The Rhenish German Coldblood is a rare horse breed that originates from Germany.
They are known for their sturdy build, calm temperament, and ability to tolerate cold weather conditions.
If you’re interested in owning one of these horses, here’s what you need to know.
Rhenish German Coldblood Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Rhenish German Coldblood:
| Height (size) | 16.0 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | Most commonly roan in color, but sometimes chestnuts can also be seen. They have either black points or a flaxen mane and tail. |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Common Uses | Carriage horses, farm work, forestry and leisure, brewery horse |
Rhenish German Coldblood Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Rhineland heavy draft horse is a breed of horse that originated in the Rhineland region of western Germany when farmers needed powerful horses to work the heavy loess soil of the area.
During the nineteenth century, numerous heavy horses from neighboring countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France, and the Netherlands, as well as Clydesdale, Shire, and Suffolk Punch animals from England, were imported.
However, these imports did not significantly contribute to an improvement in the quality of the local stock.
Because of the political division of Germany that occurred in the aftermath of the Second World War and continued until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, there was no possibility of interbreeding between populations of Rhenish German Coldblood in West Germany and those in the East for more than fifty years.
Because of their extended isolation, they have a different genetic profile in comparison to the Rhenish German Coldbloods that live in the western part of the country.
The Rhenish German Coldblood population saw a significant drop as a direct result of the Second World War.
In the years immediately after World War II, there was a temporary resurgence in the employment of horses in agriculture; however, this was followed by a further drop as agriculture became more mechanized.
By 1975, eleven mares and two stallions were recorded in the stud book.
However, the population has gradually increased, reaching 1173 mares and 149 stallions in 2013.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Rhineland Heavy Draft”
Temperament/Personality
Calm, balanced, good disposition
Physical Characteristics
The head is plain with a thick, short neck.
The body is short and broad, and the overall frame is massive.
The hindquarters are muscular and the limbs are strong and short with a lot of feathering.
Their mane and tail are thick and coarse and their tail is often docked.
Colors
Most commonly roan in color, but sometimes chestnuts can also be seen.
They have either black points or a flaxen mane and tail.
Height (size)
16.0 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1850 – 2200 lbs (840 – 1,000 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Carriage horses, farm work, forestry and leisure, brewery horse
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Germany
Ancestors
Local stock, Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk Punch, Belgian Draft