- Murakosi - |
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 The Murakosi originated around the area of the river Mura in Southern Hungary and continues to be bred there today, as well as in Poland and the countries that formerly belonged to Yugoslavia. The breed developed as a result of crossing native Hungarian and Polish mares with Percheron, Ardennes, and Noriker stallions. A considerable amount of Arabian blood was introduced to the breed at the beginning of the 20th century, and although the Murakosi is technically called a coldblood, they do have quality from their Eastern influence, which is not seen in the majority of coldbloods. This combination has produced a useful, quality draft horse that is extremely strong and fast fro a heavy horse. In the years between the two World Wars, the Murakosi was extremely popular in Hungary and was employed extensively in an agricultural capacity. However, as with many breeds, the Second World War took a dramatic toll on the numbers of the Murakosi, and, after the war, new blood had to be introduced to boost the numbers again. The Ardennes was primarily used, and the Murakosi probably owes some of its great power and strength to them. The Murakosi is an economical animal to keep due to its ability to survive on frugal pickings. It also matures very young and is quite capable of beginning to work at two years old. They are excellent agricultural workers and, being generally possessed of a willing and biddable temperament, are an easy horse to handle. There are two types within the breed - a more massive built horse and a finer one, that is suitable for riding as well as draft and farm work. In appearance, they tend to have a plain head with a large, kind eye. The neck is short and muscular, being typical of the draft horse, and is set on powerful shoulders. They are compact through the body, with a well-sprung rib cage, and with short, strong legs that are occasionally light in bone when compared to the size of the horse. The croup tends to be rather loping with a low-set tail. They generally do not have much feather on the legs, and are mostly liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. They stand approximately 16 hh.
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