Cold-blooded horses: All information on breeds, weight, use & care

What are cold-blooded horses

Cold-blooded horses - that sounds a bit like frostbite on four legs at first, doesn't it? Don't worry, it has nothing to do with the temperature! Cold-blooded horses belong to one of the three main groups of horse breeds, alongside warm-blooded and thoroughbred horses. The term "cold" refers to their calm, even temperament and not to their body temperature.

These types of horses are real powerhouses. With their broad chest, strong muscles and good-natured nature, they have been the perfect workhorses for centuries. Whether in the field, in the forest or in front of the carriage - cold-blooded horses have always delivered. And the best thing? Their character is just as impressive as their appearance: friendly, strong-nerved and absolutely reliable.

But why "cold-blooded"? Compared to the hot-blooded thoroughbreds, which are known for their speed and elegance, and the versatile warmbloods, cold-blooded horses stand for pure strength and composure. Their movements are calm and steady, perfect for heavy work or relaxed rides.

In short: cold-blooded horses are the gentle giants among horses. They are big, strong and so cozy that you can't help but love them. Whether you see them at work or just admire them - they always make an impression!

The history of cold-blooded horses

The history of cold-blooded horses is as impressive as their powerful stature. These special horses were bred centuries ago to tackle the toughest tasks - they were the heavyweights of agriculture, transportation and the military.

Originally, many cold-blooded horse breeds came from regions with a cool climate, which explains their robust constitution. In Germany, breeds such as the South German Coldblood and the Black Forest Coldblood played a central role. These horses were bred specifically for use on farms to pull heavy plows through the earth or to work as reliable back horses in the forest.

Cold-blooded horses were also indispensable in the Middle Ages. The large, powerful animals were often used as knights' horses. Thanks to their strength, they could carry heavily armored riders and were indispensable companions on the battlefield. The best-known of these heavy breeds, such as the Belgian cold-blood, made a name for themselves throughout Europe.

Much changed with industrialization: machines replaced horses in agriculture and transport. But cold-blooded horses did not disappear. Instead, they found new areas of use, for example as carriage horses, in traditional processions or in woodwork. Today, they are also increasingly valued as leisure horses.

Characteristics of cold-blooded animals

Cold-blooded horses - these are horses that impress with their imposing appearance and gentle character. They are among the strongest and most robust horse breeds and are often referred to as the gentle giants. But what makes them so special? Let's take a closer look at their characteristics:

Size and weight

Cold-blooded horses are among the largest and heaviest horses in the world. They are usually between 1.60 and 1.80 meters tall.
The weight of a cold-blooded horse varies greatly depending on the breed and area of use. Light cold-blooded horses, such as the Haflinger, weigh between 400 and 600 kilograms. Heavy cold-blooded horses, such as the Shire Horse, can weigh over 1,200 kilograms. Their weight is decisive for their ability to pull heavy loads, but also a challenge for keeping and care, especially in terms of ground stability and hoof health.

Stature and appearance

With a broad chest, strong neck and muscular legs, cold-blooded horses are perfectly built to pull heavy loads. Their physique radiates strength and stability. In addition, they often have a luxuriant tail and a thick coat that protects them even in cold weather. Some cold-blooded horses, such as the Black Forest cold-blooded horse, also stand out due to their shiny, dark coat.

Character and temperament

Despite their massive appearance, cold-blooded horses are true emotional animals. They are considered to be extremely strong-nerved, friendly and even-tempered. These characteristics make them not only ideal workhorses, but also popular partners for leisure activities and driving. driving sport.

Power and versatility

Cold-blooded horses were bred to do heavy work. Whether as pack horses, back horses in the forest or carriage horses - they master their tasks with impressive ease. Did you know that a cold-blooded horse can pull several tons? These horses are born athletes when it comes to strength.

Sociability and intelligence

In addition to their physical strength, cold-blooded horses also impress with their clever minds. They are capable of learning, good-natured and have a strong will to cooperate. No wonder they are not only valued as workhorses, but also as reliable leisure partners.

Differences between cold-blooded, warm-blooded and thoroughbred horses

Cold-blooded animals, warm-blooded and thoroughbreds differ mainly in physique, temperament and areas of use:

Well-known cold-blooded breeds

Cold-blooded horses are known for their strength, powerful build and good-natured nature. However, not all cold-blooded horses are the same: a distinction is made between light cold-blooded breeds, which are more agile and versatile, and heavy cold-blooded breeds, which are real powerhouses. Both groups have their own special features and are suitable for different tasks. Here is an overview:

Light cold-blooded breeds

Haflinger

The Haflinger is one of the best-known light cold-blooded breeds. Originally from the Alpine regions, it has made a name for itself worldwide thanks to its versatility.

• Origin: South Tyrol (today Italy/Austria)
• Size: 1.35-1.55 m
• Weight: 400-600 kg
• Coat colors: Always chestnut with light mane
• Characteristics: Compact, harmonious build, good-natured and versatile
• Use: leisure, driving and therapy horse, trail riding

➡️ Reading tip: In this article you will learn everything about Haflinger horsestheir history, breeding goals, keeping and much more.

Fjord Horse (Norwegian Fjord Horse)

The Fjord horse is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe and impresses with its characteristic standing mane and strong stature.

• Origin: Norway
• Size: 1.35-1.50 m
• Weight: 400-500 kg
• Coat colors: Fawn (yellow fawn, brown fawn, gray fawn, red fawn)
• Characteristics: Strong, persistent, good-natured
• Use: Leisure, driving and working horse

Dülmen wild horse

Although the Dülmen wild horses are often classified as ponies, they belong to the group of light cold-blooded horses due to their strong stature.

• Origin: Germany (Münsterland)
• Size: 1.25-1.35 m
• Weight: 300-400 kg
• Coat colors: Mostly dun
• Characteristics: Robust, frugal, original
• Use: Recreation and nature conservation projects

Hucul (Carpathian pony)

The Hucul originates from the Carpathian Mountains and is an extremely robust and frugal breed that is often used in the mountains.

• Origin: Carpathian Mountains (Eastern Europe)
• Size: 1.32-1.45 m
• Weight: 400-500 kg
• Coat colors: Mostly dun or brown
• Characteristics: Sure-footed, strong, versatile
• Use: trail riding, working horse in mountainous terrain

 Mérens (Ariégeois)

The Mérens is an elegant, light cold-blooded breed from the Pyrenees that stands out due to its black coat color.

• Origin: France (Pyrenees)
• Size: 1.45-1.55 m
• Weight: 400-600 kg
• Coat colors: Black
• Characteristics: Harmonious, strong, resistant
• Use: Leisure, driving horse, working horse in mountainous terrain

Black Forest coldblood (lighter representatives)

Although the Black Forest coldblood is often considered to be of medium weight, there are also lighter representatives of this breed. They are particularly suitable as leisure and driving horses.

• Origin: Black Forest, Germany
• Size: 1.50-1.60 m
• Weight: 500-700 kg
• Coat colors: Dark brown to black-brown with light mane
• Characteristics: Noble, powerful, versatile
• Use: leisure, back and driving horse

Heavy cold-blooded breeds

Heavy cold-blooded horses are the powerhouses among horses. With their massive build, they were originally bred for the heaviest work - be it in agriculture, transportation or forestry.

• Build: Massive, with a broad chest, strong legs and pronounced musculature.
• Height: Usually over 1.60 m.
• Weight: 700-1,200 kg (some specimens even heavier).
• Areas of application: Agriculture, logging, pulling carriages, processions.
  

Shire Horse

The Shire Horse is the largest horse breed in the world and originates from England. With their impressive size and gentle nature, these horses are real eye-catchers.

• Origin: England
• Size: 1.70-2.00 m
• Weight: 800-1,200 kg
• Coat colors: Brown, black and gray with white markings
• Characteristics: Massive build, luxuriant long hair on the pasterns, gentle temperament
• Use: Formerly as a draught horse, today for shows and leisure rides

➡️ Reading tip: Learn all about the largest horse breed in the world, the Shire Horsehistory, characteristics, keeping, breeding and its versatile uses!

Clydesdale

This Scottish breed is not only impressive because of its size, but also because of the striking long hair on its legs. The Clydesdale is one of the most famous draft horses in the world.

• Origin: Scotland
• Size: 1.65-1.80 m
• Weight: 800-1,000 kg
• Coat colors: Brown and foxes with striking white markings
• Characteristics: Elegant physique, long legs with voluptuous fetlocks
• Use: Mainly as a carriage and show horse

Percheron

The Percheron, a French breed, is known for its elegant appearance and enormous strength. These cold-blooded horses combine beauty and strength.

• Origin: France
• Size: 1.60-1.80 m
• Weight: 700-1,000 kg
• Coat colors: Mostly gray, occasionally black
• Characteristics: Harmonious proportions, strong but elegant
• Use: Driving horse, agricultural work and shows

➡️ Video tip: Experience the impressive Percheronone of the strongest and most elegant cold-blooded breeds in the world. With their immense strength and harmonious build, Percherons are considered to be true "powerhouses with horsepower". 

Belgian cold blood

The Belgian cold-blood is one of the heaviest and strongest cold-blooded horses in the world. With its impressive musculature, it is a symbol of pulling power and willingness to work.

• Origin: Belgium
• Size: 1.60-1.70 m
• Weight: 900-1,200 kg
• Coat colors: Brown, chestnut, gray
• Characteristics: Massive build, great strength
• Use: agriculture, woodwork and traditional processions

Black Forest cold blood

Also known as "Black Forest Foxes", these elegant cold-blooded horses with their shiny coat and light-colored mane are a real eye-catcher. They originate from the Black Forest and are known for their willingness to perform.

• Origin: Black Forest, Germany
• Size: 1.50-1.60 m
• Weight: 500-700 kg
• Coat colors: Dark brown to black-brown with light mane
• Characteristics: Noble and powerful at the same time, very strong nerves
• Use: back horse, driving horse, leisure partner

South German cold blood

This robust breed originates from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and is one of the best-known German cold-blooded breeds. It impresses with its versatility and friendly nature.

• Origin: Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Size: 1.60-1.70 m
• Weight: 700-900 kg
• Coat colors: brown, fox, black
• Characteristics: Strong build, good-natured
• Use: Agriculture, driving horse, leisure

➡️ Video tip: Marvel at the stallions of the 70th stallion licensing in Munich-Riem of the South German coldblood from November 2024.

Noriker

This Austrian breed has a long tradition and has been bred in the Alpine region for centuries. The Noriker is known for its sure-footedness and versatility.

• Origin: Austria
• Size: 1.55-1.65 m
• Weight: 600-800 kg
• Coat colors: black, brown, fox, tiger pinto
• Features: Sure-footed, compact and robust
• Use: agriculture, back horse, traditional festivals

➡️ Reading tip: Learn all about the Noriker horse breedhistory, characteristics, husbandry, breeding lines and their versatile use. Discover this impressive cold-blooded horse from the Alps!

Rhenish-German Coldblood

The Rhenish-German Coldblood is a robust and versatile coldblood breed that is primarily bred in North Rhine-Westphalia. These horses are known for their strength and reliability, especially in agriculture and logging.

• Origin: Germany (Rhineland)
• Size: 1.60-1.65 m
• Weight: 700-900 kg
• Coat colors: Mostly browns and foxes
• Characteristics: Strong build, calm temperament
• Use: Agriculture, forestry work, driving and leisure horse

Suffolk Punch

One of the oldest British cold-blooded breeds, known for its uniform chestnut color.

• Origin: England
• Size: 1.60-1.70 m
• Weight: 700-900 kg
• Coat colors: Always chestnut
• Characteristics: Compact build, gentle nature
• Use: Agriculture, driving horse

Ardennes

The Ardennes is one of the oldest cold-blooded breeds and is known for its strength and endurance.

• Origin: France and Belgium
• Size: 1.50-1.65 m
• Weight: 800-1,000 kg
• Coat colors: Brown, chestnut, gray
• Characteristics: Compact, muscular, robust
• Application: Woodworking, agricultural use

Comtois

The Comtois is a French cold-blooded breed that is prized for its agility and strength.

• Origin: France
• Size: 1.50-1.65 m
• Weight: 700-900 kg
• Coat colors: brown, foxes
• Characteristics: Strong legs, resistant
• Use: back horse, agricultural work

Jutlanders

The Jutland is the oldest Danish horse breed and was primarily bred for agriculture.

• Origin: Denmark
• Size: 1.55-1.65 m
• Weight: 700-900 kg
• Coat colors: Foxes with light mane
• Characteristics: Solid build, reliable
• Use: Agriculture, driving horse

Care and keeping of cold-blooded animals

Posture: 

Cold-blooded horses need space - and this applies not only to their size, but also to their urge to move. For the species-appropriate keeping a spacious stall (at least 4 x 4 meters) and access to extensive pastures are ideal. They love being outside and cope well with different weather conditions as long as they have shelter or protection from extreme conditions.

• Tip: Open stabling is perfect for cold-blooded horses, as they like to move around and socialize with other horses.
• Ground conditions: Pastures and paddocks should be sufficiently stable, as the heavy weight of cold-blooded horses can quickly damage muddy ground.

Feeding: 

Despite their size, cold-blooded horses are often light feeders, which means that they can manage with less feed than other horses. Too much energy intake can quickly lead to them becoming overweight.

• Basis: High-quality hay is the be-all and end-all of nutrition. Cold-blooded horses need around 1.5 to 2 % of their body weight in roughage per day.
• Concentrated feed: Only in moderation and depending on work performance. A horse that is used as a leisure horse usually does not need additional concentrated feed.
• Minerals: An adequate supply of minerals is important to support their joints and tendons.

Care:

Cold-blooded horses often have luxuriant long hair, especially on the legs (fetlocks), which must be groomed regularly to prevent matting and skin problems such as moulting to avoid matting and skin problems such as moult.

• Coat care: Regular brushing removes dirt and promotes blood circulation. Especially in winter, the dense coat may require more attention.
• Pastern care: The long hair on the legs should be regularly checked and kept clean, as moisture and dirt can easily accumulate there.
• Hooves: The heavy weight of cold-blooded horses puts a lot of strain on their hooves. Regular hoof care and visits to the farrier are essential.

Movement:

Even though cold-blooded horses were originally bred as working horses, they need regular but moderate exercise to stay fit.

• Work: Carriage rides, logging or light work in the fields - they enjoy it and it keeps them healthy.
• Leisure time: Rides and ground work are perfect for keeping them physically and mentally active.
• Caution: Too little exercise can lead to obesity and health problems, while too much strain can put a strain on your joints and tendons.

Health:

Cold-blooded horses are robust, but their weight can put a strain on their joints and hooves. Regular health checks and proper care are therefore particularly important.

• Diet-related problems: Make sure you eat a balanced diet to prevent obesity and metabolic diseases such as laminitis avoid.
• Joints: Due to their age, cold-blooded horses can be more susceptible to joint problems - it is therefore better to put moderate strain on them.
• Vaccinations and worming: Regular visits to the vet are a matter of course.

Cold-blooded animals in modern society

Tradition and customs

Cold-blooded horses are the stars of many traditional events. Whether at historical parades, harvest festivals or Christmas carriage rides - they attract everyone's attention with their imposing appearance. Breeds such as the Black Forest Coldblood or the South German Coldblood in particular are often used for such events.

• For example, processions and traditional events such as the Oktoberfest in Munich, where magnificently decorated cold-blooded horses are harnessed to traditional carriages.

Logging and nature conservation

Cold-blooded horses are used as logging horses in timber work. They transport felled tree trunks from forests and protect the ground in the process, as they cause significantly less damage than heavy machinery. Noriker and Ardennes horses are particularly popular here, as they are sure-footed and robust.

• Use: They are a sustainable alternative, especially in impassable or protected forest areas.
• Breeds: Robust breeds such as the Noriker or the Ardennes are popular for this work.

Leisure and driving

Cold-blooded horses are perfect for carriage driving and driving driving. Their calm nature and immense power make them popular partners for weddings, pageants and competitions. Popular carriage horses are the Shire Horse, the Clydesdale and the Belgian Coldblood. They are also ideal for leisure rides.

• DrivingCold-blooded horses are often used in driving competitions, where they demonstrate their power and elegance.
• Leisure: They are also suitable for beginners as they are calm and reliable.

Therapy and education

Thanks to their calm character, cold-blooded horses are increasingly being used in horse-assisted therapy. Their size may seem intimidating at first, but their calmness quickly builds trust - especially with children or people with disabilities.

• Areas of application: Hippotherapy, therapeutic riding and educational activities such as riding lessons or vacation programs.
• Advantages: Their great stability and calmness offer safety for the participants.

Film and advertising

With their impressive appearance, cold-blooded horses are popular stars in films, commercials and shows. Breeds such as the Shire Horse or the Clydesdale in particular are often used to symbolize strength, elegance and tradition.

• Example: The famous Clydesdales of the Budweiser beer brand, which are known worldwide as a trademark.

Conservation and breeding

In modern society, great importance is attached to the preservation of cold-blooded breeds.
The breeding of cold-blooded horses plays a decisive role in the preservation of these impressive horse breeds. As they have been increasingly replaced by machines in modern agriculture and transportation, many cold-blooded breeds are threatened with extinction. However, thanks to the efforts of breeding associations, stud farms and dedicated horse lovers, there is hope for a sustainable future for these gentle giants.

Stud farms as centers for conservation and promotion

Renowned stud farms play a key role in the preservation and promotion of cold-blooded horses. They combine decades of experience in breeding with modern knowledge and offer breeders and interested parties important support.

Main and State Stud Marbach

The oldest state stud farm in Germanyspecializes in the breeding of Black Forest cold blood.

• Offer: Stallion shows, foal auctions and advice for breeders.
• Significance: Marbach is a pioneer in the preservation of traditional horse breeds in Germany.

Moritzburg State Stud

This Saxon stud farm is known for breeding heavy warmbloods, cold-blooded horses and Haflingers.

• Special feature: Presentation of breeding successes at events such as the stallion parade.
• Contribution: Promotion of genetic diversity and training of breeders.

North Rhine-Westphalia State Stud Warendorf

The Warendorf stud farm supports the breeding of Rhenish-German cold blood and offers

• Professional support for breeders
• Training opportunities in the equine industry
• Stallion performance tests for quality assurance

FAQs

What are cold-blooded horses and why are they called that?

Cold-blooded horses are breeds with a calm and relaxed temperament. The term "cold" does not describe their body temperature, but their balanced nature in comparison to the lively thoroughbreds and versatile warmbloods.

How do cold-blooded horses differ from warm-blooded horses?

Cold-blooded horses are stronger and heavier, with a calm character, ideal for traction and hard work. Warmbloods are lighter, more athletic and versatile in equestrian sports.

Which cold-blooded breeds are available in black?

The well-known black cold-blooded breeds include the Black Forest Cold Blood and the Shire Horse. Both are known for their dark coat and imposing appearance.

How much does a cold blood weigh?

Depending on the breed, a cold-blooded horse weighs between 400 kg (light cold-blooded horses) and 1,200 kg (heavy cold-blooded horses).

Which cold-blooded breeds are suitable for carriage rides?

The best carriage horse breeds include:

• Shire Horse
• Belgian cold blood
• Clydesdale
• Black Forest cold blood

How old do cold-blooded horses get?

The life expectancy of cold-blooded horses is 20-25 years, depending on care and use.

Are cold-blooded horses also suitable as leisure horses?

Yes, cold-blooded horses are ideal partners for leisure activities, especially for beginners, due to their gentle nature and strong nerves.