The Noriker is a cold blood Austrian horse breed that dates back to the 16th century.
Its name is taken from the ancient kingdom of Noricum, which was a Roman province at that time.
The Norikers were first bred by the Romans.
The breed became established as the Romans needed a war horse and also a pack and draft horse.
They became a very popular war horse.
By Lek-Z
The breed was upgraded with Spanish, Neapolitan and Burgundian blood, which increased the size of the horse and also introduced a spotted version of the breed.
In order to enter the studbook at Salzburg, Norikers must meet the strict standards by inspections and performance – testing.
It is a bighorse standing between 16 and 17hh (163 – 173cm).
Coat colours are chestnut, brown, black, dapple and brindle.
It boasts a strong muscular neck,long and well positioned shoulders broad and deep chest and great depth of girth,and long back with muscular croup, strong short clean legs which carry little feather, squared head with wide nostrils, with a good sense of ballance and surefooted.
Circumference of cannon bones of mares has to be between 22 to 25 centimetres (8.7 to 9.8 in).
The breed played an important role in the transportation of goods through the Alps, carrying salt, gold and Celtic iron from Salzburg to Italy, and on the return journey bringing back wine and spices.
The use of Noriker horses in agriculture started much later, during the industrialization period in the 20th century.
Used today as a harness horse or saddle horse, it is sure-footed, very hardy with a calm temperament.
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