Noriker Horse

Looks how to spot one

Short, dense coat; medium-heavy mountain draught horse with a low centre of gravity, strong bones, clean joints and little feathering

The Noriker has a sturdy, well-muscled body with a broad chest, strong neck and a very muscular croup. Its legs are short with clean joints and tough hooves, and the head is dry and typy with a good-natured expression.24

Personality what they are like

The Noriker is a calm, balanced and good-natured horse. It is eager to learn and work, never lethargic, and is known for its quiet temperament and sure-footedness. It is forgiving of small mistakes, making it suitable for beginners, and is a reliable companion for leisure riding and driving.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Norikers need regular exercise and plenty of movement to stay healthy and content. They are versatile and enjoy both riding and driving, and they excel in all types of terrain. Without enough activity, they tend to gain weight easily, so daily turnout and consistent work are important.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Routine grooming with a curry comb and body brush helps keep the coat clean and shiny. Their legs have little feathering, so they are relatively easy to keep tidy. Regular hoof care, dental checks and parasite control are essential, as with any horse.42

Home where they are happiest

Norikers are hardy and thrive in outdoor living with a suitable shelter. They are well suited to open stables or year-round pasture keeping, as they tolerate most weather conditions. They need a dry, safe shelter and plenty of space to move around. They are not venomous, protected or illegal to keep in any country.34

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A diet based on good-quality hay or pasture grass, with a mineral supplement as needed, is suitable. Because Norikers are prone to weight gain, owners must monitor their calorie intake carefully and adjust feed according to workload and grass availability. Fresh water must always be available.3

Company who they like around

Norikers are social animals and do best when kept with other horses. They are calm and easy to handle, and they form strong bonds with their owners. They are not aggressive and are generally good with people, including children, when properly socialised.43

The story where it all began

The Noriker horse has been bred in the Austrian Alps for about 2,000 years. It descends from heavy war horses brought from Thessaly by the Romans, and over time it developed into a hardy mountain cold-blooded horse. The breed was shaped by the harsh alpine environment and the need for a sure-footed, willing working horse. About 400 years ago, the archbishops of Salzburg introduced more controlled breeding, creating a stud book and selection rules. The name 'Noriker' comes from the Roman province of Noricum, and the breed was formerly known as the Pinzgauer horse. Today it is valued as a versatile leisure and driving horse, and it is also used for forestry work in ecologically sensitive areas.124

Recognised by the official bits

Association Noriker Austria

Breed association and stud book for the Noriker horse1

How many Approximately 10,000 in Austria, with more than 4,600 registered stud mares1