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Knabstrup Horse
Breed
Country of Origin:
The Knabstrup horse originated in
Denmark.
Blood Type:
The Knabstrup horse breed is in the warmblood group.
History:
There are frequent depictions of the primitive horses having spotted
coats as far back as 20,000 years ago. The Knabstrup breed of horse was
developed by Judge Lunn on his Knabstrup Estate from1808 to the 1880’s
when the Knabstrup Estate dissolved. In 1808 Lunn purchased a spotted
mare of Spanish origin and bred her to a Frederiksborg stallion. The
spotted Knabstrup horse breed began. After the 1880’s the numbers of
horses began to decline and in 1933 a Danish veterinarian founded an
association to revive the breed. The early Knabstrup horses were popular
as a circus horse. Today purebred Knabstrup horses are few in number but
examples of the breed can still be found.
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Height: The
Knabstrup stands 15.2HH to 16HH.
Colors: The
Knabstrup horse is mainly white with brown or black spots of varying size
over the body, head, and legs. The Knabstrup horse is very similar to the
Appaloosa in coloring.
Description:
The early Knabstrup horses were tough,
sound and sturdy. They are now more refined in appearance with a
smallish, attractive head; mottling on the muzzle and the typical sclera
round the eyes; a short, thick and arched neck; the shoulder is upright
and the back is straight and wide; they have good, muscular hindquarters;
short, strong legs and a sparse mane and tail. The Knabstrup have good
overall confirmation and good paces.
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Temperament:
The Knabstrup horses are renowned for
their intelligence and are noted for being quick learners.
Uses: The
Knabstrup horse is popular as a circus horse. They quickly learn to
perform tricks and their broad backs work well for gymnastic displays.
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