…"Middling and less sized Horses have also, for the most part, both Strength, Spirit, and Agility, and not one in an Hundred but proves well, when of large Horses not one in a Thousand; Nay, the middle-sized Horse is the most proper for all Uses: For the Pad, Buck-hunting, Hawking, Running, Galloping upon the high way for many Miles, or Posting…” William Cavendish, the 1st Duke of Newcastle (1592-1676)
TMAC Eventing & Sport Horses
– BREED HISTORY
The Austrian-Hungarian Empire bred Hungarian Warmbloods for cavalry horses. The Hungarian was the most sought–after horse in Europe before WW11. They blended English and French Thoroughbreds, native Hungarian Mares, Nonious, and Shagya Arabians. For example, Alois Podhajsky rode “Teja”, a Hungarian Felver, to introduce high-level dressage to Britain and Ireland in 1949.
Thoroughbreds, Selle Francais, various German breeds, Shagya Arabians, and Hungarians have bloodlines in common.
When WW11 ended, the breeding programs in Europe were nearly destroyed. Then, in 1945-1946, the US Army Remount Program brought 200 horses from Hungary to the USA as “spoils of war.” However, when the Army disbanded the Cavalry in 1949 the horses sold at auction.
With guidance from two Hungarian Countesses living in the USA, some of those horses, along with others imported from Hungary, formed the foundation to preserve the Breed in North America.
Noteworthy horses include Hungarian Warlock’s sire, Hungarian Fontos and grandsire Hungarian Nicsak. They were regional and national champions in Virginia, California, and Canada. Shown by Linda Tellington-Jones among others, they competed in Hunter, 3-Day Eventing, and Endurance disciplines, Kerry Millikin’s mount, “HMS Dash” was an outstanding event horse. Joelle Baskerville’s “Malibu” and Penny Rowland’s “Flying Finn” are also Hungarians in the ribbons.
Today, the Hungarian is a rare breed at about 2000 worldwide. Nevertheless, due to strong genetics and careful breeding, they are an outstanding sport horse.
Horses range in size from 15.2-16.2 hands high and have a generous girth, good bone, and feet. Their soundness, athleticism, and steady temperament are well known. The qualities of the Breed, combined with the natural environment we provide for them, results in a gifted, willing, and brave horse. They are ideal for Sport and Pleasure.
A horse is worth more than riches.
Spanish Proverb