The Black Forest Horse is a breed that originated in Germany and is known for its gentle demeanor and robust health.
They are a draft-type versatile breed that is used for everything from riding to carriage driving.
If you are interested in learning more about this interesting breed, keep reading!
Black Forest Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Black Forest horse:
| Height (size) | 14.3 – 16.0 hands high |
| Colors | Even though the coat can be any number of different shades (with some coats appearing to be almost black), they are most commonly chestnut paired with flaxen manes and tails |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Common Uses | Harness, farm work, competing under saddle, equine therapy |
Black Forest Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Black Forest Horse gets its name from the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in the region of Baden-Wurttemberg where it originates.
There is evidence that horse breeding has been practiced in this region since the early 15th century.
At that time, a heavy horse known as the Walderpferd (which translates to “forest horse”) was utilized for farm and forestry work in these highland areas.
Those horses were able to withstand the severe winters, which had a significant role in the capacity of the local farmers to work the land.
Black Forest Horse is most likely descended from this breed.
Black forest horses were an indispensable asset to many generations of farmers because of their resilience and robust constitution, which allowed them to thrive despite the harsh conditions in the winter.
In the year 1896, the first studbook for the breed was created to further develop and conserve the breed, and for a period of time, these horses were very popular throughout Germany.
They were mostly unharmed by both World Wars.
However, throughout the 1980s the Black Forest Horses started to significantly fall in numbers due to the increasing use of modern machinery in farming, forestry and transportation methods. Only 160 broodmares had been recorded by 1981.
To keep people interested in these sturdy, mid-sized horses, breeders changed their goal to making “a gentle-minded, versatile family horse”.
The German government aided breeders in their efforts to preserve the Black Forest Horse, and the breed became popular as a versatile pleasure horse for both driving and riding.
As the breed’s popularity reaches new heights, these numbers keep going up.
Approximately 700 Black Forest Horse mares are registered today.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Schwarzwälder Kaltblut”
“Schwarzwälder Fuchs”
Temperament/Personality
Great temperament, even-minded nature
Physical Characteristics
They have a light to mid-weight draft horse build.
The head is short and clean, with eyes that reflect their kind temperament.
The neck is strong and short, the shoulders are sloping, and the back and croup are muscular with powerful hindquarters.
The legs have plenty of bone and no feathering, and the hooves are big and solid.
They have a long-strided, elegant trot that makes it ideal both for driving and also riding.
They have beautiful movements, which differentiate them from other draft breeds.
They possess great strength and endurance.
Colors
Even though the coat can be any number of different shades (with some coats appearing to be almost black), they are most commonly chestnut paired with flaxen manes and tails
Height (size)
14.3 – 16.0 hands high
Stallions
Up to 16 hh
Mares
14.3 – 15.2 hh
Weight
1,250 – 1,400 lb (500 – 600 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Harness, farm work, competing under saddle, equine therapy
Health
Generally healthy, but may get overweight
Popular Traits
Flowing mane and elegant movements
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Germany
Ancestors
Wälderpferd