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Spotted horses have been bred in Denmark since 1671 & the studbook has changed hands through the centuries. The Knabstruppper however, remains a highly intelligent, gentle & versatile performance breed & of course since we started breeding them in 2000 we are smitten with our striking spotted horses, but the focus for any breeder should always be "purpose for the job"... The Knabstrupper is often overlooked as a sporting horse although it's more than capable of most disciplines. They are agile brained, physically adept for many disciplines & come in every colour possible, including spots ;) |
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"Okaaay, why Knabstruppers?" People often ask me that! Several years ago I found myself rebuilding my life after my spine was broken in three places. Riding a friends' young horse, I was thrown onto hard ground, knocked out & the horse then took great exception to my lying still on the ground & pretty much pummelled me. It wasnt pretty! I was told in no uncertain terms "you wont walk again, let alone ride" so an alternative "horse fix" had to be sought! (& yes, I feel like an extra out of a Seabiscuit film saying that!)...but faced with a rather bleak diagnosis & being someone with over 30 years experience of riding & training, never mind the deep passion for horses, I decided I would breed them... The question then became what? Cue months of searching through various breeds & visits abroad to various studs until finally, in Denmark I realised that the Knabstrupper was the breed for me. With such a long history of trainability (& movement!) - but most of all being so well known for possessing exceptionally gentle & biddable natures; suddenly my mobility limitations began to seem less of an issue. One stud had a foal they thought would interest me & I spotted him (pardon the pun) straight away. It's hard to explain the fun & joy I felt was all wrapped in this little, tiny, dotty foal. He was so elegant & had the most beautiful, soft face. His brother was already a very successful stallion in Denmark so not *quite* believing my luck I bought him as a three month old colt... Amadeus arrived at the beginning of October 2007; a very shy leggy boy, but even then he showed the history & nature his breed has been famed for. |
