Intro
Like several of the older breeds in Europe, the Burgdorfer Horse is officially extinct according to the DAD-IS, however that doesn’t always mean they are totally lost. Life has a way of holding on and sometimes pockets of pure animals can be found in strange places.
Origins
Originally a cross between Freiberger with Ardennes, Jura and other draft breeds in an attempt to create a heavy working horse well suited for the Bernese countryside. Most of the larger draft breeds found in Europe have faced extinction or been lost in the 20th century as mechanization made them obsolete. The Burgdorfer was no different and considered extinct by the end of the 20th century.
Recently there has been an effort to revive the breed, presumably using the original types to reconstruct similar bloodlines.
Features
Average height 15 – 15.7 Hands
Physique
Head is small and triangular with a straight or slightly dished profile
Neck is short and thick
Chest is deep
Legs are long and robust
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Intelligent and dependable
Use
Agriculture
Riding
Trotting
Helpful Links
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The Burgdorfer Horse