The Knabstrupper:
Is commonly mistaken for an Appaloosa, but they do not have Appaloosa blood, or any stock horse blood in them. In fact, they are actually a very ancient breed of spotted Warmblood originating from Denmark. The Knabstrupper is a very new breed in the United States. They are also a very rare breed, not only in the U.S., but there are not many in the World. Most of the Knabstruppers today can be found in Denmark and Northern Germany.
Currently, the Danes and the Germans breed two types of Knabstupper horses:
The Classic Type: a baroque horse, around 15 – 16 hh, solid, active, good moving, and very friendly. They form the basis for the breed. They are the original type and make excellent all arounders.
The Sporthorse Type: a cross between the classic type and a more conventional warmblood. These horses have more of the characteristics of the modern warmblood, with the longer neck and legs and narrower head. They are produced to meet the demand for the athletic, elegant dressage or jumper horse, with the added bonus of spots and great temperament.
Regardless of the type, the Knabstruppers are known for their trainability, willingness to perform and please, their brave and gentle temperaments, their intelligence, and the great variety of disciplines they can participate in. Most commonly they are used for dressage, hunters, jumpers, eventing, endurance, and driving – some are even used as circus performers. There isn’t much they cannot do! |
