The Abtenauer is a strain of Noriker Horse and generally considered the smallest within the type. They are a rather mysterious breed and rarely found outside of their cradle in the Abtenau Valley.
A Little Backstory
Thought to come from Greek military mounts abandoned in the region, later influenced by Spanish an Italian blood. This tiny mountain valley helped to shape the modern type and while their breeding history is long, it is quite mysterious to the outside world, even today. The Abtenau Valley area has long been known for their horseflesh, traditionally breeding handsome, robust, undemanding animals. Small enough to have a characteristically elegant gait, but large enough to be a useful laborer in forested mountains. More refined than their Noriker cousin, the addition of Noriker blood seems to have changed the face of the modern Abtenauer bloodlines, for better or worse.
What Makes Them Special
Their largest claim to fame is that they are the smallest breed of cold-blooded horse (generally cold-blooded animals are large and heavy in stature). Known for being handsomely built, their graceful movement and incredibly sure feet, all topped off with a kind disposition. To learn more about the breed, be sure to visit the Abtenauer page
Quick Facts
Native to Austria.
Studbook established in 1898
Not listed in the DAD-IS and officially their numbers are unknown. One source mentioned there were less than 200 registered animals.