Pfalz-Ardenner

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]

Pfalz-Ardenner

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 origin	Germany
Distribution	Rhineland-Palatinate
Use	agriculture, forestry
Traits
Height	152–162 cm[5]: 495  Male: average 160 cm[3] Female: average 157 cm[3]
Colour	any
Equus ferus caballus

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.