The Kisber Felver, of Kisber
Half-bred, is a relatively young breed, having been developed over
the last hundred years at the Kisber Stud in Hungary. The Kisber
Stud was founded in 1853, and was primarily concerned with the breeding
of Thoroughbreds, at which is had great success, most notably with
the mare Kincsem. Kincsem was unbeaten in an amazing 54 races, and
was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as a result.
The Kisber Felver evolved
through crosses between Thoroughbred, Furioso, Trakehner, Arabian
and Anglo-Arab, and Selle Francais. They are essentially a ahlf=brredd,
and as such, they contain a high percentage of Thoroughbred blood,
combined with other breeds. It is though that they were originally
developed to be a useful sports horse, withmore weight than the
Thoroughbred, and also a horse capable of going in harness. Once
the Kisber Felver had developed its fixed characteristics, they
were commonly used for crossbreeding with local stock to improve
the progeny.
They are naturally a highly
attractive and quality horse, with a distinct Thoroughbred look
to them, and have made extremely successful competition horses.
The Kisber Felver ahs a tough, sound constitution and is energetic
and lively, qualities which made them suitable for military as well
as private use. They are naturally athletic, and make good jumping
and eventing prospects. Sadly, the breed numbers were dramatically
reduced during the First and Second World Wars, and in 1845, more
than half of the breeding stock was taken as war damages. In 1961,
the remaining breeding stock was moved to he Dalmand Stud Farm,
where they are still bred today. The Kisber Felver is rarely head
of, a fact which belies their merits and worth as competition sports
horses.
In appearance, they have
attractive, fine, quality heads with alert ears. The neck is of
good proportion and curves gently from the withers to the poll.
They have well-conformed, sloping shoulders, a deep chest, and well-sprung
ribs. Often the back can be long, and the croup slightly sloping.
The legs are muscular, although the joints can be rather small sometimes.
They are usually chestnut or bay in color, and can be any solid
color. They stand between 15.2 and 17 hh.
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