Murakoz horse

Murakoz

Alternative names	Murakosi
Country of origin	Hungary
Horse (Equus ferus caballus)

The Murakoz is a medium-sized draft horse with a kind temperament, strength and a willingness to work. It was developed in south Hungary.

History

The Murakoz, Hungary's heavy draft horse, was developed as a breed at the beginning of the 20th century on the farms around the Mura River. The foundation stock was native Hungarian mares (known as Mir-Insulan) crossed with Ardennes, Percheron, Noriker and native Hungarian stallions. During World War II the breed's numbers were seriously depleted, and additional Ardennes blood was added^[1].

The Murakoz was very popular with farmers, especially in the years between the two world wars.^[2]

Characteristics

The Murakoz is currently bred in two versions, one taller and more massively built that is used mostly for draft work, and a smaller, lighter type that is suitable for under-saddle work as well as draft and farm use.^[2] Their compact, powerful build and overall good conformation provide them with great strength and robustness.^[1]

The breed generally stands around 16 hands high, and they may be chestnut, bay, brown, black or gray. It has a large head, and the profile tends to be convex. The neck is muscular and short, running into low, broad withers, a short back, and powerful, sloping shoulders. The chest is deep and wide. The quarters are rounded and the croup slopes. The legs are short, but powerful, with good bone and muscle structure^[1].

The Murakoz is noted for its ability to survive on relatively low amounts of food. The breed is said to mature young, and is capable of beginning work earlier than most draft breeds^[2].

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Bongianni, Maurizio (1988). Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies. Simon & Schuster, Inc.. pp. p. 110. ISBN 0-671-66068-3. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Murakosi". Equine Kingdom. http://www.equinekingdom.com/breeds/heavy_horses/murakosi.htm. Retrieved December 19, 2007.