The Kladruber

The majestic and rare Kladruber is a unique breed which has Spanish origins dating back to the mid-1500s. Today, the National Stud Farm remains nestled by the banks of the Elbe river in the Czech Republic - one of the oldest and largest stud farms in the world. In 1995, the stud farm was named a national monument, while the Kladruber breed was deemed a "living work of art."

The Kladruber was originally bred as a ceremonial coach horse for emperors and kings. It was prized and admired for its powerful build and elegant walk, marked by high "Spanish" leg movement. It is also easily recognized by its noble Roman nose.

The Kladruber is almost always black or grey in colour. This is due to the fact that the breed traces back to four black and four grey stallion lines: Generale, Generalissimus, Favory and Rudolfo (grey) and Sacromoso, Solo, Siglavi Pakra and Romke (black). The greys are presently bred at the Kladruby Stud itself, while the black horses are raised at the sister establishment in Slatinany.

The purity of the Kladruber breed is fiercely protected. Records about pedigrees and the performance of mature animals and their offspring are kept. In their fourth year (the breed is late in developing, but lives a relatively long time), young horses complete 11 months of training, which concludes with a two-day performance test both undersaddle and in harness. Both mares and stallions are tested equally.

Because they were originally bred as carriage animals, Kladrubers are highly prized as both competitive and pleasure driving horses. There are only about 700 Kladrubers in the world today, and most of them reside in the Czech Republic, although a few have been exported beyond its borders. The Danish royal court acquired a team of six greys for official celebrations and parades, and the National Stud has been visited by many important dignitaries, including Prince Philip and the Crown Prince of Jordan. A number of world-class drivers compete with Kladrubers, who are physically and mentally suited to the job.

Horsepower December/January 2000