Description of horses of the Ardennes breed
The Ardennes horse is a special breed of horse. For the first time, animals appeared on the lands of Belgium, from where they were brought to the Roman Empire.
Ardennes horse
The horse is well suited for carrying heavy loads. Not a single modern technique is capable of carrying a load along the paths that a horse can pass.
The appearance of the Ardennes horse breed is rather severe, but its representatives are very obedient and easily trainable. They are indispensable farm assistants for farmers. Also this breed is an excellent supplier of equestrian meat due to its body structure.
Mention in world history
The great commander Julius Caesar mentioned these horses, recalling the battle with the Gauls. Caesar described hardy horses with pronounced muscles and a powerful body structure. From the remains of the skeleton found by archaeologists, it is clear that the average height of the Ardens at that time was 150 cm.
Horses of Ardena have long lived in the Ardennes Uplands, which explains their name.
The original appearance was significantly different from what these horses look like now. Horses were smaller, and in those days heavy trucks were in demand. As a result, thoroughbred horses of the Ardennes breed were crossed with massive Brabancon. As a result, we got a completely new look, characterized by a large physique and great weight.
The first mares of the Ardennes breed died giving birth to foals from the Brabancons. Some received back injuries incompatible with life even during mating. This was partly the reason why the experiments stopped, and the purebred Ardens survived to this day.
Characteristic
The Ardennes horse breed is characterized by massiveness and well-developed muscles.
The limbs of the horses are thick, reminiscent of the legs of a heavy-duty breed. There is a tradition: upon reaching maturity, the horse's tail is cut to the most mobile vertebra, thereby protecting it for the entire period of its further life.
The color of a horse of the Ardennes breed can be roan, gray, red, bay.
Description of the horse of the Ardennes breed
At the withers, the horse reaches 170 cm. The girth of the chest is on average 190-220 cm. The circumference of the pastern of horses is 22-35 cm. The average weight of the horse is 700-800 kg.
The Ardennes horse breed came to Russia in the 19th century. Based on the results of crossing the Arden and Brabarson breeds, they bred their own species in Russia. Today, the Ardennes horses are bred on the lands of Austria, Hungary, Argentina.
Reproduction
Pregnancy lasts 11 months: approximately 320-345 days.
The better the care and nutrition, the faster the mare will give birth. In the second half of pregnancy, the animal is recommended to be transferred to lightweight work.
Labor is without complications within 45 minutes. About 30 minutes after the appearance of the calf, the afterbirth comes out. After another couple of hours, the mare is given hay and water. During this time, the foal independently stands up and begins to feed on the mother's milk.
Care
Every self-respecting owner of these animals must have a stable, a fenced-in area for walking, a dry storage for feed, a place for inventory.Cook has already been mentioned, in caring for animals it is important:
- Stable. The room where the horses will be located must meet certain standards. The stable should be well lit and ventilated. It needs to install ventilation and windows. They should be located slightly above the level of the horse's head. The breed is very sensitive to cold and moisture, so the temperature in the stable should be within 18 ° C. The stable must be suitable for the size of the horse. The room should be spacious.
The stable must be suitable for the size of the horse
- Feeders and drinkers. When designing, one should take into account where the nursery and the feeder will be located, how to correctly and conveniently attach the drinking bowl and where to equip the place for additional feeding. It is recommended to install the feeder at the level of the horse's chest: the animal does not have to overextend the cervical vertebrae, bending too low. As for the drinker, it is fixed firmly in the form of a bucket or installed automatically.
- Stall. It is recommended to make it spacious. This is the place where the Ardens can be alone, lie down to rest. Doors should be latticed or at the height of the stallion's chest. This is done so that the horse can look out of the stall.
- Cleaning. The Ardennes breed of horses relieves on average 10-12 times a day, so cleaning the stall and changing the bedding should be done regularly. A general cleaning of the stable is recommended several times a week. During harvesting, horses should be taken out to fresh air. At this time, the stall and stable are completely washed, cleaned of manure.
Feeding
Horse nutrition should be balanced. There must be vitamins and minerals to keep the horse full of energy. This is especially true for mares that are carrying a fetus. Proper nutrition determines how successful the mating will be and how healthy the young generation is.
All essential vitamins and minerals of Ardena are obtained from the main feed. But for the health and longevity of a horse, basic nutrition is not enough - supplements are needed.
Choice of food
For health and strength, Ardens need bran, cake, chalk and fish oil. This entire list of additives should be given according to a specific scheme. The lack of vitamins is manifested by the fact that horses get tired quickly, they have problems with ligaments, and the development of the horse stops.
Conclusion
The Arden are an incredibly powerful horse breed. She immediately gained massive popularity in farms. These horses could be used both for work and for riding. Also, the breed serves as an excellent supplier of horse meat.
If you take proper care of the animal, it will become a faithful friend to its owner.