Noriker horse
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| Noriker | ||
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 Noriker horse |
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| Alternative names: | Pinzgauer | |
| Country of origin: | Austria | |
| Breed standards | ||
The Noriker (or the Pinzgauer) is a breed of draught horse with a reputation for toughness and stamina.
[edit] History
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 heavy war horse was developed in Thessaloniki. 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.
The Noriker has been bred and developed over several thousand years in the mountain regions of Austria. 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.
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.
[edit] Characteristics
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. They usually have a straight profile, wide nostrils and medium-sized eyes. They have a thick, curly mane n a medium-length neck. They generally have good sloping shoulders; a broad, deep chest; and a well muscled back. The limbs are long and powerful with large, clean joints. The feet are hard and sound. They come in brown, chestnut, black, grey, leopard or blanket, and brindle. White body markings typical of pintos are not acceptable. Too many or too large white markings on the head or limbs caused by sabino are not desirable. The height of stallions is between 16 and 17 hands high, and for mares it is between 15.3 and 17 hands high.
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