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The Murakosi originated around
the area of the river Mura in Southern Hungary and continues to be bred
there today, as well as in Poland and the countries that formerly belonged
to Yugoslavia. The breed developed as a result of crossing native
Hungarian and Polish mares with Percheron, Ardennes, and Noriker stallions.
A considerable amount of Arabian blood was introduced to the breed at the
beginning of the 20th century, and although the Murakosi is technically
called a coldblood, they do have quality from their Eastern influence, which
is not seen in the majority of coldbloods. This combination has produced a
useful, quality draft horse that is extremely strong and fast fro a heavy
horse. In the years between the two World Wars, the Murakosi was extremely
popular in Hungary and was employed extensively in an agricultural capacity.
However, as with many breeds,
the Second World War took a dramatic toll on the numbers of the Murakosi,
and, after the war, new blood had to be introduced to boost the numbers
again. The Ardennes was primarily used, and the Murakosi probably owes some
of its great power and strength to them. The Murakosi is an economical
animal to keep due to its ability to survive on frugal pickings. It also
matures very young and is quite capable of beginning to work at two years
old. They are excellent agricultural workers and, being generally possessed
of a willing and biddable temperament, are an easy horse to handle. There
are two types within the breed - a more massive built horse and a finer one,
that is suitable for riding as well as draft and farm work.
In appearance, they tend to
have a plain head with a large, kind eye. The neck is short and muscular,
being typical of the draft horse, and is set on powerful shoulders. They are
compact through the body, with a well-sprung rib cage, and with short,
strong legs that are occasionally light in bone when compared to the size of
the horse. The croup tends to be rather loping with a low-set tail. They
generally do not have much feather on the legs, and are mostly liver
chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. They stand approximately 16 hh.
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