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The secret of the Kladdruber horse: How does this ancient breed maintain its unique charm for 400 years?
The Kladdrupski horse, or known as the Czech Star Kladdrubski horse, is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world, with a history of over 400 years. As the oldest horse breed in the Czech Republic, its number is quite rare. In 2011, there were only 492 mares left. For a long time, Kladdruber horses have been bred at the National Stud in Kladrupina Drab, Czech Republic. This is not only the home of this elegant horse breed, but also responsible for its breeding records and conservation.
For the history of this horse breed, the Kladdruber horse is not only a far-reaching cultural symbol, but also an important witness to history. It was first bred in a stud farm established by Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II in 1579. Originally, this breed was intended as a source of pulling power for heavy carriages intended for royal use on formal occasions, especially at the Habsburg court.
"The Kladdruber horse always impresses people with its elegant appearance and strong pulling power."
Ancient genes and long breeding history
The genes of the Cladrubber horse come from horses from many countries, including Andalusian horses from Spain and Neapolitan horses from Italy. The cross-breeding of these horse breeds gave the Kladdruber horse its unique characteristics. Due to the breed's strict color requirements, today's Kladdruber horses are mostly gray or black, but in the early days they came in a variety of colors, such as golden yellow and mottled colors.
"The color variation of the Kladdruber reflects the diversity of its early breeding, but today's selections return to tradition."
Historically, the breeding record of the Kladdruber horse was almost destroyed by a fire in 1757, making it almost impossible to trace their early records. However, this predicament instead prompted an emphasis on breed conservation and reconstruction efforts, especially after World War II, when many valuable horses were saved.
Horse breed characteristics and current conditions
Modern Kladdruber horses are usually about 16.2 to 17 hands tall (about 66 to 68 inches), and their appearance is known for its elegance and power. This kind of horse is suitable for heavy-bearing work and has also been well used in international comprehensive driving competitions. Their gentle temperament and strong endurance make the Kladdrub horse a trustworthy working companion.
"The Kladdruber's high gait and toughness make it an excellent driving horse."
According to different bloodlines, Kladdruber horses can be divided into two types: black and gray. Gray horses are usually taller and more like British stallions in appearance, while black horses are relatively heavier and stockier. These characteristics not only give Kladdruber horses instant majesty in the arena, but also underline their cultural and historical importance.
The cultural significance of the Kladdrub horse
The Kladdrub horse is not only a cultural heritage of the Czech Republic, but also a symbol of many formal occasions. It serves the royal families of Denmark and Sweden, further consolidating its status in Europe. In 2019, this unique Imperial Stud, together with its surrounding area, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, proving its outstanding contribution to equestrian and cultural development.
The ability of this ancient horse breed to retain its uniqueness and charm over hundreds of years undoubtedly triggers thinking about contemporary breeding and preservation. How should we cherish these splendid cultural heritages and continue and consolidate their existence?
