Arden horse: description and characteristics of the breed, features of the content

Heavy horses have always been very popular with horse breeders. These are versatile breeds that have many advantages. Arden horses fall into this category. They are no longer used to participate in hostilities. Today, however, these animals are often used to carry heavy loads. They are also able to go through places that technology cannot overcome.

History of the breed

Ardenes are considered an old breed of heavy trucks. For the first time, they were used for draft work in the Ardennes region, which are located in France, Belgium and Luxembourg.Subsequently, powerful and hardy horses were used as cavalry horses. They transported artillery during the war.

The first official information about the breed is found in the stud book of 1929. During the entire existence of horses, they were crossed with other breeds. These include Boulogne, thoroughbred riding, percheron. However, the powerful Brabancons had the greatest influence on the appearance of the horses.

Description and characteristics of the Arden horse

These horses are distinguished by their large size and impressive weight. At the same time, they are characterized by a calm and complaisant 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 sizes and are able to develop impressive speed. Horses are considered hardy and reliable. They are able to perform complex jobs.

Animals are characterized by excellent intellectual abilities. They are trainable and have an obedient nature. In addition, horses are unpretentious in care. Since ardenes are soft in nature, they are often used in hippotherapy.

Exterior

Representatives of this breed are characterized by certain features. The height at the withers reaches 1.7 meters, and the average weight is 700-1000 kilograms.

Recognizing these animals is easy. To do this, pay attention to the following signs:

1. 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.
2. Animals are distinguished by short but powerful legs. The hooves look voluminous. At the bottom of the legs is thick and long hair, which forms the so-called spats.
3. Arden horses have a deep chest and a not too long back. They are also characterized by a short neck, which has a beautiful curve.
4. Horses are distinguished by expressive eyes and a straight profile. They are characterized by a somewhat flat forehead, which is quite low.

Ardenes have a red, bay, gray or roan suit. There is a standard rule that horses cut their tail almost to the mobile 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.

Ardenes are able to develop impressive speed. Therefore, they are often used for horse races. These animals are often used to produce new breeds.

Maintenance and Care

Animals are easy to care for. However, in order for the animals to stay strong and he althy, they need to provide the right conditions.

Stable

Ardens need a spacious room with good lighting and good ventilation.Despite their impressive size, horses are highly sensitive to low temperatures, moisture and drafts. Therefore, the temperature 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 height of the room should reach 3 meters.

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. Straw, peat or sawdust should be used as bedding. At the same time, it should be of sufficient thickness, which will provide the animal with comfortable conditions.

Feeders and drinkers are recommended to be placed at the chest level of the animal. This will help to avoid constant tension of the cervical vertebrae. It is permissible to use a bucket or a device with automatic water supply as a drinker.

Cleaning and hygiene

Animals of this breed need to be kept clean. Therefore, it is definitely recommended to clean the stable and stall regularly. Horses often relieve themselves, so it is recommended to control it. To clean up, the horse should be taken outside. It is recommended that you do the following:

• clean the stall every day;
• clean the stable 3-4 times a week;
• change bedding 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 alert and he althy, it is recommended to perform water procedures for the legs after walking. Useful for horses and a contrast shower. 1-2 times a week, the tail and mane will have to be washed. To do this, use a special shampoo and conditioner.To improve the condition of the coat, it is combed and cleaned with special tools.

Feeding

Horses of this breed should 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 horses get from feed. However, for he alth and longevity, such nutrition is not enough. Ardens require bran, chalk, cake, fish oil. Vitamin deficiency is accompanied by increased fatigue, the appearance of problems with ligaments, and the cessation of horse development.

Features of animal breeding

Pregnancy of animals takes 11 months. For the normal development of the fetus, the mare is recommended to provide a balanced diet and quality care. In the second half of pregnancy, the animal should be transferred to light work.In the absence of complications, childbirth 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 rises to its feet and begins to suck mother's milk.

Frequent diseases

With improper care, animals develop various pathologies. If you do not provide the horse with good nutrition, colic and other pathologies of the digestive organs appear. Also, horses often develop dermatological diseases or dangerous infections. To cope with diseases, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Horses are recommended to be vaccinated in a timely manner.

How much does an Arden horse cost

Many factors affect the price of animals. These include the following:

• stud farm reputation;
• horse age;
• presence of a certificate from a veterinarian;
• he alth features;
• availability of documentation that confirms the pedigree;
• gender;
• 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 breed

These animals are often used for various agricultural work and transportation of heavy loads. In addition, such horses are considered a source of high quality meat. They can be used for horse racing or creating new breeds. Ardenes are great for hippotherapy. This is due to their endurance and gentle nature.

Arden horses are very popular with horse breeders. These animals have many advantages. 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 - performing agricultural work, giving hippotherapy, participating in competitions and contests.

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