Croatian Coldblood (Croatian: Hrvatski hladnokrvnjak,
German: Kroatisches Kaltblut) horses are medium-heavy draught horses developed
in Croatia.
The history of the breed dates back to the first half of the
19th century, when it was begun to crossbreed local warmblood mares in central
Croatia with imported quality stallions of Noriker breed. Some other breeds
were involved later, like Ardennes, Brabant, and Percheron. At the beginning of
the 20th century the breed was widespread toward east (Slavonia) and west
(Gorski kotar and Istria regions).
The typical Croatian Coldblood ranges from 150 centimetres
(14.3 hands; 59 in) to 160 cm (15.3 h; 63 in) high. Stallions can weigh up to
850 kilograms (1,870 lb). Its head is medium-sized and refined, with small
ears, but with large eyes and nostrils. It has medium short, arched and
muscular neck, wide and deep chest, broad and muscular breast, as well as
powerful legs with broad hooves.
Most Croatian Coldbloods are bay or seal brown. Of the
remaining horses, approximately 10-15 percent are black, and less than 10
percent are chestnut, gray, palomino, while the other colors are very rare.
They are considered mild and obedient, easy keepers, willing
workers and adapt well to various conditions and climates. Earlier, they were
used for pulling wagons or for work in agriculture or forestry, but today they
have lost their importance as draft animals and are being widely used for horse
meat production.
About Croatian Coldblood Horses
