Swedish-Ardennes behavior

A light draft type with a lively temperament, descended from an ancient Scandinavian strain. The climate and conditions of the Swedish lowlands are similar to that of the Ardennes region, and the two breeds remained similar in type. Those that were bred in the colder hill-country, however, became smaller and more agile. The Swedish Ardennes was originally developed to provide a heavy draft horse for working the land. It can withstand extreme variations in climate, it is very strong, is an exceptionally eager worker, and can survive on frugal keep. As there is now little demand for it for agricultural work its numbers are declining, although it is still used for hauling timber in mountain areas that are inaccessible to machinery.