My friend who lives in the Czech Republic took a visiting friend to see the Kladruber horses that are still bred at the town of Kladruby nad Labem. They sent me some photos taken with a cell phone. Most of the finest horses were still indoors, but they were able to get some photos of those who were outside.

The Kladruber breed was founded in 1579 by Rudolf ll, a member of the House of Habsburg, and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. It was developed for the purpose of pulling the imperial coaches for ceremonies and funerals. It was a fine breeding of the best horses, yet strong and capable of pulling heavy carriages.

The Kladrubers also have some of the Lippizaner  and Orlov Trotter bloodline.

They have been designated as the household breed at the Royal Court of Denmark. They serve on ceremonial occasions at the Royal Court of Sweden, and are used by the Swedish mounted police.

When they are hitched to a royal carriage in groups of four or six, their powerful, arched necks, give them a pompous, ceremonial look. For more than 400 years, these horses have been bred for their high-stepping trot that makes them look so fine in royal pageantry.