Pfalz-Ardenner

Last updated
Pfalz-Ardenner
Zoo Worms Pfalz Ardenner Kaltblut 2011.JPG
In the Tiergarten Worms  [ de ], in Worms
Conservation status
  • GEH (2000): a few individuals only [1]
  • FAO (2007): critical [2] :50
  • DAD-IS (2024): at risk/critical [3]
Other names
  • Pfalz Ardenner [4]
  • Pfalz Ardenner Kaltblut [4]
  • Pfalz-Ardenner Kaltblut
  • Pfälzer Ardenner
Country of originGermany
Distribution Rhineland-Palatinate
Useagriculture, forestry
Traits
Height
  • 152–162 cm [5] :495
  • Male:
    average 160 cm [3]
  • Female:
    average 157 cm [3]
Colourany

The Pfalz-Ardenner or Pfalz Ardenner Kaltblut is a German breed of heavy draught horse. As the name suggests, it originates in the Pfalz or Rhineland-Palatinate, and derives from the Ardennais horses of Belgium, France and Luxembourg. A stud-book was started in 1906. [6]

Contents

In the twenty-first century it is an endangered breed. In 2022 the breeding stock consisted of 27 brood-mares and 8 stallions. [3]

History

The Pfalz-Ardenner is a relatively young breed, derived from the Ardennais, [5] :495 as its name suggests.

While the origins of the Ardennais can be traced back to the 17th century, [5] :495 the German breed is more specifically derived from various crosses between French and Belgian draft horses, undertaken at the beginning of the 20th century [7] :217 in southwest Germany.

French Ardennais horses were the most important influence, [8] :14 but some Comtois were also crossed with Rhineland and Bavarian draft horses. Then, in 1896, a breeding cooperative was formed and ten years later, in 1906, a stud-book was established based on imports of Ardennais horses from Alsace and Lorraine in France, with a small contribution of Bavarian horses. [5] :495 [9] :2

The Pfalz-Ardenner studbook has always been very open, accepting a large number of horses in crossbreeding. With the motorization of farming, the breed was threatened with extinction in the 1970s. [7] :217

Until the 2010s, [8] :13 the Pfalz-Ardenner was never considered a breed in its own right. Since then, a handful of breeders in the Rhineland-Palatinate-Saarland region have dedicated themselves to its preservation.

In 2022 the breeding stock consisted of 27 brood-mares and 8 stallions. [3] Five foals were registered in that year. [10] :10

The breed is listed as endangered by DAD-IS (2018) and it is on the Red List of endangered indigenous breeds in Germany (Rote Liste der bedrohten einheimischen Nutztierrassen). [11] :17 Locally it is classified as an "endangered population" (Phänotypische Erhaltungspopulation: vom Aussterben bedroht) [8] :15 because there are less than 50 individuals.

Despite these very low numbers, the situation of the Pfalz-Ardenner is actively monitored in Germany, with H. Haring stating in 2005 that "the conservation of this breed group (German draft horses) can be considered secured". [12]

Taking into account crossbreeds, the Pfalz-Ardenner breeding population in the cradle of breeding in 2015 was about 60 mares and 8 stallions. [9] :3 This breed is also eligible for financial aid for the preservation of endangered breeds (2015). [13]

Characteristics

CAB International [5] :495 and the Delachaux [7] :217 guide indicate an average height of 1.52 m to 1.62 m, which is according to the breed's studbook regulations. [9] :2 DAD-IS gives an average height of 1.57 m for females and 1.60 m for males. The weight is between 700 and 800 kg, making it a medium draught horse. [14]

The head is rather small, with a broad forehead and short ears. [7] :217 The chest is broad and the croup is muscular. [7] :217 The body should be of medium thickness for a draft horse, with a deep girth. [9] :2 The feet should be sturdy. [9] :2

All colors are permitted, [5] :495 but the most common, according to the Delachaux guide, are bay, chestnut, black, gray, and roan. [7] :217 However, roan is not listed among the coats found in the breed's studbook (2015). [9] :2

Selection

Since 2008, the studbook has officially accepted Ardennais, Breton, Comtois, South German, Rhineland, and Swedish Ardennais horses [9] :3 for crossbreeding, provided the other parent is a registered Pfalz-Ardenner. [9] :3

If the crossbreed horse meets the breeding objectives, then it is registered in the studbook of its breed. [9] :4 The goal is to maintain the selection of a versatile, medium-weight draft horse. Subjects must be able to work in all three gaits [9] :2 and are tested for pulling ability, [9] :9, 12 among other things.

Selection is based on character, favoring horses that are gentle, versatile, well-balanced, and suitable for recreational activities. [9] :3

Stallions can be approved for breeding at the age of three, subject to evaluation. [9] :5 The same applies to mares. [9] :6 Horses belonging to the breed have a suffix to their name that is specific to the breeding farm of origin. [9] :15

Use

In the past, the breed was valued for its versatility. The breed was originally intended for use in agriculture and as a skidding horse, but motorization has greatly reduced these activities. [5] :495 [7] :217

Combined driving, skidding (and other agricultural and forestry work), and pleasure riding [5] :495 [7] :217 [9] :2 are the uses of the Pfalz-Ardenner today. It can still be used in heavy traction work, but it is also bred for meat production.

References

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  2. 1 2
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
  5. 1 2 3
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Further reading