The Leutstettener is an extremely endangered breed from Hungary.
Keep reading, because in this blog post we will cover everything you need to know about this majestic horse; from characteristics to origins and beyond!
Leutstettener Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Leutstettener:
| Height (size) | 15.1 – 16.2 hands high |
| Colors | Most commonly black and all shades of brown, but chestnuts and gays are also seen. White markings are uncommon and only allowed as a stripe on the face and small markings on the legs. |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Common Uses | Equestrian sports, driving |
Leutstettener Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Leutstettener, formerly known as “Sárvár”, is a very rare sport breed from Hungary that is renowned for its stamina.
The Leutstettener was developed in the town of Sárvár during Hungary’s Golden Era of horse breeding in the 19th century.
The breeding stock was brought from Mezohegyes stud and it consisted of Nonius, the Shagya Arabian, and in later stages, both the Furioso and the Furioso North-Star horses.
Two mares by the names of Helena and Bogar also had a significant impact on the developing breed.
However, the biggest roles in improvement of the breed played the Furioso and Thoroughbred breeds (TB blood was introduced later) by improving the Leutstettener’s endurance.
Back then the Leutstettener horses were mostly used as coach and cavalry horses.
The Leutstettener thrived up until the Russian invasion of Hungary at the close of World War II, which put the stud and its breeding stock in danger.
In order to preserve the herd, in 1945 prince Ludwig of Bavaria, who lived in Sárvár, ordered the relocation of the stock to Leutstetten in Bavaria, Germany.
When the horses arrived in Leutstetten, the name of the breed was changed from Sárvár to Leutstettener.
Over time, the Leutstettener horses became very rare.
The Leutstetten stud was closed down in 2006, and all of the horses were sold to private breeders.
The breed is now found only in Hungary and Germany, and consists of about two dozen horses.
The Leutstetteners are branded on their left thigh with an ‘S’ with a crown above it.
The Leutstettener was recognised as a breed in 1875, and its stud books date to 1816.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Sarvar”
Temperament/Personality
Sensitive, reliable
Physical Characteristics
The head is distinctive and dry with a straight profile and lively eyes.
The neck is long, lean and well formed.
The withers are prominent, and attach to well developed chest.
The shoulder is long and sloped.
The croup is also sloped, and the legs are long with well-formed hard hooves.
The mane and tail are short or medium in length.
Overall it is a medium-sized healthy, durable, athletic and elegant horse.
Colors
Most commonly black and all shades of brown, but chestnuts and gays are also seen.
White markings are uncommon and only allowed as a stripe on the face and small markings on the legs.
Height (size)
15.1 – 16.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Equestrian sports, driving
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Great jumpers
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Hungary
Ancestors
Nonius, Shagya Arabian, both Furioso and Furioso North-Star lines, Thoroughbred