Noriker Horse

The NORIKER horse makes the majority of the Austrian horse population. Like many old European breeds, it has been subject to change and improvement to meet altered circumstances and conditions. Even so, it has absorbed outcrosses without losing its essential character, and after almost 2,000 years is now a breed of fixed and clearly recognizable type, surviving in great numbers and still fulfilling a useful purpose.

EARLY HISTORY
The name Noriker is derived from the state of Noricum, a vassal province of the Roman Empire corresponding roughly to present-day Austria. It was well-served with mountain passes and the roads that were the hallmark of the Roman Empire, implying the extensive use of both draught and pack transport. Furthermore, the southern borders of Noricum were adjacent to the lands of the Venetii, a people noted as skilled horse-breeders, who had certainly occupied that area since 900 BC. These areas later became the home of the Haflinger pony and there is, therefore, a natural connection between the two breeds.
The Noriker owes its development to Roman pragmatism. Although they were not great horsemen, the Romans were proficient at horse-breeding and established studs in every part of their huge empire for the production of purpose-bred horses. The Noriker's ancestors were probably based on the heavy war-horse produced in Juvavum (near Salzburg), which was also used in draught and under pack.

THE MIDDLE AGES
By the Middle Ages, a smallish, heavy horse, compact and sure-footed and thus suited to hard work in mountainous country, had been developed. The best were bred in the mountain region of Gross Glockner. From about 1565 the monasteries, which were often a significant factor in horse-breeding, took control of breeding, and the Noriker's characteristics were regularizedand improved.

Under the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg, the Salzburg Stud Book was established, new stud farms were created, and standards were laid down. Neapolitan, Burgundian, and Spanish blood increased the size, and by the 18th century a spotted coat pattern, the result of crosses with Spanish spotted strains was evident, particularly in the Pinzgau district of Austria. This resulted in the term Pinzgauer-Noriker. However, a Pinzgauer Stud Book for this spotted strain was not opened until 1903, when it had a registration of 450 stallions and over 1,000 mares.

THE MODERN NORIKER
Today, "Noriker" includes Pinzgauer, and there are four recognized strains: Carinthian (Karntner), Steier, Tyrolean (Tiroler), and Bavarian or South German Coldblood. There are also distinct colour lines, including dappled and brindle coat patterns; black-headed dapple-grey; brown; and shades of chestnut.

Norikers must meet strict conformational breed standards, and are performance tested. They are renowned for their hardiness, hereditary soundness, and biddable temperament. The breed standards are strictly enforced, and include inspection and performance testing for stallions and mares.