Kinsky horse

The Kinsky horse or Equus Kinsky is a light warmblood horse , bred until the middle of the 20th century in Bohemia, a part of the modern-day Czech Republic. At one time it was the most prominent breed in that part of the world.

Physical Characteristics

Kinsky horses average 158 cm to 175 cm (15.5 - 17 hands) in height. They are considered to have a harmonic build, and usually feature a high proportion of Thoroughbred ancestry. Their coats can be palomino, chestnut, fox, brown, and additionally special colors like cremello, perlino, and smoky cream. All colors have an intensive gloss, so that the animals appear nearly golden-skinned.

Disposition and Use

Much importance is attached to the balanced, good-natured character of these horses. From birth, Kinsky horses are all very much inclined towards humans, friendly and curious.

The Kinsky horse is a versatile, multipurpose horse, suited to both riding (including Dressage, Western style, Military and Police applications, Eventing, Steeplechasing, and fox hunting) and driving. It is also suited for Dressage or show jumping at the highest levels (Grand Prix, Derby or Olympic disciplines). The Kinsky horse is also suitable as a therapy horse.

Origin and History

The development of the Kinsky horse is closely linked with the history of the Kinsky family and in particular Count Oktavian Kinsky. The family of the Count had for decades predominantly bred Thoroughbreds for horse racing or steeplechasing. The first known mention of the breed term "Kinsky horse" or the now-protected designation "Equus Kinsky" is from the year 1838. Previously, the horses were known only as the special horses bred by Count Kinsky.

Present and Future

By the end of the twentieth century, the Kinsky horse breed had been nearly entirely assimilated into the Czech warm blood. The Kinsky horse is considered threatened today (2004), with less than 1,000 members of the breed surviving world-wide -- one of the rarest horse breeds in the world.

Hobby breeders, particularly in the Czech Republic, still try to breed Kinksy horses. The Czech Republic has recognized that the race is worth saving as cultural property, and has ordered an end to their extermination; but there is no subsidy or financial support for the keeping and breeding of further Kinsky horses. Meanwhile, sport horse riders from all over the world, looking for a "special colored" horse, are buying the very best "Kinsky horses" from the Czech breeders, draining the best stock from the Czech Republic.