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{{Short description|Breed of horse}}
{{Wikify|date=December 2007}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Peacock}}
{{Infobox horse breed
{{Cleanup|date=December 2007}}
| name = Austrian Warmblood
The '''Austrian Warmblood''' is a [[warmblood]] type of [[horse]] registered with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich (Association of Warmblood Breeding in [[Austria]] (AWÖ)). Although the studbook is made up of jumping and dressage horses from many other countries, the mare base is comprised of native horses with a long history.
| image =
| image_caption =
| features = Warmblood type suitable for competitive dressage or show jumping, as well as recreational riding.
| altname =
| nickname =
| country = Austria
| group1 = Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich
| std1 = https://web.archive.org/web/20070221230125/http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/download/text/1766/zbo-2007.pdf
}}


An '''Austrian Warmblood''' is a [[warmblood]] type of [[horse]] registered with the ''Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich'' (Association of Warmblood Breeding in [[Austria]] (AWÖ)). Although the studbook is made up of [[show jumping|jumping]] and [[dressage]] horses from many other countries, the mare base consists of native horses with a long history. The AWÖ keeps an [[Breed registry#Open|open studbook]], in which mares and stallions must pass rigorous [[Studbook inspection|inspections]] before becoming breeding stock.
==Foundation==
The [[Austro-Hungarian empire]] was known for its [[horse breeding]] programs which were based on a number of imperial studfarms<!--Please don't wikilink "studfarm"-->. The role of these farms was to produce farm horses for the citizens, riding and [[carriage]] horses for the nobility, [[cavalry]] mounts and [[Horse artillery|artillery horses]] <ref name=AHArabs>a</ref>. Although the former empire is also famed for producing the [[Kladruber]] and [[Lipizzaner]], prominent among these studfarms were [[Mezőhegyes]] and [[Bábolna]]. The former was founded in 1785, the latter was purchased by the government in 1789, and both are located in modern-day [[Hungary]] <ref name=Nonius>{{cite book | editor = Katriona John | others = US Ed. Mary Ann Lynch | title = The Encyclopedia of the Horse | origyear = 1994 | accessdate = 2007-31-12 | edition = First American | publisher = Dorling Kindersley | location = NY | isbn = 1-56458-614-6 | pages = 150-1 }}</ref>. Mezőhegyes produced the [[Nonius (horse)|Nonius]], which was similar to the western [[Heavy warmblood|Heavy Warmbloods]], and was used for light agricultural work and for pulling artillery wagons. Beginning in the 1840's, [[Thoroughbred]] stallions - Furioso and North Star prominent among them - were bred to the Nonius mares to produce strains of more refined cavalry mounts and carriage horses<ref name=Furioso>{{cite book | editor = Katriona John | others = US Ed. Mary Ann Lynch | title = The Encyclopedia of the Horse | origyear = 1994 | accessdate = 2007-31-12 | edition = First American | publisher = Dorling Kindersley | location = NY | isbn = 1-56458-614-6 | pages = 154-5 }}</ref>. Bábolna was originally an extension of Mezőhegyes, but in 1816 the administration decided to use only [[Arabian]] and Arab-bred stallions to achieve their cavalry goals. Born in [[Syria]] in 1830, Shagya became the most famous of these Arabian stallions. He came to Bábolna in 1836 and founded a strain of light cavalry and carriage horses which were taller and more substantial than purebreds, but which retained distinct Arabian type. A chestnut Arabian named Gidran followed soon after, though his mates were usually more Thoroughbred in type. Respectively, these two sires founded the [[Shagya Arabian|Shagya Arab]] and [[Gidran Anglo-Arab]] breeds<ref name=AHArabs>{{cite book | editor = Katriona John | others = US Ed. Mary Ann Lynch | title = The Encyclopedia of the Horse | origyear = 1994 | accessdate = 2007-31-12 | edition = First American | publisher = Dorling Kindersley | location = NY | isbn = 1-56458-614-6 | pages = 76-7 }}</ref>.


==Characteristics==
The Nonius, Furioso-North Star, Shagya, Gidran, and several other strains are often collectively referred to as the Altösterreichische Pferderassen ("Old-Austrian Horse Breeds").<ref name="Preserve">{{cite web | url = http://www.pferde-altoesterreich.at/ | title = Dokumentationszentrum Fur Altosterreichische Pferderassen | accessdate = 2007-12-22 | language = German }}</ref> These horses formed the native mare base on which the Austrian Warmblood was founded.


According to the written standard, the Austrian Warmblood is built on a mare base of old Austrian cavalry horses such as the [[Nonius (horse)|Nonius]], Furioso-North Star, [[Shagya Arabian|Shagya]] and [[Gidran]]. Foreign [[warmblood]] [[sport horse]] bloodlines have been and will continue to be used to produce a horse more suitable for modern-day [[dressage]] and [[show jumping]]. Refinement comes from [[Thoroughbred]], Shagya Arabian and [[Trakehner]] blood. The combination of the plain Nonius type and the [[Arabian horse|Arabian]]-influenced Shagya and Gidran suggest a broad range of distinctive types, particularly about the head.
==Registry==
Stock breeds such as [[American Quarter Horse|Quarter Horse]]s, [[Lipizzan]]ers, [[Kladruber]]s, ponies, trotters, gaited horses and other specialty breeds are not permitted in the pedigrees of Austrian Warmbloods.


The Austrian Warmblood is bred for dressage and show jumping, but also for recreational riding by amateurs, following strict selection procedures that keep horses that do not fit the standard from breeding. The standard reads:
Mechanization set in on the heels of [[World War II]], making the use of horses in agriculture and transportation largely obsolete. The notion of transitioning to the breeding of recreational riding horses germinated at the Federal Stud Farm of Piber. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich (AWÖ) or Association for Warmblood Breeding in Austria was founded in 1964. Today it operates under the Zentralen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter (ZAP) or Central Association of Austrian Horse Breeders, and is comprised of regional member associations.
Though the AWÖ is a young registry, their history of amending the criteria for breeding stock suggests a progressive attitude towards producing the best riding horse possible. The AWÖ is a member of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH).<p>
The studbooks comprise about 2,500 mares and 80 stallions.<p>
The brand, which is given to foals upon inscription to the Foalbook, is a stylized "A".<ref name="Rulebook">{{cite web | url = http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/download/text/1766/zbo-2007.pdf | title = Zuchtbuchordnung | accessdate = 2007-12-22 | format = PDF | publisher = AWÖ | language = German }}</ref>


<blockquote>"Desirable is a noble, long-lined, correct and powerful Warmblood horse with good movement and jumping ability, suited to any type of recreational riding. The breeding aim shall be achieved through a comprehensive system of performance tests for mares and stallions, leading to improved selection for [[dressage]] or [[show jumping|jumping]] qualities. Of great importance for the Austrian Warmblood breeders are rideability, good character, willingness, and balanced temperament."<ref name="ZAP">{{cite web | url = http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/ | title = Zentralen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter | access-date = 2007-12-22 | language = German | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060818164413/http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/| archive-date=August 18, 2006<!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref></blockquote>


While all breeding stock must measure at least 158&nbsp;cm (15.2 [[hand (length)|hands high]]) at the [[withers]], the ideal height is from 164 to 168&nbsp;cm (16.0 to 16.2hh). Shagya Arabians are an exception, as they are permitted so long as they reach 150&nbsp;cm (14.3hh). The ideal [[Equine forelimb anatomy|cannon bone]] circumference is 20 to 22&nbsp;cm (7.9" to 8.7").
===Breeding aim===


While the AWÖ does not disallow any [[Equine coat color|colors]] or [[Horse markings|markings]], the Old Austrian Warmbloods tended to be of uniform color, allowing them to be matched better in harness configurations. For instance, the Nonius is almost uniformly dark and unmarked, the Gidran is entirely chestnut, the Shagya largely grey, and so on. Therefore, coat colors apart from the usual black, brown, bay, chestnut, and grey would likely need to be introduced from an outside source. While there is a Pinto studbook under the ZAP, none of the stallions presently standing for Austria are of unusual coat colors.
Translated from the AWÖ written standard:
<p>
<blockquote>Desirable is a noble, long-lined, correct and powerful Warmblood horse with good movement and jumping ability, suited to any type of recreational riding. The breeding aim shall be achieved through a comprehensive system of performance tests for mares and stallions, leading to improved selection for [[dressage]] or [[show jumping|jumping]] qualities. Of great importance for the Austrian Warmblood breeders are rideability, good character, willingness, and balanced temperament.<ref name="ZAP">{{cite web | url = http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/ | title = Zentralen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter | accessdate = 2007-12-22 | language = German }}</ref></blockquote>
<p>
These statements continue with a general illustration of the genetic make-up of the Austrian Warmblood: it shall combine the best lines of the old Austrian cavalry horses with modern sporthorse bloodlines, using Thoroughbreds and [[Trakehner|Trakehners]] to refine.<br>
The ideal height is 164 to 168 cm tall at the withers (just above 16.0hh to 16.2hh) and the ideal cannon bone circumference is 20 to 22 cm (7.9" to 8.7").


In the past, Austrian horses had little variation in registered names. Most horses had their family's name (Furioso, for example) and a combination of Roman and Arabic numbers. Today, an Austrian Warmblood [[colt (horse)|colt]] has a name beginning with the same letter as his sire's name (Belmondo by Belluno), and a [[filly]] has a name beginning with the same letter as her dam's name (Dragona out of Dravida).
===Requirements for Stallions===


The most reliable way to recognize an Austrian Warmblood is by the [[Livestock branding|brand]], which is given to foals on their left hip and is in the form of a stylized "A".<ref name="Rulebook">{{cite web|url=http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/download/text/1766/zbo-2007.pdf |title=Zuchtbuchordnung |access-date=2007-12-22 |publisher=AWÖ |language=German |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221230125/http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/download/text/1766/zbo-2007.pdf |archive-date=2007-02-21 }}</ref>
The first step towards inscription in Stallion Book I (Hengstbuch I) - and breeding allowance - is the Körung. The AWÖ Körung occurs each February at Stadl-Paura. To be eligible, a stallion must be at least 2 years of age and undergo a veterinary evaluation to ensure that he is free from congenital defect such as [[cryptorchidism]] or [[Horse_teeth#Bite_problems|errors in bite]]. A stallion who has undergone surgery to correct a congenital defect is not eligible for the Körung. His sire and the sire of at least his first five dams must be entered into Stallion Book I in AWÖ or a comprable registry. The recommended genealogical composition of the studbooks includes Warmbloods, the Old-Austrian Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Trakehners, and Shagya Arabs. Stock breeds, Lipizzaners, Kladrubers, ponies, trotters or gaited horses, and other specialty breeds are not permitted. All breeding stock must exceed 158 cm (15.2hh) at the withers, or 150 cm (14.3hh) for Shagya Arabs. Generally speaking, the mothers of stallions are mares who have completed their performance requirements.
<p>
The Körung is an evaluation of the exterior of the stallion. He is graded by an elected panel of judges on:<br>
1. Type, or aesthetic appeal including masculinity (sex type),<br>
2. Quality of Conformation, including the head, neck, body and each of the four legs,<br>
3. Correctness of the Gaits, or whether he is prone to faults such as dishing, cross-firing, etc.,<br>
4. Walk,<br>
5. Trot,<br>
6. Canter, or gallop,<br>
7. Free Jumping.<br>
Each trait can be scored as high as a perfect "10". To pass the Körung and be recommended for the Stallion Performance Test (HLP), a stallion must score an average of 7.5 with no mark below 6.
The best stallions at the Körung may be awarded the predicate "Prämienhengst" (Premium Stallion). The names of Premium Stallions are prefixed by "Pr.H." as in Pr.H. Belluno. A Champion and Reserve Champion, called the Sieger and Vice-Sieger, are named. The Körung is customarily followed by an auction of young stallions.
<p>
To finalize his place in the Stallion Book I, a stallion must meet his performance requirements. He may do so by a number of routes:<br>
1. 70 Day Station Test. The Hengstleistungsprüfung (HLP) or Stallion Station Test lasts 70 days and is held in Stadl-Paura from June to September. The Austrian HLP is run as it is run in Germany. Stallions are ridden every day and their riders and trainers, as well as guest riders at the end, score them not only on their talent for dressage, jumping and - to a lesser extent - eventing, but also on their interior qualities. The interior qualities are character, temperament, capacity to work, willingness to work, and rideability. The minimum accepted HLP score is an overall index of 100, though an overall index of 90 is allowed if the index for dressage or jumping exceeds 120. The stallion with the highest overall index is named the HLP-Sieger, and recognition is given to the best jumping and dressage stallions, as well.<br>
2. Competition. Three placements in Class S dressage or show jumping, or three placements in Class M or S eventing will also gain a young stallion his place in the Stallion Book.
<p>
The AWÖ will also hold the performance requirements fulfilled for stallions who complete the 30 Day Short Test and then qualify for the Bundeschampionat in Germany (Federal Championship Show).
Thoroughbred stallions may be approved on the same basis as Warmblood stallions, or by virtue of having a general balance weight of 80 kg (85 kg for steeplechase stallions).
Altösterreicher stallions are exempt from performance requirements.


==History==
===Requirements for Mares===


===Foundation===
There are several books into which mares may be inscribed. However, mares must also undergo an exterior evaluation. Mare inspections are held regionally throughout the spring, summer and fall. Mares are graded much the same as stallions are for their Körung, though evaluation of the canter and free jumping are not mandatory.
<p>
The performance requirements for mares may be met by a number of routes:<br>
1. Field Test. Stutleistungsprüfung (SLP) or Mare Station Test lasts only two weeks, and the Field Test lasts only one day. It is similar to the HLP but has less scope.<br>
2. Achievement in sport or breeding.<p>


The [[Austro-Hungarian empire]] was known for its [[horse breeding]] programs which were based on a number of imperial stud farms<!--Please don't wikilink "studfarm"--><!--aww, why not? (grin)-->. The role of these farms was to produce [[farm]] horses for the citizens, riding and [[carriage]] horses for the nobility, [[cavalry]] mounts and [[Horse artillery|artillery horses]] for the military.{{r|Katriona|pp=76–7}} Although the former empire is also famed for producing the [[Kladruber]] and [[Lipizzan]]er, prominent among these stud farms were those located at [[Mezőhegyes]] and [[Bábolna]]. The former was founded in 1785, the latter was purchased by the government in 1789, and both are located in modern-day [[Hungary]].{{r|Katriona|pp=150–1}} Mezőhegyes produced the [[Nonius (horse)|Nonius]], which was similar to the western [[Heavy warmblood|Heavy Warmbloods]], used for light agricultural work and for pulling artillery wagons. Beginning in the 1840s, [[Thoroughbred]] stallions - Furioso and North Star prominent among them - were bred to the Nonius mares to produce strains of more refined cavalry mounts and carriage horses.{{r|Katriona|pp=154–5}} Bábolna was originally an extension of Mezőhegyes, but in 1816 the administration decided to use only [[Arabian horse|Arabian]] and Arab-bred [[stallion (horse)|stallions]] to achieve their cavalry goals. Born in [[Syria]] in 1830, the part-Arabian horse Shagya became the most famous of these Arabian-bred stallions. He came to Bábolna in 1836 and founded a strain of light cavalry and carriage horses which were taller and heavier than purebred Arabians, but which retained distinct Arabian type. A chestnut Arabian named Gidran followed soon after, crossed on mares who were more Thoroughbred in type. Respectively, these two sires founded the [[Shagya Arabian]] and [[Gidran Anglo-Arabian]] breeds.{{r|Katriona|pp=76–7}}
A mare is inscribed into the Hauptstutbuch (Main Mare Book) if her mother is in the Hauptstutbuch or Stutbuch (Mare Book), and her father and the fathers of at least her first three dams are Stallion Book sires. She must also have an average score of 6 with no score lower than a 5 in her exterior evaluation. A mare is inscribed into the Stutbuch (Mare Book) if her mother is in the Hauptstutbuch, Stutbuch, or Vorbuch (Forebook), and her father and the fathers of at least her first two dams is a Stallion Book sire. She must also have an average score of 5 with no score lower than a 4 in her exterior evaluation.<br>
The Vorbuch (Forebook) is for mares whose pedigrees do not meet the requirements of the Stutbuch, but who have an average score of 7 and no score lower than a 6 in her exterior evaluation.
<p>
A Hauptstutbuch mare may win the predicate "Staatsprämienstute" (States Premium Mare) if her performance requirements are met and she has produced at least one Austrian Warmblood foal. To be satisfactory, her SLP scores must be at least an 8.0 for jumping, 6.0 for basic gaits, and 6.0 for rideability. If she goes the performance route, 3 placements at the M-Level of Jumping may be substituted.<br>


The Nonius, Furioso-North Star, Shagya, Gidran, and several other strains are often collectively referred to as the ''Altösterreichische Pferderassen'' ("Old-Austrian Horse Breeds").<ref name="Preserve">{{cite web | url = http://www.pferde-altoesterreich.at/ | title = Dokumentationszentrum Fur Altosterreichische Pferderassen | access-date = 2007-12-22 | language = German | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080128143034/http://www.pferde-altoesterreich.at/| archive-date= 28 January 2008 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> These horses formed the native mare base on which the Austrian Warmblood was founded.
==Characteristics==


===Registry===
In the past, Austrian horses had little variation in registered names. Most horses had their family's name (Furioso, for example) and a combination of Roman and Arabic letters. Today, an Austrian Warmblood colt has a name beginning with the same letter as his sire's name (Belmondo by Belluno), and a filly has a name beginning with the same letter as her dam's name (Dragona out of Dravida).
<p>
While the AWÖ does not disallow any colors or markings, the Old Austrian Warmbloods tended to be of uniform color, allowing them to be matched better in harness configurations. For instance, the Nonius is almost uniformly dark and unmarked, the Gidran is entirely chestnut, the Shagya largely grey, and so on. Therefore, coat colors apart from the usual black, brown, bay, chestnut, and grey would likely need to be introduced from an outside source. While there is a Pinto studbook under the ZAP, none of the stallions presently standing for Austria are of unusual coat colors.
<p>
The unique foundation families have likely provided many Austrian Warmbloods with a distinct type. Presently, the Stallion Book is composed of stallions from such families, as well as those of Dutch, French, Belgian, and German breeding. There are handful of Trakehner and Thoroughbred stallions.


Mechanization set in on the heels of [[World War II]], making the use of horses in agriculture and transportation largely obsolete. The notion of changing to the breeding of recreational riding horses germinated at the [[Piber Federal Stud|Federal Stud Farm of Piber]]. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich (AWÖ) or '''Association for Warmblood Breeding in Austria''' was founded in 1964. Today it operates under the Zentralen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter (ZAP) or Central Association of Austrian Horse Breeders, and is composed of regional member associations.
==Austrian Warmbloods in the public eye==


The [[Studbook inspection|stallion licensing]] for Austrian Warmbloods occurs in [[Stadl-Paura]] during February. It follows closely the procedures used in Germany; exceptional young stallions are given the title ''Prämienhengst'' (Premium Stallion), a champion and reserve champion are awarded, and the announcement of results is followed by an auction. The performance test is also held in Stadl-Paura, commencing in June. Mare and foal shows are held by the regional member associations. Mares that exceed the standard in terms of pedigree, conformation, movement, and performance in Austria can also earn the ''Staatsprämienstute'' (States Premium Mare) title. The "premium" was formerly awarded to bribe breeders into keeping their top mares in the region.
As yet, the AWÖ is unranked in the WBFSH standings for Jumping, Dressage, or Eventing, likely due to the small size of their breeding population. However, the 1995 grey mare Amanita and 1997 bay mare Westminster both compete on the international scene in show jumping (for Poland and Italy, respectively). Laredo, a 1994 chestnut gelding competes under a German rider in dressages' Big Tour. <ref name="WBFSH">{{cite web | url = http://www.wbfsh.org | title = World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses | accessdate = 2007-12-22 }}</ref>
<p>
The best place to see Austrian Warmbloods is in Austria. In addition to the auction of young HLP candidates and gelding prospects that follows the Körung, there are a number of auctions for foals, riding horses, and elite horses throughout the year, usually in Stadl-Paura.<ref name="Chronik">{{cite web | authorlink = http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/ | title = Die AWÖ Chronik | publisher = ZAP | url = http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/main.asp?kat1=49&kat2=384&kat3=366&Text=1504
| accessdate = 2007-12-22 }}</ref>


Though the AWÖ is a young registry, their history of amending the criteria for breeding stock suggests a progressive attitude towards producing the best [[sport horse|riding horse]] possible. The AWÖ is a member of the [[World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses]] (WBFSH).
==See related==

* [[Dutch Warmblood]]
The studbooks comprise about 2,500 mares and 80 stallions.
* Zangersheide

* [[Belgian Warmblood]]
==Uses==
* [[Holstein (horse)|Holsteiner]]

* [[Hanoverian (horse)|Hanoverian]]
The Austrian Warmblood is bred specifically as a recreational riding horse, and competitive [[dressage]] and [[show jumping]] horse. As yet, the AWÖ is unranked in the [[World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses|WBFSH]] standings for Jumping, Dressage, or Eventing, likely due to the small size of their breeding population. However, the 1995 grey mare Amanita and 1997 bay mare Westminster both compete on the international scene in show jumping (for Poland and Italy, respectively). Laredo, a 1994 chestnut gelding competes under a German rider in dressages' Big Tour.<ref name="WBFSH">{{cite web | url = http://www.wbfsh.org | title = World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses | access-date = 2007-12-22 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071224122326/http://www.wbfsh.org/| archive-date= 24 December 2007 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref>
* [[Westphalian (horse)|Westphalian]]

* Hessen
The best place to see Austrian Warmbloods is in Austria. In addition to the auction of young stallion candidates and gelding prospects that follows the stallion licensing, there are a number of auctions for foals, riding horses, and elite horses throughout the year, usually in [[Stadl-Paura]].<ref name="Chronik">{{cite web |title=Die AWÖ Chronik |website=Zentrale Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter |url=http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/main.asp?kat1=49&kat2=384&kat3=366&Text=1504 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022155251/http://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/main.asp?kat1=49&kat2=384&kat3=366&Text=1504 |archive-date=2008-10-22 |access-date=2007-12-22 |language=de-AT}}</ref>
* [[Oldenburg (horse)|Oldenburg]]

* [[Bavarian Warmblood]]
==Medical issues==
* [[Trakehner]]

* [[Thoroughbred]]
Like other warmblood registries, the AWÖ does not give breeding licenses to stallions with congenital disorders including [[cryptorchid]]ism, [[malocclusion]], [[osteochondritis]], or impaired [[Respiratory system of the horse|breathing]]. As a result, Austrian Warmbloods are healthy and robust.
* [[Shagya Arabian|Shagya Arab]]

==See also==
* [[Warmblood]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|refs=

<ref name="Katriona">{{cite book | editor-last=Katriona |editor-first=John | others = US Ed. Mary Ann Lynch | title = The Encyclopedia of the Horse | year = 1994 | edition = First American | publisher = Dorling Kindersley | location = NY | isbn = 1-56458-614-6}}</ref>

}}


== External links ==
{{reflist}}
* [https://www.pferdezucht-austria.at/main.asp?kat1=2119&kat2=2815&kat3=656 The Warmblood] at Pferd Austria


{{Equidae}}
[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Horse breeds originating in Austria]]
[[Category:Warmbloods]]

Latest revision as of 00:55, 26 June 2024

Austrian Warmblood
Country of originAustria
Traits
Distinguishing featuresWarmblood type suitable for competitive dressage or show jumping, as well as recreational riding.
Breed standards

An Austrian Warmblood is a warmblood type of horse registered with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich (Association of Warmblood Breeding in Austria (AWÖ)). Although the studbook is made up of jumping and dressage horses from many other countries, the mare base consists of native horses with a long history. The AWÖ keeps an open studbook, in which mares and stallions must pass rigorous inspections before becoming breeding stock.

Characteristics

[edit]

According to the written standard, the Austrian Warmblood is built on a mare base of old Austrian cavalry horses such as the Nonius, Furioso-North Star, Shagya and Gidran. Foreign warmblood sport horse bloodlines have been and will continue to be used to produce a horse more suitable for modern-day dressage and show jumping. Refinement comes from Thoroughbred, Shagya Arabian and Trakehner blood. The combination of the plain Nonius type and the Arabian-influenced Shagya and Gidran suggest a broad range of distinctive types, particularly about the head. Stock breeds such as Quarter Horses, Lipizzaners, Kladrubers, ponies, trotters, gaited horses and other specialty breeds are not permitted in the pedigrees of Austrian Warmbloods.

The Austrian Warmblood is bred for dressage and show jumping, but also for recreational riding by amateurs, following strict selection procedures that keep horses that do not fit the standard from breeding. The standard reads:

"Desirable is a noble, long-lined, correct and powerful Warmblood horse with good movement and jumping ability, suited to any type of recreational riding. The breeding aim shall be achieved through a comprehensive system of performance tests for mares and stallions, leading to improved selection for dressage or jumping qualities. Of great importance for the Austrian Warmblood breeders are rideability, good character, willingness, and balanced temperament."[1]

While all breeding stock must measure at least 158 cm (15.2 hands high) at the withers, the ideal height is from 164 to 168 cm (16.0 to 16.2hh). Shagya Arabians are an exception, as they are permitted so long as they reach 150 cm (14.3hh). The ideal cannon bone circumference is 20 to 22 cm (7.9" to 8.7").

While the AWÖ does not disallow any colors or markings, the Old Austrian Warmbloods tended to be of uniform color, allowing them to be matched better in harness configurations. For instance, the Nonius is almost uniformly dark and unmarked, the Gidran is entirely chestnut, the Shagya largely grey, and so on. Therefore, coat colors apart from the usual black, brown, bay, chestnut, and grey would likely need to be introduced from an outside source. While there is a Pinto studbook under the ZAP, none of the stallions presently standing for Austria are of unusual coat colors.

In the past, Austrian horses had little variation in registered names. Most horses had their family's name (Furioso, for example) and a combination of Roman and Arabic numbers. Today, an Austrian Warmblood colt has a name beginning with the same letter as his sire's name (Belmondo by Belluno), and a filly has a name beginning with the same letter as her dam's name (Dragona out of Dravida).

The most reliable way to recognize an Austrian Warmblood is by the brand, which is given to foals on their left hip and is in the form of a stylized "A".[2]

History

[edit]

Foundation

[edit]

The Austro-Hungarian empire was known for its horse breeding programs which were based on a number of imperial stud farms. The role of these farms was to produce farm horses for the citizens, riding and carriage horses for the nobility, cavalry mounts and artillery horses for the military.[3]: 76–7  Although the former empire is also famed for producing the Kladruber and Lipizzaner, prominent among these stud farms were those located at Mezőhegyes and Bábolna. The former was founded in 1785, the latter was purchased by the government in 1789, and both are located in modern-day Hungary.[3]: 150–1  Mezőhegyes produced the Nonius, which was similar to the western Heavy Warmbloods, used for light agricultural work and for pulling artillery wagons. Beginning in the 1840s, Thoroughbred stallions - Furioso and North Star prominent among them - were bred to the Nonius mares to produce strains of more refined cavalry mounts and carriage horses.[3]: 154–5  Bábolna was originally an extension of Mezőhegyes, but in 1816 the administration decided to use only Arabian and Arab-bred stallions to achieve their cavalry goals. Born in Syria in 1830, the part-Arabian horse Shagya became the most famous of these Arabian-bred stallions. He came to Bábolna in 1836 and founded a strain of light cavalry and carriage horses which were taller and heavier than purebred Arabians, but which retained distinct Arabian type. A chestnut Arabian named Gidran followed soon after, crossed on mares who were more Thoroughbred in type. Respectively, these two sires founded the Shagya Arabian and Gidran Anglo-Arabian breeds.[3]: 76–7 

The Nonius, Furioso-North Star, Shagya, Gidran, and several other strains are often collectively referred to as the Altösterreichische Pferderassen ("Old-Austrian Horse Breeds").[4] These horses formed the native mare base on which the Austrian Warmblood was founded.

Registry

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Mechanization set in on the heels of World War II, making the use of horses in agriculture and transportation largely obsolete. The notion of changing to the breeding of recreational riding horses germinated at the Federal Stud Farm of Piber. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Warmblutzucht in Österreich (AWÖ) or Association for Warmblood Breeding in Austria was founded in 1964. Today it operates under the Zentralen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter (ZAP) or Central Association of Austrian Horse Breeders, and is composed of regional member associations.

The stallion licensing for Austrian Warmbloods occurs in Stadl-Paura during February. It follows closely the procedures used in Germany; exceptional young stallions are given the title Prämienhengst (Premium Stallion), a champion and reserve champion are awarded, and the announcement of results is followed by an auction. The performance test is also held in Stadl-Paura, commencing in June. Mare and foal shows are held by the regional member associations. Mares that exceed the standard in terms of pedigree, conformation, movement, and performance in Austria can also earn the Staatsprämienstute (States Premium Mare) title. The "premium" was formerly awarded to bribe breeders into keeping their top mares in the region.

Though the AWÖ is a young registry, their history of amending the criteria for breeding stock suggests a progressive attitude towards producing the best riding horse possible. The AWÖ is a member of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH).

The studbooks comprise about 2,500 mares and 80 stallions.

Uses

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The Austrian Warmblood is bred specifically as a recreational riding horse, and competitive dressage and show jumping horse. As yet, the AWÖ is unranked in the WBFSH standings for Jumping, Dressage, or Eventing, likely due to the small size of their breeding population. However, the 1995 grey mare Amanita and 1997 bay mare Westminster both compete on the international scene in show jumping (for Poland and Italy, respectively). Laredo, a 1994 chestnut gelding competes under a German rider in dressages' Big Tour.[5]

The best place to see Austrian Warmbloods is in Austria. In addition to the auction of young stallion candidates and gelding prospects that follows the stallion licensing, there are a number of auctions for foals, riding horses, and elite horses throughout the year, usually in Stadl-Paura.[6]

Medical issues

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Like other warmblood registries, the AWÖ does not give breeding licenses to stallions with congenital disorders including cryptorchidism, malocclusion, osteochondritis, or impaired breathing. As a result, Austrian Warmbloods are healthy and robust.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Zentralen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter" (in German). Archived from the original on 18 August 2006. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
  2. ^ "Zuchtbuchordnung" (PDF) (in German). AWÖ. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 February 2007. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d Katriona, John, ed. (1994). The Encyclopedia of the Horse. US Ed. Mary Ann Lynch (First American ed.). NY: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 1-56458-614-6.
  4. ^ "Dokumentationszentrum Fur Altosterreichische Pferderassen" (in German). Archived from the original on 28 January 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
  5. ^ "World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses". Archived from the original on 24 December 2007. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
  6. ^ "Die AWÖ Chronik". Zentrale Arbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Pferdezüchter (in Austrian German). Archived from the original on 22 October 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2007.
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