Furioso, or Furioso-North Star, horses were developed at the
Mezohegys farm, Hungary, in 1784. One of the foundations sires was
"Furioso" who was an English Thoroughbred stallion. Furioso was born
in 1836 and set for stud in 1841. Another foundation sire was "North
Star" who was born in 1844. He was set for stud in 1850, at age six. His
bloodlines could be traced to Norfolk roadsters and he was descended from a
1793 Derby winner, "Waxy," grandson of "Eclipse." The mares
were mostly Nonius. The descendants of North Star were excellent harness race
horses. The two lines merged around 1885 and the Furioso progeny dominated. The
offspring of Furioso had more thoroughbred blood and made better riding horses.
Furioso colors are usually black, bay or brown. However, any
solid color is acceptable. They are 16 hh with fairly good conformation. Their
head is not coarse but rather fine like a thoroughbred, their neck is elegant,
their shoulders slope well, their wither tends to be high. They tend to have a
short coupling with strong back, a fairly deep girth and chest, strong sound
limbs, and good hard hooves. Their temperament is generally calm and wanting to
please. They tend to have an animated movement that makes them excellent for
riding or driving. They are good in competitions. The Csikos horse herders of
Hungary, World famous for there displays of trick riding, often use the Furioso
breed.
They can be found in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Unfortunately,
they are in peril. Efforts are being made to save the breed. The Furioso-North
Star Horse Breeders Association was formed. Two farms, the Hod-Mezogazda Rt.
Aranyagi farm and the Taltos Panzio farm in Bugac, are home to many free
roaming Furioso horses.
About Furioso Horses
