Beautiful, rare, and strong, Germany's Black Forest Horse (also known as the "Schwarzwälder Kaltblüter") is enjoying a quiet resurgence. The breed's numbers steadily declined as these workhorses were replaced by tractors and trucks. Germany's Marbach Stud, the oldest in the country, helped to bring the breed back from near-extinction in the 1970's. The foals the Marbach breeds from registered parents receive a spruce tree brand. While they are still most commonly found in Germany, breeding stock has been imported around the world. A smaller-bodied draft horse, the Black Forest Horse stands 14.2-16h. They are a sturdy and hardy breed that enjoys a long lifespan, high fertility rate, and possesses a gentle and willing temperament. They're commonly a dark liver chestnut, with a flaxen mane and tail, like Markus , who is ¾ Black Forest and ¼ Shire. Owners enjoy the Black Forest for pleasure riding, packing, and for what they were originally bred for - forestry work and driving!