Kladruby horse

Name: Kladruby horse
Origin: Czech Republic
Height: 165 - 170 cm
Colour: white, raven
Category: baroque horses

History of the breed Kladruby Horse

The origins of the breed date back to the 16th century, to the period of the Habsburg monarchy. Its ancestors were Spanish and Old Italian horses. In 1579 a court stud farm was founded by Emperor Rudolf II and became the centre of Kladruby horse breeding. In the 18th century, 3 important lines were created, whose founders were the stallions Pepoli, whose descendants were the first-class breeding horses Generale and Generalissimus, the others were Sacramoso and Napoleone. The Old Kladruby Whites are still bred in the National Stud Farm Kladruby nad Labem. However, the Kladruby herd was destroyed during the Second World War and the line was threatened with extinction. Fortunately, a few mares were saved and the black Kladrubians were moved to the stud farm Slatiňany. The Kladruby horse was declared a Czech national monument.

Physique of the Kladruby horse breed

The head is distinctly clavate, the neck is muscular and arched. The shoulder blades are steep and the chest is deep. The back is longer and firm, the rump round, muscular and with a relatively high set tail. The limbs are strong with good joints and no rousses. The hooves are hard. The coat is white or black, but reddish hairs are beginning to appear. At withers they average 165-170 cm.

Use of the Kladruby horse breed

Kladruby horses were originally carriage horses. Today, they are used in parades and traditionally, the Kladruby White Guards carry the starter of the Great Pardubice to the start. They are also sought after horses for chariot races. Crossbreeding with other warmbloods produces excellent riding horses with dressage talent.

Character of the breed Kladruby horse

Kladruby horses are friendly, willing and hardworking. They are kind, teachable and energetic. They are also hardy and good to handle.