The Norico is a heavy
draft-horse, coming originally from the Alpine valleys beween Austria and Italy.
The original horse
was re-established by the Romans who undertook a breeding programme in their old
province of Noricum. During the Renaissance the breed was improved with the introduction
of strains from Neopolitan and Andalusian horses. Nowadays the Norico is to be found
in some Alpine regions of Italy (Trentino and Alto Adige), as well as those of Austria
and Germany.
It is a mountain breed
and characteristically resistant to illness, strong, fertile and long-living.
A variety with a lighter build, known as the Pinzgauer, is raised in Bavaria.
The Norico is suitable
for pulling heavy loads and for agricultural work.
Source: Agraria.org