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Latvian
Although this animal is derived from an ancient breed of horse from northern
Europe dating back to before the times of historical records, it is of
recent origin, dating only from the 1920s. Renowned for its weight pulling
ability it is a powerful harness horse of two distinct types; the heavier
type was developed from local mares being crossed with Oldenburg, Norfolk
Roadster and Anglo-Norman blood, whereas the lighter version is influenced
more by Hanoverian blood. It became a recognised breed in1952 although there
have been a few outcrosses to Oldenburg and Hanoverian since then on a
limited scale.
The Latvian has good conformation and stands between 15.2 and 16.2 h.h. The
head is handsome and workmanlike with intelligent eyes and alert ears; the
neck is well proportioned; the back is short and strong; the body is deep;
the hindquarters are rounded and powerful; the limbs are short and strong
with good bone and a little feather. It is an active, powerful horse known
for an exceptionally sensible, calm and willing temperament. The heavier
types are predominantly black while the lighter types tend towards chestnut;
other colours that occur are bay and brown. They are popular workhorses and
although the heavier type is mainly an all purpose draught horse, the
lighter type may be used as a harness or a saddle horse.
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