Black Forest Chestnut
Origin
Germany
History
The Black Forest Horse, as it's name suggests, originated in the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg in south west Germany.
Also called, Schwarzwälder Füchse, it is an old breed, a small coldblood intermediate in size between the Haflinger and Noriker. The breed was influenced by the Noriker in the past and also carries Breton blood.
By the end of the 1800's the first studbook was established, thereby creating state regulated breeding stock and breeding regulation/qualifications. As civilization evolved and machinery began to overtake the use of work horses, the existence of the Black Forest breed became greatly endangered. However, today, the breed is no more in danger. There are 46 State Approved Stallions (16 stallions standing at the State owned Stud Farm in Marbach/Baden-Wurttemberg, the others standing at private breeding facilities) and approximately 700 registered mares in Germany. These numbers continue to rise as the popularity of the breed once again reaches new heights.
Description
- Head:
attractive, wide between the eyes and tapering to a small muzzle; small ears; large and expressive eyes - Conformation:
-short and muscular neck with a clean throat-latch
-the withers are set low into the musculature
-sloped, powerful, and heavily muscled shoulder
-short back
-sloped croup with a low tail-set-deep and well rounded body
-broad and deep chest
-trim, strong legs clean of heavy feathering - Average height:
15 h.h. - Colours:
typically sorrel with a white or flaxen mane and tail and a broad blaze on the face - Temperament:
they are nimble and lively, have a gentle nature, and are very durable and strong. - Today:
they are mainly used as coach horses and for riding. Their good character and gentle disposition has earned them a well-deserved role in aiding children in therapeutic riding facilities. They handsomely pull brewery wagons, wedding carriages, and carry any size rider easily through varied terrain.
