Noriker horse
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Noriker (or the Pinzgauer) is a breed of draught horse with a reputation for toughness and stamina.
[edit] History
Bred and developed over several thousand years in the mountain regions of Austria, the Noriker is an attractive looking light draught horse. Strong and hardy, this horse is noted particularly for its calm temperament, sound limbs and sure-footedness. These characteristics make it an ideal all-round work horse over difficult mountainous terrain.
As with most horses, despite its ancient origins there was no formal breeding program until fairly recent times. The Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg is credited with forming a stud book some 400 years ago. It was then that standards were drawn up, for both mares and stallions, and stud farms established.
Because of its toughness and capacity for hard work the Noriker became popular throughout Europe. Different strains evolved, including the Bavarian, now known as the South German Coldblood and found in Upper and Lower Bavaria. Various color lines, tracing back to Andalusian and Neapolitan horses, also had an influence on today’s breed and were responsible for the dappled and brindle coloring.
The breed takes its name from the ancient state of Noricum (during the Roman Empire Noricum was roughly approximate to present-day Austria). However, the Noriker can be traced back to pre-Roman times, when a hevy war horse was developed in Thessalonica. Horses in this type were taken to Noricum by the Romans. In due course they were crossed with other coldblooded horses of the region and became admirably adapted to the harsh conditions of their new environment.
[edit] Breed description
Height: Stallions: 16 – 17hh Mares: 15.3 – 17hh Color: Brown, chestnut, black, grey, and brindle. White body markings are not acceptable. Too many or too large white markings on the head or limbs are not desirable. Conformation: Straight profile, wide nostrils, medium-sized eyes; medium-length neck with thick, curly mane; good sloping shoulders; broad, deep chest; medium-length, well muscled back; long limbs with powerful forearms, large clean joints, well-muscled second thigh and good, sound feet This horse is a beautiful breed and is very useful when needed.
