Preserving Heritage
The Black Forest. As the centuries passed, seldom has a landscape so influenced mankind as the Black Forest. The Black Forest, or "Schwarzwald” (Shwartz-vald) in German, is a range of hills and mountains stretching east of the Rhine River. The range runs north to south, with the Rhine Valley to the west. In addition, the Danube River originates in the Black Forest. The Romans gave the mountain range the name “Black Forest” because of the densely packed conifer trees — which are very dark green — found in the area. The forest is not actually black when you look at it, but the Romans felt it was scary and dark because no light showed through the dense canopy of spruce, hence giving it the name “silva nigra”. The Black Forest is a bucket-list destination in Germany for those wanting to relive their favorite Grimm fairy tales and is a visually stunning mix of wildflower meadows, dramatic bluffs often topped by castle ruins, pine-covered hills and idyllic farms.
The Black Forest Draft is an endangered breed originating from a small village located on a high plateau in the southern Black Forest. There are only about 3000 Black Forest Drafts in existence, and less than 30 of them in North America. In their native land, these horses are warmly referred to as the “Pearls of the Black Forest”. There is evidence that horse breeding has been practiced in this region since the early 15th century, as can be found in the records at St. Peter’s Abbey. At that time, a heavy horse known as the Walderpferd (Vald-er-ferd) which translates to “forest horse”, was utilized for farm and forestry work in these highland areas. Those horses were able to withstand the severe winters, which had a significant role in the ability of the local farmers to work the land. It is believed that breeding of this horse resulted in today’s Black Forest Draft. Horse production appears to have been centered around the Sankt Peter and Sankt Märgen (Mare-gen) monasteries of this region. Black Forest Drafts were an indispensable asset to many generations of farmers because of their resilience and robust constitution, which allowed them to thrive despite the harsh conditions in the winter. It wasn’t until 1896 that the breed association was started, along with a studbook. However, World War II and the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution, saw the breed’s numbers greatly reduced. By the 1970s, there were fewer than 200 mares remaining. Thirty years later, the horse’s status was considered officially “endangered.” While the breed is still considered a vulnerable one, fortunately its population is on the rise. A breeding program at the Marbach (Mar-back) Stud — Germany’s oldest state stud farm — has helped restore the number of Black Forest horses. This stud farm has the largest breeding program housing 20 Black Forest stallions. Today, there are over 1,000 mares located worldwide. To keep people interested in these sturdy, mid-sized horses, breeders changed their goal to making “a gentle-minded, versatile family horse”. The German government aided breeders in their efforts to preserve the Black Forest Horse, and the breed became popular as a versatile pleasure horse for both driving and riding. There is also renewed interest to use these horses for the original intent of farming and logging, as their imprint is less harsh on the land and to revive older traditions.
Mirabella is a lovely example of a Black Forest Draft mare in her prime. She will turn seven in May of this year. She was bred by Elizabeth Keck in Idaho Falls, the only other program currently breeding Black Forest Drafts in the country. Her sire, Montanara, has been immortalized as one of BreyerFest’s 2022 Limited Edition Traditional models. The breed is often compared to a small Noriker or a big Haflinger. Larger horses tend to top out at roughly 1500 pounds. Stallions may be as tall as 16 hands, with mares measuring a bit shorter at 14.3 to 15.2 hands. Mirabella is right around 14 hands. Note the short, very strong necks, muscular bodies, and sloping shoulders, with powerful hindquarters. They have large hooves with no feathering above them. It’s this breed’s incredible mane and tail that really make it noticeable. Against the horse’s dark chestnut coat, the thick flowing blond or silvery mane and tail stand out beautifully. Grooming the Black Forest horse, with that elegant but voluminous mane, can be quite a lot of work. Braiding helps reduce tangling and keep the hair preserved for those times when owners want to let it blow in the breeze. This breed is an easy keeper, so one of the prime health concerns is overfeeding. Otherwise, they’re not prone to any particular illnesses and live long lives, often until 25 to 30 years old. In spite of the breed’s precarious status, people do own Black Forest horses, unlike many endangered or rare breeds. This horse has a gentle and willing disposition, making it a popular family horse with those lucky enough to have one. Black Forest horses are also versatile and do well under saddle or pulling a carriage. Most commonly, they’re used in driving competitions and for pulling sleighs or parade work. Mirabella has been ridden in traditional Dressage, western Dressage, trail and Working Equitation. She has worked cattle and ridden on the beach at Cape Blanco in Oregon. She is more sensitive than many of her fellow Black Forest Drafts, and works hard to please. Mirabella is currently schooling first level Dressage and is focusing on improved balance, lateral suppleness and throughness, as well as the thrust to perform lengthenings of stride.
Dario is a young stallion imported from Germany. He was bred in Germany by Wendel (Vendel) and Schroeder. His sire is Drachenfels (Dracken-fels), a stunning state-approved stallion, and his dam a State Premium Mare by the name of Eilin (Eye-lynn). Dario received a gold rating at the Foal Show in Germany in August 2022.Because the genepool of the breed is so limited here in North America, it is crucial to diversify the breed in US. With the help and guidance of original North American Black Forest Draft importer Ursula Seidel, along with the interest and kindness of his German breeders, Dario was selected as an ideal candidate to continue the North American Black Forest Draft breeding program in Medford, Oregon. Lynn was able to travel to Germany to meet Dario before finalizing the purchase, as well as attend the Rossfest (Roce-fest) in the village of Sankt Märgen high above Freiburg where the Black Forest Draft originated. The Rossfest takes place every 3 years on the second weekend in September from Friday to Sunday and offers cross-generational events around the Black Forest Draft, full of tradition, customs, delicious food and music. The highlight is the large historical parade through the town, which recently attracted over 20,000 visitors. Participants are dressed in traditional “tracht” clothes and the horses pull a variety of conveyances used for farming or working in the woods. There is dancing and music with a joyous atmosphere. Dario made the long journey from Germany to the US on November 29th, 2022 as a weanling. At that age, the cost of importing is more reasonably priced than that of a full-grown stud. Additionally, Dario would require only a few- day quarantine upon his arrival at Los Angeles. He rode in a plane specially designed for transporting horses. Horses are padded with leg wraps and halters lined with wool. In-flight snacks include carrots. The stalls have maximum internal padding and protection and the floors are skid-proof, puncture-resistant, and noise-absorbing. There is a required vet check before, as well as after, the flight. Despite all the precautions, you can imagine the relief of both his German breeders and his new American family when Dario safely arrived in Southern Oregon! Dario is being carefully and lightly started so he learns to be a gentleman before beginning his career as a breeding stallion. He is currently riding successfully in group classes with both mares and geldings, and has had the opportunity to sort cattle.
Cici's Lilianna is a 2017 mare bred by Celeste Green of Cielo Celeste Farm in California. Her sire is the infamous Dante. Lili is more traditional in build, a little more draft-like and strength to pull. She has had one filly, our home-grown Sassafras RR, out of PJA Ghostwind Spirit, a 97% Fewspot Appaloosa stallion owned by the Wild J Ranch. Lili has proved herself a phenomenal mother.