Kinsky horse
The Kinsky-horse or also Equus Kinsky is a horse of the type of a light Halfbred, 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.
Size and colour
Kinsky-horses average 158 cm to 175 cm in height, harmonic build, noble warmbloods with a high proportion of Thoroughbred. They are versatile horses, and their coats can be Isabellen (Palomino), Chesnut, Fox, Brown, and additionally spezial colors like Cremello, Perlino, and Smoky Cream. All colors have an intensive gloss, so that the animals appear nearly golden-skinned.
The Kinsky-horse is a multipurpose horse, suited to riding (classically, Western style, for versatility and/or (Military) Eventing, Steeplechasing, fox hunting), or even driving with carriage). It is also suited for Dressage or show jumping at the highest levels (Grand Prix, Derby or Olympic disciplines). The Kinsky-horse is moreover suitable for Voltigeering (??) and as a therapy horse.
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.
Origin and History
The development history of the Kinsky-horse is closely linked with the history of the Kinsky family and in particular Count Oktavian Kinsky. The first known mention of the race term "Kinsky-horse" or the now-protected designation "Equus Kinsky" is from the year 1838. These horses, which Count Kinsky bred, were before only designated as the special horses of Count Kinsky. The family of the Count had for decades predominatly bred Fullblood horses or Thoroughbreds for horse racing (such as Thoroughbred horse racing or Steeplechasing) after their own conception.
Others
The Kinsky-horse breed nearly completely went up to the end of the twentieth century into the Czech warm blood . The Kinsky-horse is considered threatened today (2004), with less than 1000 members of the breed surviving world-wide -- one of the rarest horse breeds in the world.
Hobby breeders, particulary in the Czech Republic, try to breed them. The Czech Republic has recognized that the race is worth saving as cultural property, and has ordered an end to their extermination; but there is no subsidy or financial support for the keeping and breeding of further Kinsky-horses. Unfortunately, sport horse riders from all over the world who are looking for a "special colored" horse, are buying the very best "Kinsky-horses" from the czech breeders and export them to their own country. That doesn't help to improve the quality of the horses left in the Czech Republic.
Other meanings
The family of the Counts and later the Princes "Kinsky", originally called "Tynsky", is one of the oldest aristocracies of Europe.
See also: List of horse breeds, horse,