Swedish Ardennes

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

N/A

Basic Info

Black, brown bay, chestnut. Height: 15.2-16 hands. small head. crested neck, immensely muscular compact body, short legs, little feathering.

Health

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Habitat

N/A

Behavior

A light draft type with a lively temperament, descended from an ancient Scandinavian strain. The climate and conditions of the Swedish lowlands are similar to that of the Ardennes region, and the two breeds remained similar in type. Those that were bred in the colder hill-country, however, became smaller and more agile. The Swedish Ardennes was originally developed to provide a heavy draft horse for working the land. It can withstand extreme variations in climate, it is very strong, is an exceptionally eager worker, and can survive on frugal keep. As there is now little demand for it for agricultural work its numbers are declining, although it is still used for hauling timber in mountain areas that are inaccessible to machinery.

Origin

Sweden

History

The Swedish Ardennes was developed during the 19th century by crossing imported Ardennes (a heave draft breed from Belgium and northern France) with the indigenous North Swedish horse.

Common Foods

grass