The first Ardennes were imported to the United States in the early 20th century, and the first breed registry was established in Europe in 1929.

[1] Caesar described these horses of Belgium as "rustic, hard and tireless", and recommended them for use in heavy cavalry units.

Later, Napoleon added Arabian blood to increase stamina and endurance and used the breed in his Russian campaign.

[5] In the nineteenth century, Belgian draft blood was added to give the breed the heavier conformation it has today.

The breed increased in size from an average of 550 kilograms (1,210 lb) to their current weight,[6] which at the same time had the consequence of reducing their vigor and endurance.

The Ardennes Horse Society of Great Britain was also formed in the late 20th century to preserve and promote Ardennes horses in Great Britain,[6] but today is not recognized as a studbook or passport issuing organization by the British government[8] and may not exist in any form.

Many of these horses were imported to the United States with their breed being considered simply "French draft" and no individual type being specified.

[15] Napoleon used large numbers of Ardennes horses to pull artillery and transport supplies during his 1812 Russian campaign.

They were said to be the only breed used by Napoleon that was hardy enough to withstand the winter retreat from Moscow, which they did while pulling a large amount of the army's wagon train.

Their calm, tolerant disposition, combined with their active and flexible nature, made them an ideal artillery horse.

[6] Horse meat is a dietary staple in many European countries, including France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.

Their nimble action, stamina and good temper make them increasingly used for competitive driving across Europe, and they have also been used as mounts for therapeutic horseback riding.