- W'rttemberg -

The Wurttemberg light horse breed originated at the state owned Marbach stud in Wurttemberg, Germany during the 17th century. The Marbach stud was, and is today, widely respected as a center for horse breeding of a very high quality, and during the 17th century was primarily concerned with breeding versatile horses suitable for riding and driving. The original Wurttemberg horse was quite different from those that we see today. The breed was produced as a result of crossing local warmblood mares with Arabian stallions, and later Trakehner, Anglo-Norman, Friesian, Spanish , Barb, and Suffolk Punch blood was introduced.

One of the most significant early influences on the Wurttemberg was and Anglo-Norman stallion named Faust. He was a cobby type, and appears to be largely responsible for establishing the early shape of the breed. They were originally more cob-like in conformation and statue and were suitable for light draft and farm work, as well as for some ridden work. The Wurttemberg was officially recognized as a breed in the year 1895, when their studbook was formed. However, there has been a steady change in the breeding of the Wurttemberg, tending towards the lighter sports horse we see in the breed today. The infusion of Trakehner blood was highly influential in this change, most notably from a stallion called Julmond (who died in 1965), which has greatly improved the breed.

The Wurttemberg tend to have an excellent temperament, is extremely tough and hardy, and very economical to feed. They are generally considered to be a sensible type, which probably stems from the early influence of Faust, and yet combine this with a lively and fee action which is a throwback to their Arabian ancestry. THey are very correctly proportioned for a riding horse and make incredible competition horses, excelling at both jumping and dressage.

In appearance they are attractive, medium-sized horses of quality, with a sensible head and alert ears. They tend to have muscular necks and prominent withers, a deep, broad chest, and a long, strong, straight back. Their quarters should be sloping with a well-set tail. They have very strong legs with hard hooves and generally exhibit good, free action. They are usually bay, chestnut, brown, or black, and stand approximately 16 hh.

Return to Horse Breeds page