Czech Warmblood

The Czech Warmblood is a riding horse that, as its name implies, originates from Czechoslovakia. Aside from being a favored mount, it is also used as a sports horse. This large horse is sometimes called the Cesky Teplokrevnik in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Physical Characteristics

The Czech Warmblood is a sturdy horse. It is speedy and agile. Most Czech Warmbloods are colored bay and chestnut, although some are gray and black; and still others are seen in Isabella or dun. The average height of a Czech Warmblood is 16 hands (64 inches, 163 centimeters).

Personality and Temperament

This energetic, animated, and alert horse breed has an aristocratic air. Its temperament, however, is suited for the discipline of racing.

History and Background

The original Czechoslovakian horses were all of the Warmblood type. To improve them, breeders introduced Spanish and Oriental horses and, at the start of the 20th century, English blood. The breeding of these horses was also influenced when Empress Maria Theresa issued an edict about horse breeding in 1763.

During World War I, Thoroughbreds and Oldenburg stallions were introduced to this breed in order to make it a proper warhorse. During and after World War II, however, the number of Czech Warmblood horses started dwindling; they were no longer as necessary to farmers due to the influx of mechanical tractors that were more practical.

The modern Czech Warmblood is still in use in former Czechoslovakia, though no longer for farm work. These horses are now used as riding horses and sport horses.