- Kladruber -

The Kladruber originated during the 16th and 17th centuries in what was formerly Czechoslovakia. The breed arose primarily through a mix of Neapolitan and Andalusian blood, and developed along similar lines to the Lippizaner, with which they share characteristics. The Kladruby Imperial Court Stud, founded in 1579 by the Emperor Rudolph II, became the chief breeding establishment for the Kladruber. The Kladruber was developed to be a top-class carriage horse for the Imperial Court.

The very early Kladrubers had a variety of different coat colors, from the usual solid colors to palomino and appaloosa, although now they are only bred to be black or white. Sadly, approximately the first 200 years worth of Kladruber stud records were destroyed in a fire in 1757, and much of the early information surrounding them was lost. From the mid 1700s on, the breed was developed from three stallions - the gray stallion Pepoli, whose two sons Generale and Generalissimus were also influential to the breed; and two black stallions that had the same name, Sacromoso. The gray Kladrubers are still bred at the Kladruby Stud, but unfortunately the black Kladruber herd was destroyed in the 1930s, with many of the animals being sold for meat. A few of the black mares were rescued, and there have since been stringent efforts to re-establish the line.

The Kladruber is a strong, long-lived, kind horse with a calm, energetic temperament. They are usually used as draft horses, although they are often crossed with lighter breeds to produce good riding horses. They make excellent competitive driving horses, possessing speed and endurance, and have frequently been seen at world class competitions.

In appearance, they have a long head with a convex profile, and a sensible, kind eye. The mane and tail hair is prolific and beautiful. The neck should be muscular and well set with a nice arch from the withers to poll.  The shoulders are reasonably sloping, the chest wide and deep, and the back quite long. The hindquarters are muscular and strong, and the legs are clean and strong with good joints, although they are sometimes long in the pastern. In height, they vary between 16.2 and 17 hands high.

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