Riding a Swedish Ardennes Draft Horse Stallion in Sweden

Meet a beautiful draft horse breed from Sweden and Join me for a ride on a dreamy stallion! In this episode I meet up Swedish Horse Breeder, Sofie Skylvik, to experience this incredible breed!!
🎬DiscoverTheHorse is an equine education project, equestrian vlog and adventure series that documents my journey to ride every horse breed. 🐎 Ride along with me and meet amazing horses from around the world!
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#HorseRiding #Equestrian #sweden
00:00 Riding Every Horse Breed
00:26 The Swedish Ardennes Horse
02:03 A funny thing about these horses...
02:46 "The Best thing from the US..."
03:10 A Gentle Stallion
04:17 Quest Ride!
06:12 When was his First Ride?
07:14 It Started with a Dream
07:40 This is What the Breed is Known For!
08:52 Sneak Peek of My Next Breed!

[@Willowfire26]

I really loved the warmth that came from not only the horse but also from his owner. She seemed a very kind and gentle soul...just like her horse! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@nackyeads2508]

I have always loved draft horses, and these are just ideal! All that power and gracefulness, with that big kind heart!

[@kaynine1834]

Perfectly said,🤩

[@yeswing10]

This breed is like all the draft horses into one gorgeous package. Thank you for bringing this to us!!!

[@michellep4792]

Wow - what a magnificent horse!!! And so calm!

[@kathelindell9720]

As a Swede myself I'm happy to see that you have found your way here to meet and ride horses on your continued quest to ride every breed. I hope you also meet and ride the 2 other swedish breeds: the North Swedish Horse (this is also a draught breed and comes in 2 types: the original heavier one for agricultur/ forestry work and one lighter used for trotting/ harness racing as well as for dressage and other sports) and not to forget the Gotland Russ/ Gotland Pony.

[@Shovel03]

skicka in dom som förslag till henne, via länken i video beskrivningen

[@109367]

I love the North Swedish Horse, they are so gorgeous!

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

I have to admit it....this is my favorite horse breed that you have ridden. Like something out of a fairy tale...expected to see a fair maiden, gown flowing, riding side saddle come into view. His trot is like a "gaited" horse...very level and no bounce to his back or rear. Amazing that he was only recently introduced to the saddle...you probably felt like a feather on his back. Magnificent breed. Thank you.

[@oranjebeer6637]

And cute

[@cookie856]

I mean, if the breed is for Ardenne... The place with a lot of forest that was believed to be home to fairies. Fairies including a horse. Of course they'll look like fairytale horses XD

[@suzip5474]

Wow what a powerful horse, he’s a mountain on legs. He is so handsome and gentle for such a strong creature 🐴❤️

[@peterfroese7323]

Plot twist she isn't just planning to ride every horse in the world but to befriend every equestrian 👍😂😁 great video by the way

[@kategee8857]

What a gorgeous breed. That stallion is just amazing..and his father was such a handsome boy!

[@kathleendaugherty4218]

WOW, what a magnificent, versatile horse!!! So big yet so graceful.

[@joannesmartens9442]

What i nice idea to put the foal together with his mom in front of the cart. It's the first time i see that, and it make sence, because they learn already so much.😊

[@katarinawikholm5873]

Afaik it was also a way to get the mares back into farm work early, way back, to bring the foal along

[@birgit4314]

What a beautiful big horse 😍! A real Gentle Giant ❤🐎❤!

[@Still_K]

I have only just found this channel. This is the first video I have watched. Wow! Alyssa, you have a beautiful, calming voice and a lovely seat. What an adventure you are on! Thank you for sharing it with us. Please thank Sofie and her family for hosting your visit and quickly training Malwin to saddle. What a lovely gesture, and didn't he do a great job!? I am very pleased to have been introduced to the Swedish Ardennes breed.😍💜

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awww, thank you so much! 😊 Welcome to the channel, so happy to have you along for the adventure. I will pass along your kind words to Sofie. I agree, Malwin did an amazing job. He's such a sweetheart!

[@Ann-tq3gt]

Thank you for introducing this amazing breed! I wonder what conditioner for the horse's mane the owner is using. I'm struggle with my shetty's mane, so thick I can't even brush and fully detangle it. Please can anyone could see what conditioner it is?

[@monstam8439]

@@Ann-tq3gt I think it's from the brand "Cowboys" if I'm not wrong. We used it for gypsy horses and it was a life saver

[@Ann-tq3gt]

@@monstam8439 Thank you so much! I will use and try this, it's avaiable in my country.

[@monstam8439]

@@Ann-tq3gt it's "cowboy magic"!! Sorry I don't know what went wrong there😅

[@AliWade1971]

Wow. What a trot. He could do dressage. Such a kind breed

[@evaandersson5136]

Lovely to see you in Sweden! My friend had an Ardenner, Mona, she had the biggest personality. Such a fun horse. 🙂

[@blazelightshine2311]

Oh wow he is gorgeous. And so adorable as a foal! The exchange about how recently he's been ridden was hilarious, this was so awesome

[@frenzyviz6296]

I love draft horses. I once rode one & absolutely loved him! This stallion is beautiful.

[@SickIntentions]

my favourite horse. I helped with a driving pair at a farm i worked at for a few years and they are the sweetest horses i've ever known.

[@AwkwardBirb]

What a big beautiful boy! He seems so happy and eager 😊 I think I’m in love!

[@pyzikscott]

Magnificent :) Such a sweet boy. Loved seeing the foals alongside the mares in harness.

[@harlow_popcorn_1_edits]

My favourite horse breed is the ardenn they are absolutely gorgeous 🥰

[@Solitude11-11]

That end clip where he was doing a floating extended trot, wow! I wanted to see him gallop 😊

[@railwaychristina3192]

What a gentle giant! My favourite so far.

[@joannesmartens9442]

What a beauty he is, all muscles. He radiates power. 👍🥰

[@karenb2782]

He is so handsome and sweet! I think this is one of my favorite episodes!

[@ninakaiser2930]

What a majestic horse Melvin is! And doing so well just started under saddle. And he definitely has a presence around him! The character sounds so perfect. I have never seen one yet unfortunately.

[@JoyfulNerd400]

That horse was so so confident, you can see his owner loves and cherishes him, it shows

[@SofieSkylvik]

Thank you soooo much for the visit Alyssa, Mälwin miss you ;) Hope to see you again some day//Sofie (and all the horses)

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

🤗Give that sweet boy a hug from me! This was such a fun day. Can't wait till the next time we can hang out! 💜

[@martylesnick2032]

HIS TROT IS SO LIGHT AND SMOOTH FOR A HEAVY HORSE. LIKE AN X LARGE PONY, ADORABLE. WONDERFUL

[@katarinawikholm5873]

It reminds me of the airy but powerful trot of the friesians

[@Faelani38]

He was absolutely beautiful!

[@jenniferjones-edwards9729]

He is so beautiful. I love seeing the big, powerful draft breeds.

[@katbrinnier604]

You asked if anyone had met an Ardennes. I HAVE!! He was among the herd at a stable for various therapy’s with horses. I had had cancer twice and it messed with my head. Like PTSD and other mental problems. He was a young colt when I first met him! I “named” him Brownie (not his real name) because of a book I read a long time ago. When I had my 2nd diagnosis and went back to therapy, he was being trained to ride! I haven’t seen him in years. I want an Ardennes now!!❤

[@nochildsupport4889]

Miss Alissa I’m afraid of horses but some of these horseys look beautiful 😭 breath taking

[@kriskay7012]

Such a handsome gentle giant. ❤

[@deedaw9246]

Absolutely stunning

[@kcuzz4091]

His neck is massive! I just love this breed now. Had never heard of them.

[@kathyhepler382]

Thank you for this video. I've never seen this gorgeous breed before. So powerful. Gorgeous!!!!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

I hadn't heard about them before the project either. I agree, they are such a beautiful breed. Thanks for watching, Kathy! 🥰

[@wandanos]

As soon as I saw the intro I instantly knew were the farm is, have lived really close to there and the horses are so cute, I patted one of their stallions once and he was so cute and calm😍❤

[@DianeLee999]

What a regal presence! He is gorgeous and with an exceptionally stable mind for a prey animal. He really exudes trust in his devoted steward. 🌈💜🇺🇸

[@hazysunshineELF]

I grew up next to a farm of these. They've been my favourite breed ever since! Truly gentle giants, when I was 5 years old they were so nice around me.

[@EmpressUmeko]

Love it! A sweed myself the Adenner is a nice breed! Just can't wait til you meet the North Swedish Horse tho! if you liked the adenner you'll love the north sweed

[@katarinawikholm5873]

Yes, I subscribed to the channel just bc I’m waiting for the North Swedish/nordsvensk 💖

[@KateKarate]

OMG! These horses are so beautiful and great!!!! I love your channel and your riding style. And You!

[@rockannand]

Did you canter? :D What a special looking breed of horse! I'd never heard of them. What an amazing adventure you are on! Thanks for letting us tag along.

[@jesscvideo]

Wow Gorgeous horse!!! And he moves so freely for a large draft type of horse, super nice horse!

[@aaronwilcox6417]

This breed and the Norwegian fjord horse are among my favorites.

[@sarahcooper3378]

What a beauty. That gait is amazing and only ridden 4 times! Wow!

[@rhondaengness7214]

So often I see you ride a horse and say, "That's the one I want!" Well, you did it again!!

[@stellajacobson231]

As a swede this is so lovely to see! Sadly I've never been able to meet an ardenner myself yet but I'd love to one day! Thank you Alyssa for bringing light upon this nowadays rare breed. I love to be able to follow your journey, thank you for sharing it with us and thank you to Sofie for being such a good advocate (dunno if that's the correct word to use here but cant come up woth anyting else) for the breed!

[@bernadettecartin]

"Advocate" is the perfect word.

[@Hundelsa]

Lunna ridklubb nära Kungälv har en som heter Ulla-maja.

[@janadarnold2500]

Amazing how light he is on his feet and the upright carriage

[@livesoutdoors1708]

He carried you like a feather!

[@Divig]

Our neighbour when I was little had a swedish ardenner horse. He used it to work in his forest since it allowed him to manage the forest non-invasively.

[@shortymcfox2251]

What a beautiful horse! I’ve never heard of this one. Gosh, such a tank but so gentle❤️ I need to look into this one more. Such a wonderful experience for you and you get to bring us along! 🌻☀️

[@megancherry2911]

I've always had a fascination with the Ardenner breed. Majestic. Powerful. Breathtaking

[@hypnotherapy69]

I love Draft horses they are so majestic and look so vise

[@hypnotherapy69]

and it looks so good with the feathers.

[@user-tj8jr6gg9c]

What a big handsome gentle horse,you can't help loving a horse like this.Awesome!!!!!!!❤

[@phyllisnunn2061]

Wow, what an incredible horse!!!! ❤

[@SisterGoldenHair111]

There beautiful and special. His father was exceptional.❤

[@lj291261]

How beautiful - a stunning horse!

[@sheila3845]

He is so beautiful and you are so lucky

[@lavenderwyvern]

the most beautiful horse ever!

[@donquixote1502]

What a beautiful horse 👍👍

[@Cavelabs]

My fathers father, born over 130 years ago had these horses. They were his working partners in the forest collecting timber and also on the fields.

[@jayneterry8701]

The two of you looked great together! 💞

[@anitaadams6782]

He is gorgeous!!

[@ohkaylalala]

OMG that mane 😻 And who needs blinders when you have those emo bangs😸

[@joypayne5534]

What beautiful horses 🐴 so awesome amazing Majesty horses 🐎🐎

[@TenderheartPC]

What a hunk!

[@MrBeck-ly1kb]

Beautiful breed. Thanks for sharing !❤

[@KingClancytheBelgian]

Melvin looks like he has such a smooth jog in the trott. Similar disposition to my Belgian. A definite add to my equine wishlist, when I win the lottery.

[@annazimmerman864]

I am LOVING this breed 💓💓💓

[@leftnoname]

These people do amazing work.

[@SofieSkylvik]

Thank you so much, we love what we do

[@ritamclaughlin9681]

a beautiful, beautiful stallion! He looks to be a joy to ride!

[@tammycampbell112]

What a beautiful horse he is!!

[@lucinaramsey4705]

Drafts are my favorite …. What a beauty 🩶

[@SofieSkylvik]

🥰

[@marymasters3960]

What an envious journey you are on, to ride every breed of horse, and to tell us about them. Thank you, I enjoy the videos.

[@robertshrewsbury5067]

What a good looking horse.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

What a gorgeous horse! I love his trot.

[@wendyschaumberg6850]

What a gorgeous boy❤❤❤ He looks so comfortable 😊 cheers to ya

[@GlitterNallen]

Amazing❤ I hope to have a Ardenner or Nordsvenk in the future. We have to take care of our beautiful Swedish horses. I am so happy she choose the most beautiful horse she had for this video😊 good opurtunity too show People this fairy tale horse. I would say this video made me even more curious about Ardenner. I live in Sweden and I am so sad that ardenner and nordsvensk are not seen more!

[@ChiyoriMizushima]

I think I'm in love... He's so handsome !

[@jessiesungmanitou9369]

Thanks for presenting this remarkable breed. They´ve got an appearance 💖🐎that leaves one in awe.

[@jakobeliskovjensen]

Yes, I am lucky enough to work with them on a daily basis and ride 2 of them, they are fantastic in mind and kindness

[@juliajarborg2103]

lovely horses! my family is swedish and we had an ardennes called Pargas at our summer home when i was little. the big seaside paddock was like 10 meters from the front door of the main house and i remember that whenever i got the chance i would always go to Pargas and cuddle with him or simply just watch him stand by the beach with his majestic hair blowing in the wind. he was not broke (we couldn't ride him), and he was a retired working horse. he sadly passed away (like all old horses do) but i remember that he was my first significant memory of a certain horse individual that i adored. with that said, ardennes are certainly an incredibly unique and beautiful horse breed.

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

Congratulations. You are the best ❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Absolutely magnificent!!! 😄😁🥰🥰🥰

[@lisajoyaslanis]

MELVIN has a beautiful walk....love to see him, after a little more training, at The Inspections; Very handsome Stallion, thank you ladies! ( darned system, changes things..! ) MALWIN?? ( nice... )

[@katarinawikholm5873]

Ä is the sound in English ”air” so either respellings would work, I guess

[@karenrobbins2802]

Absolutely magnificent horses 🐴 thx again for a wonderful educational video 💙🇦🇺💙

[@carolynstewart8465]

You are a lovely rider !

[@ruthlowndes8331]

Stunning stallion! This series brings so much joy to my heart ❤ thx so much for sharing these amazing experiences!

[@sewlittlemouse6365]

My new dream horse❤

[@348Tobico]

How massive those horses are, stallion and mares too! They breed must have been nearly destroyed by WWI. So wonderful they have been saved and are growing in numbers. Once again you have shown a breed we would be hard pressed to find on our own, and made them real.

[@sandydarkfall]

I live in Sweden and it is sad that I have never seen these horses up close. There are not many of them in my area. I did not even think we had this draft breed in this country and I love Draft breeds. They are so strong, gentle and kind. Lots of respect for this breed ♥

[@sheylaboucher3829]

Beautiful!

[@majztY]

he is majestic

[@artistryandmotion]

I had never heard of a Swedish Ardennes before, but now I can’t wait to see one up close. Hopefully, I can find some here in California.

[@SofieSkylvik]

[@BM-if9zn]

I love horses and he is stunning❤

[@GiggleSnorts]

They are SO beautiful 🥰

[@terriwhalen3618]

Beautiful

[@lisaeaker9064]

He looks like he has the smoothest trot

[@anne-theresefagerli6939]

han är så grann!