Horse
Pronunciation:
tore'-ee
Breed Description:
The Tori breed of horse is a draft breed developed in Estonia. It is among the lighter draft breeds, and is well suited to most work in harness, from farm work to casual driving. The Tori has a higher set head and neck than many draft breeds, and so has an elegant appearance. The Tori comes in chestnut (especially liver), bay, and brown. In recent years many breeders have begun to cross Toris with lighter riding horse breeds to develop sport and competition horses, and there are believed to be less than 100 purebred Toris remaining today. Purebred Toris exhibit their draft horse ancentry, and are much heavier than what is becoming known as the Tori Sport Horse, which is significantly lighter and more a riding horse type. Perhaps the Tori Sport Horse will become a recognized breed itself one day.
Temperament:
The Tori breed of horse has an excellent temperament, being very trainable and docile yet more spirited and energetic than many draft breeds.
Height:
The Tori breed of horse stands around 16 hands.
Health Problems:
The Tori breed of horse has no particular health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Tori breed of horse is hardy and can be kept outdoors in most climates.
Exercise:
The Tori breed of horse is a working breed and enjoys regular exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Tori breed of horse lives into its mid to late twenties.
Grooming:
The Tori breed of horse should be kept with a natural appearance. The Tori has a finer mane and tail, and less leg feathers than many draft breeds and is very easy to maintain.
Origin:
The Tori breed of horse was developed in Estonia at the Tori stud from 1890 to 1950, by crossing native Estonian mares with European warmblood and driving breed stallions, including Norfolk Trotters. A very few notable stallions were used early on, and by the 1930s the breed began to show signs of inbreeding, and the breed developed a reputation for illness and unsoundness. The addition of Breton horses was used to eliminate the problems of inbreeding, resulting in a larger draft type. To protect the Tori's quick and elegant paces, Hanoverian and Trakehener horses were added, resulting in the lighter draft type of the modern Tori.
