Origin
Denmark
History
The Knabstrup is claimed as a national breed, tracing back to the age of the Vikings. A fresco in Skibby church on Zealand in Denmark, dated at about 1000 A.D., shows a beautifully spotted horse.
Since 1100 A.D. the principal lines of distribution of the spotted horse can be closely traced. The spotted horse was very common in Asia and its distribution extended rapidly when China opened its borders for trade. The Chinese used spotted horses to transport silk and other articles. The main routes crossed Russia, through France to Spain, through Austria to Poland, and even into Scandinavia and North Africa.
This breed is descended from a spotted mare of spanish ancestry called Flaebehoppen ("Flaebe´s horse"). She was sold to Judge Lunn who bred from her at his Knabstrup estate. She was noted for speed and endurance. Bred with a Frederiksborg in 1808, she founded a line of spotted horses and her Grandson, Mikkel, is recognized as a foundation sire.
In 1933, approximately 60 years after the stud farm at Knabstrupgard had been dissolved, a veterinarian named Ahlstrand, who lived in Bornholm, established an association in order to preserve the spotted horses.
The aim in breeding Knabstrup horses today is to preserve the horse as a Danish riding horse. Recently there has been a good deal of crossbreeding and some breeders have concentrated more on coulour than on conformation. As a result, many different types are represented within the breed and the original type is nearly extinct.
Description
- Head:
well set and attractive in its outlook - Conformation:
-strong and well muscled neck tending to shortness
-strong, broad loin without too much length in the back
-no defined withers
-sufficient bone for the frame with short cannons
-flat and big knees - Average height:
15.1 to 16 h.h. - Colours:
mainly white with brown or black spots on the head, body and legs - Temperament:
the breed is known for its calmness and friendly temper, intelligence, and aptness to learn - Today:
frequently used in circuses, the Knabstrup is also promoted as a riding and carriage horse.
