these horses are considered a source of high quality meat. They can be used for horse races or the creation of new breeds. Ardens are great for hippotherapy. This is due to their stamina and gentle nature.
Ardennes horses are very popular with horse breeders. These animals have many benefits. They are considered strong and hardy. At the same time, horses are distinguished by a calm and gentle character. This helps to use animals for various tasks - doing agricultural work, conducting hippotherapy, participating in competitions and competitions.
