• This horse is also known as the Noriker

• It is one of Europe's ancient coldblood breeds and has been bred for 2000 years in the alpine piedmount of Austria

• Roman draught horses were introduced to central Europe in the time of Christs birth giving rise to a new breed of horse

• This is how it got its name, from the Roman Empire's province, Noricum (which is the present-day Austria)

• It is very popular in Austria and is heavily used in the central Alps region

• The breed is subject to strictly enforced breed standards and there is a very strict inspection system and performance testing

• It is a hard, powerful working horse

• It is coloured either black, brown or chestnut and stands at 16 - 17 hands high - it is classed as a Heavy Horse