Intro
The Württemberger or Württemberg Horse comes from Württemberg Germany where it was developed in the middle of the 16th century as a heavy coach horse.
Origins
They were created by crossing Arabian animals with native stock and in 1552 the official stud was moved to a facility run by Christoph von Württemburg which is where the breed came by their name. Christoph crossed stock from the original stud with animals from a variety of countries including Hungary, Turkey, England & the Caucasus.
Over the years as the land was shaped by mankind & war a number of other bloodlines influenced the Württemberger including Andalusian, Neapolitan Barb & East Friesian.
Towards the end of the 19th century Anglo-Norman & Trakehner were added to the mix and by the start of the 20th century the Württemberger was finally established as a breed. The breeders association was created in 1985 in Stuttgart.
The old type was bred to be an all around animal, strong enough for hard work but handsome enough for riding & coach work. They were powerful a cob type warmblood that was useful for the time, however these animals are very rare as breeding changed after the second World War towards a lighter, more athletic sport type.
The new type Württemberger has been bred at the Marbach Stud since the middle of the 20th century when coach horses fell out of favor for sporting animals. The old type was bred to Trakehner, Westfalen & Hanovarian animals for refinement and athleticism. While they still retain elements of their cob type origins, the new type has a finer confirmation and wider range of athletic ability.
Features
Average height 16.1 hands
Physique
Head has a straight profile
Shoulders are sloping & powerful
Chest is deep & broad
Back is short & strong
Legs are short & muscular
Hooves are well formed and strong
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Friendly attitude
Use
Riding horse
Sport horse
Show horse
Coach horse
Light Draft