Horse
Pronunciation:
Nor'-ick-ker
Breed Description:
The Noriker breed of horse, also called the Pinzgauer, is a moderately heavy but small draft horse from Austria. It appears as a draft horse, but normally has unusually short legs, giving it immense pulling power. It is popular partly due to its variety of colors; although solid colors are most common, some Norikers carry leopard patterns or roan coloring, and some paints, but simple gray does not occur.
Temperament:
The Noriker breed of horse is trainable, but is among the more independent and spirited of draft breeds.
Height:
The Noriker breed of horse stands 15 to 16 hands.
Weight:
The Noriker breed of horse weighs 1250 to 1600 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Noriker breed of horse has been carefully bred and has no specific health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Noriker breed of horse is very hardy and can be kept outdoors year-round.
Exercise:
The Noriker breed of horse benefits from regular work to manage its temperament.
Life Expectancy:
The Noriker breed of horse lives into its mid twenties.
Grooming:
The Noriker breed of horse needs little maintenance.
Origin:
The Noriker breed of horse has been used for centuries and a transport horse, often seen on trade routes between central Europe and the Mediterranean. During its early history, up to the 18th century, many breeds influenced the Noriker, including the Andalusian - the Iberian 'tiger' horses are probably the source of the Noriker's leopard patterns. Cross breeding was prohibited after the official Noriker studbook was established in 1903. The breed maintained its popularity with military uses during both World wars, and there were estimated to be around 35,000 Norikers in the 1950s. With the general decline of draft horse popularity in the 1970s, almost all of the Norikers disappeared, although a nucleus of horses was still used for forestry work in remote Alpine areas. Concerted efforts to restore the Noriker mean there are around 10,000 horses today, making it one of the most numerous draft breeds, and almost all of the Norikers are still in Austria..
