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Noriker horse

Noriker
Spotted Noriker horse.JPG
Pair of "tiger" Noriker horses at Fieracavalli, Verona
Other names Pinzgauer, Norico-Pinzgauer
Country of origin Austria
Traits
Distinguishing features Agile, sure-footed draft horse of medium height
Breed standards

The Noriker horse, also called the Norico-Pinzgauer and historically known as the Pinzgauer horse, is a moderately heavy Austrian draught horse breed. The Noriker is considered indigenous to the central Alpine region of Europe, and is believed to have originated around the highest mountain of Austria, the Grossglockner. This region was once known as the Roman province of Noricum. At the end of the 19th century the original name Pinzgauer horse was changed to Noriker horse, due in part to the Romanophile attitude in this time.

The breed played an important role in the transportation of goods through the Alps, carrying salt, gold and Celtic iron from Salzburg to Italy, and on the return journey bringing back wine and spices. This use developed a powerful, long, deep-barreled and sure-footed draught horse as an adaptation to the alpine terrain. The use of Noriker horses in agriculture started much later, during the industrialization period in the 20th century.

The Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle takes its name from this breed.

The Noriker is a moderately heavy mountain draught horse with a low center of gravity, sure-footed, and with a good sense of balance. The height of withers averages between 15.1 and 16 hands (61 and 64 inches, 155 and 163 cm). The head should be dry, typy and should express draught horse characteristics. The neck is strong with visible musculature. The shoulder should be long and well positioned. The width of chest is broad and deep, the croup is very muscular. Special attention is placed on correct position of the short legs having strong clean joints and little feathering. Circumference of cannon bones of mares has to be between 22 to 25 centimetres (8.7 to 9.8 in).

Due to its colour varieties, the Noriker enjoys large popularity. Beside the basic coat colours bay, black and chestnut, there are spotted Leopard complex horses, Mohrenköpfe (blue roan), and other roan colors, tobianos and overos. Gray does not occur.


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Wikipedia

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