In the Tiergarten Worms , in Worms | |
Conservation status | |
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Other names | |
Country of origin | Germany |
Distribution | Rhineland-Palatinate |
Use | agriculture, forestry |
Traits | |
Height | |
Colour | any |
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]
In the twenty-first century it is an endangered breed. In 2022 the breeding stock consisted of 27 brood-mares and 8 stallions. [3]
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]
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
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
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.