Aegidienberger
The Aegidienberger is a breed of gaited horses hailing from Germany and was created in the late 20th century. Being a crossbreed, the strain shows the virtues of both the parent breeds – the ability and adaptability of the Icelandic Horse, and the size and refinement of the Peruvian Paso. Aegidienberger horses are famous for their ‘tolt’ gait, and is said to have a ‘flawless character’.
Aegidienberger Pictures
Quick Information
Behavioral Characteristics | Fond of humans, willing, friendly, gentle |
Physical Traits | The profile is large with a massive physique, a short but muscular and upright neck, a proud head carriage, a dense, high-set tail, and very thick mane |
Coat Colors | Al colors |
Height/Size | 13-15 hands (adult) |
Weight | Average to heavy |
Common Uses | Riding (especially pleasure riding), agriculture works |
Health Problems | Generally healthy |
Type | Pleasure horse, Work horse, Riding horse |
Blood Type | Warm |
Ancestors (Bloodlines) | Icelandic Horse, Peruvian Paso |
Popular Traits | Multi-talented, amiable; sturdy and durable relative to their size; a strong character with a bold personality |
Feeding/Diet | General horse diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
Country of Origin | Germany |
Associations and Registries | Gestut Aegidienberg (The Stud Aegidienberg) |
Video: The ‘Tolt’ Gaits of the Aegidienberger Horse
History and Development
The history of the Aegidienberger is not much vivid since the breed is much newer compared to most other breeds. The Aegidienberger was created by crossing the Peruvian Paso with the pureblood Icelandic horse.
The need for creating this new horse arose from the requirement for an animal that will have lofty gaits and will be able to adapt themselves to the harsh natural conditions of the country. Genetically, the Aegidienbergers have 62.5% features of the Icelandic breed and 37.5% of the Peruvian Paso, i.e., 5/8 crossbreed between Icelandic horse and Peruvian Paso.
The initial cross was conducted by a breeder Walter Feldmann, along with his son Walter Junior. The first generation of the cross, generation ‘F1’, was created after making a pureblooded male Peruvian Paso with a pureblooded female Icelandic.
Furthermore, the resultant ‘F1’ was crossed with yet another Icelandic, resulting in the new generation ‘R1’. Finally, both the generations were then crossed, giving birth to the present-day Aegidienberger horse.
In 1994, a studbook for the horse was created, and the Aegidienberger was officially recognized for the first time. The modern-day Aegidienberger horses are primarily used for farm and agriculture works, as well as for pleasure riding.
Interesting Facts
- Since their creation, the total number of Aegidienberger horses has never been more than 100 at any time.