Pet Wiki

Kladruber

Equus ferus caballus

Also called Oldkladruby horse

breedShort profile

From Developed in the Habsburg Empire, now attributed primarily to the Czech Republic. The breed was founded at the Imperial Stud Farm in Kladruby nad Labem in 1579 by Emperor Rudolf II, based on Spanish, Italian, Neapolitan, Danish, Holstein, Irish, Oldenburg and local Czech horses.12

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan25 to 30 years3
Sizelarge
calm and balanced temperament
intelligent and willing
hardworking and easy to train
long-lived and sturdy
adaptable to various environments
43

Looks how to spot one

body

The Kladruber is a large, majestic horse with a Roman facial profile, a swanlike neck, a concave head profile, and a high-stepping gait. It has a medium-sized to large rectangular frame, harmonious proportions, a prominent large dark eye and small ears. The breed is late-maturing, reaching adulthood between 4 and 6 years, and is known for its longevity and sturdy constitution.45

Coloursgreyblack13

Personality what they are like

The Kladruber is renowned for its calm, balanced and docile nature. It is intelligent, willing and quick to learn, making it a reliable and pleasant partner despite its imposing size. Horses have a lively yet composed temperament and are open to working with people.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Kladrubers are active horses that excel in combined driving, dressage and recreational riding. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their calm nature makes them suitable for leisure driving and hippotherapy. They are also used by mounted police, so they benefit from varied work and training.63

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Hooves require regular and precise trimming due to the large body mass they support. The mane and tail, often profuse, need regular detangling. The coat is easy to maintain but daily brushing is recommended to keep it clean and shiny, especially for grey coats which can stain easily. Joint monitoring is advised, especially in older or heavily worked horses.3

Home where they are happiest

Kladrubers need spacious stabling or pasture with shelter. They are adaptable to various climates, having acclimated to the inclement weather of Central Europe. Good weight management and a safe, clean environment are essential to prevent joint overload. No special legal restrictions are noted for keeping this breed.53

Food basics what goes in the bowl

The Kladruber has a rather economical metabolism. It requires a balanced diet rich in good quality forage, with hay ad libitum if possible. Concentrates should be adjusted according to activity level to avoid obesity. Attention should be paid to mineral and vitamin intake. No specific dietary sensitivities are documented beyond those common to large horse breeds.3

Company who they like around

Kladrubers are social animals that thrive with companionship, whether other horses or regular human interaction. They are quick to learn and enjoy working with people. Their calm temperament makes them suitable for supervised beginner riders, though their size and power require a confident rider.34

The story where it all began

The Kladruber is one of the oldest Czech horse breeds, developed at the Imperial Stud Farm of Kladruby nad Labem, founded in 1579 by Emperor Rudolf II. It was bred specifically as a ceremonial carriage horse, known as a galakarossier, to pull the imperial coach in four- or six-in-hand formations at court ceremonies and funerals. The breed originally came in a variety of colours, including palomino and appaloosa, but today is strictly grey or black due to the court's ceremonial requirements. Grey horses served the royal court, while black horses were used by high clergy. The breed has survived the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars through rigorous conservation. Today, Kladrubers still serve at royal courts, such as pulling the Danish queen's state coach, and are used by mounted police in Czech cities. They also excel in combined driving competitions and dressage.123

Recognised by the official bits

Czech Kladruber studbook
The breed is maintained in a studbook and recognised as a distinct Czech breed.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kladruber. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Kladruber, and what should it eat?

Feed your Kladruber a balanced diet rich in good quality forage, with hay available freely if possible. Adjust concentrates based on activity to avoid obesity, and ensure proper mineral and vitamin intake. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3 Pet Wiki plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Kladruber?

Avoid feeding your Kladruber alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, caffeine, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these are toxic to horses. Also keep it away from raw meat, eggs, and dairy. For a full list, consult your vet.7

How much space and land does a Kladruber need?

Kladrubers need spacious stabling or pasture with shelter, and they adapt well to various climates. Provide enough room for exercise and turnout daily to support their active nature. For specific land size, ask a good breeder or your vet.53 Pet Wiki plan

What kind of shelter does a Kladruber need?

Your Kladruber needs a clean, safe shelter that protects from inclement weather, as they are adaptable to Central European climates. Ensure the shelter is spacious and well-ventilated, with access to pasture or a paddock.53

How do I look after a Kladruber's hooves or feet?

Hooves need regular and precise trimming due to the large body mass they support, so schedule a farrier every 6 weeks. Pick hooves daily to remove debris and check for issues. For any problems, consult your farrier or vet.3 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Kladruber need grooming or shearing?

Daily brushing is recommended to keep the coat clean and shiny, especially for grey coats that stain easily. The mane and tail need regular detangling. Shearing is not typically needed, but ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.3

Can a Kladruber live alone?

Kladrubers are social animals that thrive with companionship, whether other horses or regular human interaction. They can adapt to living alone with plenty of attention, but it's best to provide a horse friend. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.34

How long does a Kladruber live?

Kladrubers are known for their longevity and sturdy constitution, typically living between 25 and 30 years. With good care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.3

Is a Kladruber good with children?

Yes, their calm, docile nature makes them suitable for supervised beginner riders, though their size and power require a confident handler. They are gentle and reliable, making them a pleasant partner for children with proper supervision.34

What regular vet care does a Kladruber need?

Schedule annual dental checkups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Monitor joints, especially in older or heavily worked horses, and provide regular hoof care. For any health concerns, always consult your vet.3 Pet Wiki plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. en.wikipedia.org: Kladruber en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight kg, height cm, colours, history
  2. nhkladruby.cz: history nhkladruby.czused for origin, history, fun fact
  3. equio.fr: kladruber equio.frused for height cm, lifespan years, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
  4. kladruberhorse.eu: breed characteristics kladruberhorse.euused for coat or body, best traits, temperament, social needs
  5. breeds.okstate.edu: kladruby horses breeds.okstate.eduused for weight kg, coat or body, habitat needs
  6. nhkladruby.cz: about us nhkladruby.czused for activity needs
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. nhkladruby.cz: kladruber horse breed nhkladruby.cz
  9. nhkladruby.cz: breed history nhkladruby.cz

Checked 2026-11-03. Text is written in our own words from these sources.