Kinsky horses are European oldest sport horses, and are known for their beauty and incredible versatility.
So, if you are interested to learn more about this Czech breed, keep reading!
Kinsky Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Kinsky horse:
| Height (size) | 15.2 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | All shades of gold, brown, bay and chestnut, with the very occasional black. The only white markings that occur are white legs and a blaze. The golden coloring is caused by the cream dilution gene. |
| Country of Origin | Czech Republic |
| Common Uses | Dressage, showjumping, hunting, steeplechase races, eventing, polo, driving, as police mounts |
Kinsky Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Kinsky Horse, also known as the Golden Horse of Bohemia or Equus Kinsky originated in Czech Republic, and is considered Europe’s oldest sport horse breed.
The Kinsky family had a reputation for breeding exceptional horses, with the earliest recorded reference of the Kinsky horse being in a document from 1461 describing a yearly roundup of wild horses and the introduction of high caliber stallions to strengthen the herd.
Bohemia was a major European power throughout the Middle Ages, therefore its army needed a superior cavalry horse.
The Kinsky family established the Hebrecin Kinsky stud in 1516 with the intention of breeding superior cavalry horses.
The family’s wealth and influence continued to grow over the next century, and in 1628 they were officially recognized as Counts.
After that, the Emperor gave them instructions to supply horses for the cavalry as well as for the Royal Family themselves.
Cavalry horses needed to be dependable and loyal, as well as possess incredible bravery and stamina, which are exactly the characteristics of the breed today.
To further develop his stock, Count Kinsky traveled to England in 1776 to acquire Thoroughbred stallions.
The well-known characteristically golden coat color comes from these horses.
When Countess Kristina Kinsky rode into the 1814 International Congress in Vienna on a golden Kinsky, it caused widespread interest in the horses throughout Europe, and their popularity skyrocketed.
Count Oktavian Kinsky, founder of the Kinsky studbook in 1832, is credited with introducing fox-hunting and steeplechasing to Bohemia in the 19th century.
It should come as no surprise that Kinsky horses were very successful in both sports.
To put them through further more rigorous testing, the Count established the European Grand National steeplechase.
Following the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1948, the Soviet Union took possession of the family property, scattered the herd, and forced the majority of the family to leave the country.
However, one Count was granted permission to stay at the stud with the rest of the herd.
The Kinsky family continued to breed and compete with their horses while living in exile until the Soviet control of their homelands ended in 1989.
It was then that they were able to return and begin the process of reviving the Kinsky breed.
The Kinsky horse is now legally protected in the Czech Republic, and the country’s population of these horses has increased to slightly under one thousand registered individuals.
The breed is popular all across Europe, and there is even a stud in the United Kingdom.
Much of the breed was merged with the Czech Warmblood in the 20th century.
It wasn’t until 2005, that a separate stud-book for the breed was created.
The year 2016 was highly significant for this unique and rare breed, since it commemorated the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the first Kinsky stud in Bohemia, which is today a part of the Czech Republic.
Many Kinsky horses, even those without the cream gene, have a glossy coat with an almost metallic shine, much like the Akhal Teke.
There is speculation (but no proof) that some of the Thoroughbred stock introduced in the 18th century had Akhal Teke heritage.
The Czech people consider ‘Equus Kinsky’ to be a national treasure.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Golden Horse of Bohemia”, “Equus Kinsky”
Temperament/Personality
Intelligent, trainable, curious, friendly
Physical Characteristics
The head is narrow, and it is attached to a strong neck.
The shoulders are sloped.
The back is short, and the quarters are powerful.
Legs are straight.
It is a versatile athletic horse with great stamina.
Colors
All shades of gold, brown, bay and chestnut, with the very occasional black.
The only white markings that occur are white legs and a blaze.
The golden coloring is caused by the cream dilution gene.
Interestingly, the studbook places no restriction on color.
Height (size)
15.2 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Dressage, showjumping, hunting, steeplechase races, eventing, polo, driving, as police mounts
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Golden coat with a metallic sheen
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Czech Republic
Ancestors
Local horses, Thoroughbred