Furioso
Origin
Hungary
History
The Furioso, or Furioso-North-Star breed was originally developed at the Hungarian state studfarm of Mezóhegyes, situated in the extreme southeast of the Hungarian plain, using Nonius mares as a base. Furioso and North Star were English Thorougbred stallions brought to Mezóhegyes in 1841 and 1844, respectively. Furioso sired a lot stallions, which were used at many of the imperial studs. North Star was grandson of Touchstone, who won the 1834 St. Leger and the 1836 and 1837 Ascot Gold Cup. His Dam was a granddaughter of Waxy, the 1793 Derby winner who was himself a grandson of Eclipse, and the horse chiefly responsible for perpetuating Eclipse´s illustrious line. The North Star and Furioso lines were kept distinct until 1885, when they began to be crossed. The Furioso strain has since gained the ascendancy.
Today, the Furioso is bred at the old stud farm of Apajpuszta in Hungary, between the Danube and Tisza Rivers, but is otherwise bred all over Central Europe, from Austria to Poland.
Description
- Head:
well shaped, proportional to the body, and usually has a straight profile - Conformation:
a dual-purpose, medium-heavy harness and saddle type horse, the Furioso has a large frame, strong body constitution, and noble appearance.
-neck, straight or only slightly arched and muscular
-withers, medium to high and long
-shoulder, lean but muscular and well sloped
-barrel, deep and well sprung
-legs, solid with good muscle, clean joints which are clearly defined
-hooves, well formed and tough - Average height:
16 to 17 h.h. - Colour:
the most common colour seen in the Furioso is bay, with black being rare. Chestnut is sometimes seen - Temperament:
it is reliable, even-tempered, sound, hardy and intelligent - Today:
the Furioso is now a first-class riding horse which also goes well in harness.
