Horse
Breed Description:
The Kladruber breed of horse is considered by many to be the oldest established horse breed, and is also quite possibly the rarest. Bred for Czech royalty at the end of the fifteenth century, the Kladruber was developed to be a large, high-stepping and elegant carriage breed. Originally a number of different colors, today’s Kladruber is only acceptable in gray or black, as each color horse has a specific function or task to perform for the Czech royalty. The Kladruber breed of horse features an easily recognizable convex profile and Roman noses, and a very high-stepping gait for a horse of its size. The Kladruber has a very deep and powerful chest that is broad and meets the high-set neck in a pleasing line. The neck itself is well-muscled and is noticeably arched, providing a regal and proud appearance without losing a sense of power. The Kladruber has large, unfeathered legs, large joints, and equally large hooves that are well-formed and of good conformation.
Temperament:
The Kladruber breed of horse is a lively and active animal. Its natural high-stepping gait is accentuated by its energetic personality, and this energy often manifests itself as a strong desire to please its handlers and trainers. The Kladruber horse has a calm and relaxed nature, and as such performs well in noisy or chaotic situations or events where there are large crowds of people. Vehicles, artillery, and gunshots do not faze the mighty Kladruber. The Kladruber is an exceptional worker, and can be put to good use in the harness, at the plow, or under saddle.
Height:
16.2 hh to 17 hh
Health Problems:
The Kladruber is one of the oldest managed breeds known today. As a result, its development has been carefully monitored for more than 400 years, ensuring that the breed remains free from genetic defects. There are no known naturally occurring diseases or conditions in the Kladruber, however, as with all large breeds; care should be taken to observe for injuries or conditions that affect the joints and bones.
Origin:
The Kladruber breed of horse was bred to perform official functions of the royalty in the Slavic countries, most notably the old republic of Czechoslovakia and Sweden. Over four hundred years, a very particular breed type emerged that blended the best qualities of beauty, personality, and action. The official colors of the breed also developed related to the task the animal performs: gray horses are present during celebrations of good cheer such as weddings, and black Kladrubers are present at more somber events such as funerals. 