Kinsky horse

The Kinsky horse or Equus Kinsky Europe's original sport horse was bred until the middle of the 20th century in Bohemia, a part of the modern-day Czech Republic. At one time it was the most prominent breed in that part of the world.

Physical characteristics

Kinsky horses average 158 cm to 175 cm (15.2 - 17 hands) in height. They are considered to have stamina, athleticism and good character. Their coats can be various shades of gold [40%] , bay, and the very rare black. All colors have an intensive gloss.

Disposition and use

Much importance is attached to the balanced, good-natured character of these horses. From birth, Kinsky horses are all very much inclined towards humans, friendly and curious. The Kinsky horse is a versatile, multipurpose horse, suited to Dressage, Western riding style, Military and Police applications, Eventing, Steeplechasing, fox hunting and polo. It is also suited for Dressage or show jumping at the highest levels.

Origin and History

The development of the Kinsky horse is closely linked with the history of the Chlumec branch of the Kinsky family and in particular Count Oktavian Kinsky. The family of the Count had for decades predominantly bred Thoroughbreds for horse racing or steeplechasing. The first known mention of the breed term "Kinsky horse" or the now-protected designation "Equus Kinsky" is from the year 1838, with the creation of modern sport horse stud book. Previously, the horses were known only as the special horses bred by Counts Kinsky of the main branch living in Chlumec nad Cidlinou.

At the beginning of the Dark Ages circa 1200 it is said that a Bohemian Princess was out hunting when her entourage was attacked by wolves; most of the group scattered but one man called Kinsky (Wchynsky) remained to protect his charge and slayed three of the wolves. In gratitude he granted a coat of arms bearing three wolf teeth. In later years, due to their enterprise, courage, able economic management and services to the Bohemian Crown, the Kinskys gradually rose in the ranks of the Bohemian nobility until they took their place amongst the leading families. Raised to the rank of Count in 1628, the Kinsky family received an order to develop their stud farm and breed horses for the Emperor's cavalry in the early 1700s. Horses with the best stamina, boldness and amenable personality suitable for battle and loyal to their riders were preferred, along with the golden color. Eventually these special horses were noticed for their outstanding quality. In 1776, the quality of the horse was further improved through bloodstock from England. In 1814 Countess Kinsky arrived in Vienna for the International Congress riding a golden Kinsky horse; this attracted huge attention and the golden horse became sought after throughout Europe. Under the direction of Count Oktavian Kinsky, the stud near the Chlumec castle was expanded further and the studbook, which is still in use, was begun in 1838. Count Octavian was eccentric but a keen horseman. In 1874 he introduced an exhausting steeplechase, the Paradubice, where his own horses competed, frequently placed - and sometimes won.

Count Charles Kinsky rode the Kinsky mare Zoedone to win the Grand National at Aintree England in 1883 but the next year at the same race event his horse collapsed. The horse was not raced again and was retired to the Kinsky stud.

Following the communist takeover and the election of Klement Gottwald in 1948, many of the Czech aristocracy fled, including the Kinsky family from Chlumec, with a consequent dispersal of the Kinsky herd. However, Count Radslav Kinsky remained in Chlumec until 1953 and when he returned in 1989 to reclaim his property, he helped found a club called "Equus Kinsky" to protect the remaining herd of Kinsky horses and eventually resurrect the breed. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the new contact with the west brought the breed greater recognition. The people of Bohemia and the Czech Republic consider this breed an emblem of their country and the horses are now protected legally from extinction.

Present and future

By the end of the twentieth century, the Kinsky horse breed had been partly assimilated into the Czech warm blood. The Kinsky horse is no longer threatened today (2006), but with less than 1,000 Kinsky horses surviving world-wide it is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world.

Bohemia and the Czech Republic has recognized that the race is worth saving as cultural property. Various breeders of Kinsky horses are expanding their breeding programs in Bohemia and there are also breeders and enthusiasts of the Kinsky horse in England ,America and elsewhere. The future looks safer for Bohemia's golden horses with the exciting goal of seeing a Kinsky horse once again running at The European Grand National - Pardubice to celebrate more than 160 years of the Kinsky sport horse and countless more of the Kinsky horse in general.

ee also

* List of horse breeds
* horse

External links

* [http://www.kinskyhorses.com]