Horse
Breed Description:
The Knabstrup breed of horse, also known as the Knabstrupper, is a warmblood breed that is most easily recognized for its striking coat colorations. While some Knabstrup horses may be solid colors, the vast majority of this breed is blanket style, snowcap, mottled, patched, leopard, or otherwise colored uniquely, resembling in coloring pattern the Appaloosa breed. Spots or other splashes of color appear against a white background, while the spots or other variations in color may be of any hue. The Knabstrup breed of horse likely descended from ancient wild Iberian horses of the same type of coloring and pattern. The Knabstrup horse has a keenly intelligent yet curious expression, a smallish head, and a refined profile. Because of the dilution of pure Knabstrup blood from the breeding pool over the last 100 years, the Knabstrup may vary considerably in physical conformation from specimen to specimen. In general the Knabstrup has moderate withers, a sloping back of medium length, and solid legs with plenty of bone. The hooves are small and hard, and the tail and mane are both long and luxurious.
Temperament:
The Knabstrup was bred primarily for its interesting colors, but also for temperament and versatility. The Knabstrup breed of horse is especially known for its easy-going demeanor and willingness to please. The Knabstrup horse is highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks. This breed tends to be curious, and this often aids in training the Knabstrup to take part in new activities or disciplines.
Height:
14.2 hh to 16 hh, with some pony-sized examples under 14 hh
Health Problems:
The Knabstrup breed of horse has been irresponsibly bred for the past century or more, resulting in an animal that is difficult to define or categorize. As a result, the Knabstrup may or may not be a hardy animal. Poor breeding practices may lead to the proliferation of congenital diseases and afflictions, so care must be taken to study lineage and provide proper vetting prior to acquisition or purchase. Some examples of the Knabstrup breed may be very healthy indeed and live into their late twenties and early thirties. As with any breed, responsible and diligent action on the part of the breeder, trainer, and potential owner can help insure that a particular Knabstrup horse is of good and lasting health.
Origin:
The Knabstrup breed has a long history, but has only had a specified type for about 200 years. The first registry began in the early part of the nineteenth century in Denmark. Breeding appears to have occurred flippantly at first, but the early results of crossing a white-spotted mare with local stock yielded a striking and remarkably adaptable breed that quickly became popular all over Europe. The Knabstrup has performed well across the world in agricultural uses, light draught work, under saddle, eventing, and showing, as well as jumping and other uses. Today there are probably no pure Knabstrup horses in existence, but there are efforts underway in Denmark, Europe, and the United States to preserve the bloodlines that remain. 