Noric

The Noric, or the Noriker, has lived and bred for over 2000 years in Austria.

The Noric breed has undergone numerous changes in characteristics over the years of their existence, due to selective breeding and natural selection.  As the landscape and climate changed, the horses became more of a versatile, cold blooded breed of heavy weight.  These horses could be used as carriage horses, riding horses, and knights during the Middle Ages.

Noric horses differ from other draft or heavy breeds in a variety of ways.  Noric horses have personality, nerves, and are qualified work horses.  Most have endurance and a tame character alongside a toughness that has been necessary for the rough environment of their native land.  Norics are not as heavy as Belgian or Percheron horses, and so are best suited for working in the Alpine ofrest.  They are economical horses.

Now, Norics are becoming sport horses, and are used as riding and driving horses.  Because of increases in ecological awareness, Noric horses are often used instead of machinary to work in alpine regions.  They carry tourists in carriages.  The breed is not as fertile as most people hope.

The Noric stallions tend to be about 155 cm in height at the withers, and are found in black, chestnut and bay colors, as well as a small percentage of leopards and roans.