Intro
The Austrian Warmblood comes from an area that has long been known for creating fine horseflesh (including the handsome Kladruber and the ethereal Lipizzaner). Like other warmbloods, the Austrian Warmblood was developed as a superior riding and competition horse.
Origins
The foundation of the breed are Nonius, Furioso and Arabian, which created the native mare base in Austria (the Old Austria horse breeds). They were then crossed with Thoroughbred and more Arabian blood to further refine the breed in the mid 19th century.
A typical warmblood studbook, the Austrian studs come from all different countries and bloodlines. However the mare base consists mainly of native mares – although animals that stand up to rigorous inspections can be added as breeding stock.
Decline in Numbers
Like many breeds of the area, the end of the second World War and the rise of mechanization decimated their numbers. In 1964 the Association for Warmblood Breeding in Austria (now under the Central Association of Austrian Horse Breeders) was founded to promote and retain warmbloods in Austria. As of 2023 the DAD-IS shows their numbers between 2279-4200 and they are an At Risk breed.
Features
Average height 15.2 – 16.2 hands
Traditional Colors
Use
Riding horse
Sport horse
Show horse