The Altwürttemberger ( German : Alt-Württemberger , meaning "old wurtemberg") is a horse breed from Baden-Württemberg , Germany . With origins dating back to the 16th century, the breed originated at Germany's oldest stud farm , Marbach . The Altwürttemberger is mainly descended from the Anglo-Norman founder stallion Faust. Its studbook was created in 1895, and the breed was established at the beginning of the following century. Until the Second World War , this horse was used for agricultural work, then declined for lack of use. A small number of specimens were saved with the formation of an association in 1988.
31-612: The altwürttemberger is a solid, heavy cob and warmblood horse, suitable for both saddling and pulling . Due to its very low numbers, between 50 and 60 individuals in the 2010s, it is considered a rare breed in critical danger of extinction. The Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen or GEH (Society for the Conservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Breeds) recognized it as an endangered German breed on 2018. Its name means "old Württemberg" in English. In German,
62-666: A rare local German breed; more precisely, it is indigenous to the south of the country. Its level of threat is considered "critically endangered" by the FAO , in 2007. The number of stallions recorded in DAD-IS in 2016 was just 56. In 2013, 8 stallions were active, for 50 mares. Only 4 foals were born in 2014. The breed is classified as "extremely vulnerable" on the Red List of the Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter Haustierrassen (Society for
93-481: A Württemberger stallion. Once a multi-purpose agricultural workhorse, this breed of Germanic horse is now appreciated for light traction and as a horsecar , particularly for agricultural and leisure purposes, as well as for more sporting riding. The breed association promotes its use as a leisure and family horse, as well as for equine-assisted therapy and show jumping . DAD-IS lists the Altwürttemberger as
124-477: A calm temperament, shorter stature and steady, comfortable gaits . The rulebook of the British Show Horse Association (BHSA), states: "The Cob is a type rather than a breed. A short-legged animal exceeding 148 centimetres (14. 2 + 1 ⁄ 2 hands ; 58 + 1 ⁄ 2 in) with a maximum height of 155 centimetres (15.1 hands ; 61 in), it has bone and substance with quality and
155-614: A critically endangered German animal breed since 1993. Between 1988 and 1994, the number of new births increased steadily. A drop in numbers occurred between 1999 and 2000, when the herd fell sharply from 76 to 45 animals. In 2013, due to its close genetic relationship with the Ostfriesen / Alt-Oldenburger and the Saxon-Thuringian Heavy Warmblood , the Altwürttemberger was included in the Heavy Warmblood breed group. It
186-451: A global total of 8,859 breeds, which included 595 breeds (7%) that were reported to be extinct. Local breeds (found in only one region) made up 7,739 entries, while 1,120 were transboundary breeds (found in more than one region). As of 2022, there were 4,954 mammalian local species reported worldwide, and 2,199 avian species. For transboundary breeds, there were 458 mammalian species and 97 avian species reported regionally. FAO uses
217-644: A lesser extent, the eastern United States , a "cob" may be a common horse used for everyday riding but in the past was used for driving carts. The term continues to be widely used to describe this type of horse in the United Kingdom , but less so in North America . In the United States and United Kingdom, the term "cob" is primarily used to describe the Welsh cob , and in the sizing of bridles for horses, designating
248-530: A multilingual interface and content. It also provides contact information for the National and Regional Coordinators for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR). Data is collected and entered by each country's National Coordinator via web-based data-entry screens available in several languages. Data from DAD-IS is used for reporting on the global status and trends of animal genetic resources , including
279-644: A searchable database of animal breed-related information. FAO began to collect data on animal breeds in 1982. The first version of DAD-IS was launched in 1996 and the software has been updated several times. The fourth and latest version of DAD-IS was launched in 2017. DAD-IS includes a searchable database of information about animal breeds , the Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources. DAD-IS contains information on breed characteristics, uses, geographic distribution and demographics; more than 4,000 images; and tools for generating user-defined reports; and has
310-528: A similar breakdown: Maxi Cobs are treated a bit differently from other divisions. The highest placed animals qualify for the Maxi Cob final at the National Championship show. Winners of these classes are not eligible for open cob championships. Cobs are exhibited with manes hogged, legs trimmed, and pulled tails and may be ridden astride or sidesaddle . Working cob classes may also be held, where
341-450: A smaller size that will fit not only the Welsh cob, but also many Morgans , Arabians , some American Quarter Horses , and other horses with short, triangular-shaped heads. In general terms, cobs are larger than ponies , standing 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm) or taller, but are relatively small and compact, usually with somewhat short legs. The breed of horse known today as
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#1732885011358372-477: A sturdy muzzle and solid hooves. The most common colors are bay , Seal brown , chestnut and black . "White" is mentioned in DAD-IS9, but more likely refers to gray , which is accepted in the breed. White markings are possible. Reputed to be docile and quiet, Altwürttembergers are appreciated for their power and stamina. The walk is ample, the trot energetic. Selection is carried out by two organizations,
403-635: Is a cob-type horse, belonging to the "heavy warmblood" category of older half-blood breeds, of which lighter, more recent models exist. Medium-sized, according to the German breed association and the Delachaux guide, their height ranges from 1.55 m to 1.65 m. The average height recorded for females in the DAD-IS database is 1.60 m. Stallions must measure less than 1.70 m. Bonnie Lou Hendricks' encyclopedia ( University of Oklahoma , 2007) gives an average of 1.65 m. The head
434-518: Is a breed of light draft horse that originated in the province of Normandy in northern France. DAD-IS DAD-IS is the acronym for Domestic Animal Diversity Information System , which is a tool developed and maintained by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations . It is part of FAO's programme on management of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture . It includes
465-660: Is capable of carrying a substantial weight ... Cobs should have sensible heads, (sometimes roman nosed), a full generous eye, shapely neck crested on the top, with a hogged mane and well defined wither ... The Cob should also have clean, strong hocks and all the attributes of a good hunter ." Show cobs in the United Kingdom are overseen by the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), formerly known as The British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association. Cobs are registered in three divisions: lightweight, heavyweight, and Maxi Cob. The classes where cobs are shown also have
496-420: Is lean, moderately heavy, with a sufficiently expressive eye, of straight profile with good width between the eyes, of medium length, rather square, with straight ears. The neck is proportionate, the withers raised, the dorsal-lumbar line short and solid. The rump is slightly sloping, the tail well set, the thorax deep and broad. The shoulder is long, sloping and muscular. The legs are strong, with good muscles,
527-517: The Altwürttemberger is essentially a mixture of old Baden-Württemberg horse strains and the Anglo-Norman. The studbook was created in 1895, in Stuttgart . It is still active today. By the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was established and identifiable. A robust horse, the Altwürttemberger was assigned to agricultural work on the farms of its region. Until the 1960s, breeding was concentrated in
558-532: The Conservation of Old and Endangered Domestic Breeds). The latter named the Altwürttemberger endangered animal breed of the year 2018. To mark the occasion, the breed was presented at the International Green Week in Berlin, January 19 to 28, 2018. It is locally recognized as an endangered heritage specific to the German region of Baden-Württemberg. Close cooperation between breeders, the breed association and
589-623: The Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. and the Pferdezuchtverband Baden-Württemberg e. V. In 2010, Erhaltung des Altwürttemberger Pferdes e.V. had around 110 active members. Animals must always have at least 30% of their origins traceable to old Württemberger bloodlines. Descendants of the stallion Faust are the pillars of this conservation breeding program. In addition, the Marbach stud has semen reserves from
620-598: The Erhaltung des Altwürttemberger Pferdes e.V., or "Association for the Conservation of the Altwürttemberger Horse". The latter adopted a rule of preserving animals with at least 50% traceable origin from old Württemberger bloodlines, but due to the very low number of remaining animals and the obligation to foal 20-year-old mares to preserve the breed, this rule was later relaxed. By 1991, only 23 females remained. The Altwürttemberger has been internationally recognized as
651-427: The Marbach stud aims to coordinate efforts to safeguard the breed. The breed is also eligible for German financial aid for the preservation of endangered breeds (2015). Cob (horse) A cob is traditionally a draft type pony. Typically of a stout build, with strong bones, large joints, and steady disposition, it is a body type of horse rather than a specific breed . Historically, in the United Kingdom and, to
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#1732885011358682-527: The Section D Welsh cob exemplifies the classic build of the historic cob. It is said that a good show cob should have "the head of a lady and the backside of a cook". Popular uses of the cob include driving , showing and recreational riding. Cob-type breeds have become increasingly popular for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), as well as for riders who seek horses who are responsive but with
713-490: The Württemberg Oberland and Hohenzollern , but also in the regions around Ludwigsburg , Leonberg , Herrenberg , Esslingen and Göppingen . The breed declined with the motorization of farming activities, and due to the popularity of the sport horse , from the 1950s and 1960s onwards. By 1986, only 21 horses remained in the German studbook. In February 1988, supporters of the breed got together in extremis to form
744-625: The course builder or show director. As with all horse showing disciplines, riders who exhibit cobs are required to conform to strict rules for personal attire. A number of cob breeds are popular in the UK, including the Welsh cob and the Gypsy Cob , also known as the "Coloured Cob" or "Irish Cob", known in the US as the Gypsy Vanner Horse . The breed of horse known as the Section D Welsh cob exemplifies
775-621: The data for indicators 2.5.1b (number of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either medium- or long-term conservation facilities) and 2.5.2 (proportion of local breeds classified as being at risk of extinction) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals . The data in DAD-IS pertain to 37 different mammalian and avian livestock species. Based on data collected as of September 2022, DAD-IS contained data for 11,555 mammalian and 3,758 avian national breed populations. These national breed populations represent
806-514: The direction of Christoph, Duke of Württemberg . The livestock was dispersed during the Thirty Years' War , and breeding did not resume in earnest until the early 18th century. Crossbreeding of native mares continued with Arabian , Barb , East Frisian , Turkish, Hungarian, Caucasian and Suffolk stallions. Breeding was first regulated in 1687. Duke Louis of Württemberg introduced Andalusian and Neapolitan horses. The Napoleonic Wars led to
837-543: The horses must jump a series of fences and then demonstrate their paces on the flat in a manner similar to the requirements in British Working Hunter classes. Fence heights for novice classes are minimum 2'3", maximum 2'6", with a maximum spread 2'6". In open classes, fences are 2'6"–2'9", maximum spread 2'9". The height of the jumps may be raised at the National Championship Show at the discretion of
868-499: The information about population sizes to classify breeds according to risk of extinction. Risk classes that are measured include: at risk (critical, critical-maintained, endangered, endangered-maintained, and vulnerable), not at risk, unknown, and already extinct. Approximately 27% of breeds (about 2,350) are either classified as being at risk of extinction or are already extinct. A further 54% are classified as unknown risk status (includes breeds with no reports of population during
899-592: The loss of the breed's best horses to the French. The stock was subsequently crossed with Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Trakehners and Anglo-Norman horses . In 1866, the Rossparlament set the breeding objective for Baden-Württemberg, which was to produce half-blood workhorses. The Anglo-Norman stallion Faust, born in Normandy in 1885 or 1886, became the founder of the breed, which was subsequently established through inbreeding . Thus,
930-537: The name " Altwürttemberger " is referenced by the FAO , with the English translation "Altwuertemberg". The breed, whose origins date back to the 16th century with the establishment of the first stud farm in Baden-Württemberg , originated from the private breeding of Eberhard I, Duke of Württemberg , who crossed local mares with his Arabian stallions. In 1552, this breeding was transferred to the Marbach stud farm, under
961-469: The typical build of the traditional cob. In competition, unlike most other cobs, these animals are shown with full manes and tails. Traditional or "Gypsy" cobs are classed as coloured horses/ponies if they have 2 colours to their coat on their body, neck and legs above socks. Originally a favourite of Romany travellers, who used them to pull caravans , they are now used for driving , dressage , showing , and even jumping . The Norman cob or Cob Normand