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The Noriker originated in the
Alpine regions of Austria in what was the ancient Roman state of Noricum.
The Romans established studs, and it is likely that the Noriker developed
from the heavy warhorse that was being selectively bred in the Salzburg
region. During the Middle Ages, the Noriker continued to be bred, but by
then in studs attached to monasteries. Today it is widely bred throughout
Southern Germany as well as Austria. It is also known as the South German
Coldblood. It is likely that Haflinger and also Spanish, Neapolitan, and
Burgundian blood are responsible in part for the Noriker's ancestry.
Although extremely popular as
an agricultural worker, in 1729 the breed was modified by the infusion of a
number of warmblood stallions to make them suitable for the army. The areas
where the Noriker are bred are naturally rough and harsh, which has imbued
the Noriker with incredible toughness. They are able to survive in extremely
harsh weather conditions with little or no shelter. The heading of Noriker
also cover the Pinzgauer, which was once a separate breed. The Pinzgauer is
of similar type to the Noriker but is a spotted horse. Both the Noriker and
Pinzgauer are versatile farm workers, being sure-footed and a lighter type
of draft, which makes them useful for working in the mountainous regions of
Austria.
As well as being known for
their excellent temperament and wiling attitude, they are also strong and
sturdy, qualities that are maintained in the breed by the process of
stallion testing before they are allowed to stand at stud. Norikers are
important in the breeding of Central and Eastern European draft horses. They
tend to have a head bordering on the heavy side, set on to a short, thick
neck with loaded shoulders, a deep chest, and well-sprung ribs.
The quarters should be round
and muscular, often with a broad cleft, and a low-set tail. They should have
good strong legs with feathering at the pasterns, and hard hooves. They
usually have an excellent forward=going stride, especially at the trot.
Typically they are bay and chestnut, although also sometimes they are dun,
spotted, and skewbald. They average in height anywhere between 15.2 and 17
hh.
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