In the forest, where no tractor can reach, a brown man with spiky hair pulls a trunk over soft ground, step by step, without hassle. This is how Ardennes still work to cut wood to this day. They are not the largest cold-blooded animals, but they are very massive and surprisingly tough.
| Type | Cold-blooded, compact workhorse |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ardennes in Belgium, France and Luxembourg |
| Breeding association in Germany | no own German breeding book found; Ardenners are approved as a breed in the Palatinate-Ardenner Coldblood and Rhenish-German Coldblood breeding programs |
| Stock size | historical breed description 148 to 158 cm; today, according to Mad Barn, usually around 160 to 163 cm |
| Colors | especially brown and roan-haired ones (roans), also foxes, gray horses and palominos |
| Usage | Wooden backing, driving, farming, leisure |
Origin and history
Ardennes and Belgian coldbloods come from the same source population, write historians Pastoret and Tinchi from the University of Liège. They were only developed separately in the 20th century. The endurance of the Ardennes became famous in Napoleon's Russian campaign in 1812: According to the work, some Ardennes and Bretons came back, while horses of other origins died on the way.
In 1926, more than 200 breeders in Libramont founded the society that became the Société royale du cheval de trait ardennais. She has been running her own studbook in Belgium since 1987. Today, according to Mad Barn, there are studbooks in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. In Germany, Ardennes are used, among other things, to breed the Palatinate-Ardennes draft blood, a very small population with only five mares and one stallion in the Rhineland-Palatinate-Saar association in 2023.
Exterior
The breed description from the early 20th century states 148 to 158 cm, stocky shapes, a short neck, short back, robust limbs with hangings and hard hooves. The Ardennes became heavier in the 19th century through cross-breeding with Belgian horses (Mad Barn). Today, according to Mad Barn, most measure around 160 to 163 cm and weigh significantly more than warm-blooded animals of the same size. Brown and prickly-haired animals are common, as well as foxes and gray horses.
Character (interior)
The historical description mentions a lively temperament and extreme endurance. Today, according to Pastoret and Tinchi, intelligence and goodwill are in the foreground; Ardennes mares are even used as carrier mares for foals of other breeds because their calm, gentle nature rubs off on the foal. An Ardennes is stubborn and willing, but not a horse that you can convince with pressure.
Keeping and feeding
Ardennes are easy-to-feed and were bred to maintain their muscles with little food (Mad Barn). With grain and fat pasture they quickly become too fat. A ration of structurally rich hay with little sugar and starch, mineral feed and regular work are the basis. Cold-blooded animals need larger boxes or a spacious open stable so that they don't get stuck when rolling around. In hot weather, heavy horses overheat more quickly; Shade and water are mandatory.
Health
Reliable data specifically on the Ardennes is rare. Mad Barn reports that Ardennes can also carry the GYS1 mutation for PSSM1, a muscle metabolic disorder with stiffness and cross-cuffing. The mutation was detected in many other cold-blooded breeds in a large study (McCue et al. 2010). A genetic test provides clarity.
Like other cold-blooded animals with hair, Ardennes are susceptible to chronic progressive lymphedema disease (CPL) and mud. Check the pasterns regularly, keep them clean and dry and have any swelling or crusts checked early. Laminitis has a poorer prognosis in horses this heavy (Mad Barn); Obesity is therefore the most important avoidable risk.
Who is the Ardenner suitable for?
For people who are looking for a quiet, strong work or driving horse, for loggers and for leisure riders who like a comfortable, sure-footed horse with a lot of substance.
Who is it not for?
For riders who are looking for speed and athletic performance in the arena or course. And for everyone who doesn't have room for a heavy horse or can't consistently keep an eye on the figure of an easy-to-feed draft horse.
Furthermore: You can calculate how much a horse actually costs per month using the Horse Cost Calculator. Before you buy, the horse buying checklist will help you. You can find ideas for the stable name in our horse names, and your own horse is available as a horse portrait from your own photo. All breeds at a glance: Horse breeds from A to Z.
Frequently asked questions
How tall does an Ardennes become? The historical description of the breed states 148 to 158 cm. Today, according to Mad Barn, Ardennes are usually around 160 to 163 cm tall.
Is the Ardennes related to the Belgian coldblood? Yes. Both breeds were bred from the same Belgian source population and were only separated in the 20th century.
What are Ardennes used for today? Especially for hauling wood, in driving sports and as a leisure horse.
Do Ardennes have PSSM? The PSSM1 mutation occurs in Ardennes. A genetic test shows whether your horse carries them.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: Pastoret PP, Tinchi F: Le cheval de trait ardennais, évolution d'une race, Universität Lüttich (ORBi), 1995; Mad Barn: Ardennes Horse Breed Profile; Pferdezuchtverband Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar e.V.: Zuchtprogramm Pfalz-Ardenner Kaltblut (Beschluss Mai 2023); Rheinisches Pferdestammbuch e.V.: Zuchtprogramm Rheinisch-Deutsches Kaltblut (Fassung 02/2025); McCue ME et al.: Estimated prevalence of the Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy mutation in selected North American and European breeds, Animal Genetics 2010 (Zusammenfassung).
