{"id":282,"date":"2010-08-09T00:38:42","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T00:38:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=282"},"modified":"2025-01-09T15:27:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T15:27:16","slug":"black-forest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/black-forest","title":{"rendered":"Black Forest Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also called Schwarzw\u00e4lder Kaltblut, St. M\u00e4rgener, Schwarzw\u00e4lder Fuchs and W\u00e4lderpferd, the Black Forest horse is a small, tough draft breed with a high fertility rate and a long life span. This hardy animal is bred almost exclusively in the Black Forest in southern Germany.
\n<\/p>\n

Origins<\/h3>\n

Thought to date back as many as 600 years, The Black Forest horse is a very old native. For many years the breed was used almost exclusively for forestry work, enhancing their already robust constitution. Similar in looks to a large Haflinger<\/a>, or a small Noriker<\/a>, they are well suited for the intense climate of their native highlands. <\/p>\n

Standardizing the Breed<\/h3>\n

In 1896 an association was formed to standardize\/ document the breed and it was established that only Belgian draft<\/a> blood would be added to increase size. However, many locals continued to use native stallions, wanting to preserve the characteristics they found valuable on their farms. During WWI the authorities realized that the Belgians<\/a> were not suiting the needs of the locals and the studbook was opened to local stock.<\/p>\n

Decline in Numbers<\/h3>\n

As with many heavy breeds of Europe, their numbers have declined as their jobs became mechanized during the 20th century. The breed became endangered, with only 160 registered broodmares reported in 1981. At this point the government stepped in to help protect the Black Forest horse and only the finest stock was used to maintain the best qualities of the breed.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 14.2 – 15.3 hands
\nNimble and lively<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Short, refined head with small ears and large eyes
\nShort, muscular neck
\nShort back
\nShoulders are powerful but not too bulky
\nBroad, deep chest
\nLegs are trim and strong with little feathering<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Usually dark chestnut<\/a> coat with flaxen modifier<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Good natured and gentle<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Carriage horse
\nRiding horses
\nAgriculture work<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

Schwarzw\u00e4lder Pferdezuchtgenossenschaft e.V. St. M\u00e4rgen<\/a>
\nDeutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V.<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
\n
\n\"Black\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Black\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\"Black\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Black\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n