Noriker horses are probably one of the oldest draft breeds in Europe. They used to be to most important transportation for trade goods between the Adria and the bigger cities Munich and Salzburg north of the Alps, as well as a farm horse in the mountain valleys of Tyrol and South Tyrol. The name goes back to the roman region called Noricum. There are different theories about their origin. Some sources say, that the romans used the Norikers to invade the mountain areas, others say that there already has been a local draft horse, which later became the Noriker. Nevertheless, the breed influenced many other European draft horse breeds and has a rich colour palette for their coats, with leopard, pinto and blue roan adding to the uni base colours. With the machinery taking over after the second World War, the population of the Noriker horses dropped drastically. In the past years the breed got rediscovered by drivers and leisure equestrians who are looking for a hardy horse with good character. The Noriker is still very popular with farmers and are their pride on festivals and traditional competitions.