Knabstrup
Average Size: 15.2 hh (62 in), though varies significantly.
Breed: Knabstrup

The Knabstrup is best known for its coat. As a spotted horse, it attracts a fair amount of attention. The Knabstrup is mostly white with black or brown spots over the head, body and legs. The neck is strong and muscular, and though a bit short, is well suited to harness work. The cannons, those are the bones of the foreleg between the “knee” and the lower fetlock joint, are also short, but the hindquarters are large and muscular. The back is very broad.

Because of its unique appearance and wide back, the Knabstrup was and is a popular circus horse. The broad back provides a solid base for acrobat work and the horse's docile temperament and intelligence are well suited to the training and excitement of the ring.

The Knabstrup Horse descends from a spotted Spanish mare named Flaebehoppen. It was bought from a Spanish officer positioned in Denmark during the Napoleonic Wars by a Dane named Flaebe (hence the name). It was then sold to a Judge Lunn, who bred the mare from his Knabstrup estate and founded a European spotted breed.

Initially, the breed deteriorated because it was being bred solely for its spotted coat, rather than constitution, conformation, or temperament. However, it is now being reestablished and the more modern form of the breed resembles the American Appaloosa, another popular spotted horse.

Though somewhat rare, the breed is promoted today as a carriage and riding horse. As the breed improves, they are being seen more and more in the ring and competitive sports. The horse is bred in Denmark, Sweden, the UK, Italy, Germany, and the United States.

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