Photo: Karl-Joseph Brodtmann · Public domain horse breed · 671 on Animalso
Erlenbach Horse: The Ancient Swiss Light Horse
- Animal
- Horse
- Origin
- Switzerland
The Erlenbach horse, also called the Simmental horse, was an ancient light horse from the Erlenbach im Simmental region of Switzerland. It was known since the 18th century, when annual market sales of 10,000 horses brought considerable revenue. Railroads contributed to its long decline, and it probably disappeared during the 20th century as breeders shifted toward cattle.
What the Erlenbach horse was
The Erlenbach horse, also known as the Simmental horse, was a light horse breed from Switzerland’s Erlenbach im Simmental region. It was known since the 18th century, when annual markets sold 10,000 horses.
Where its story begins
The breed’s recorded starting point is Erlenbach im Simmental in Switzerland. For broader context, see horse breeds from Switzerland.
What stands out
This breed had an established place in 18th-century commerce. Its annual market sales brought considerable revenue to the region.
What the record shows
The breed entered a long decline in the following century, mainly after railroads were introduced. It probably disappeared during the 20th century as breeders turned to cattle breeding.
Price and availability
No purchase price or current availability is given for the Erlenbach horse. The historical record describes a breed that probably disappeared during the 20th century.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone seeking a currently available horse breed should compare living breeds instead. Browse horse breeds to see other entries.
Verdict
The Erlenbach horse is chiefly a historical Swiss breed. Its importance lies in its origin, its light-horse type, and the scale of its 18th-century markets.
What stands out
- Ancient light-horse breed from Switzerland
- Known since the 18th century
- Annual markets sold 10,000 horses
Worth knowing
- Suffered a long decline after railroads were introduced
- Probably disappeared during the 20th century
- No current availability details are given
Suits
- Readers studying Swiss horse history
- People tracing historic horse breeds
Think twice if
- You need a currently available horse for ownership or purchase
- You need recorded height, weight, or lifespan figures
In short
The Erlenbach horse belongs in a history-focused breed atlas rather than a current buying shortlist. It came from Erlenbach im Simmental, Switzerland, and was known as an ancient light horse by the 18th century. Market sales once brought considerable revenue, but railroads helped drive a long decline. Breeders later moved toward cattle, and the horse probably disappeared in the 20th century. Readers wanting a living breed will need to explore other Swiss or international horse entries.
Questions
What is the Erlenbach horse?
The Erlenbach horse, or Simmental horse, was an ancient light horse breed from the Erlenbach im Simmental region of Switzerland.
Where did the Erlenbach horse originate?
It originated in Switzerland, specifically the Erlenbach im Simmental region.
When was the Erlenbach horse known?
It was known since the 18th century.
Why was the breed historically important?
Annual market sales of 10,000 horses brought considerable revenue to the region.
What caused its decline?
The breed declined over the following century, mainly after railroads were introduced.
Does the Erlenbach horse still exist?
It probably disappeared during the 20th century as breeders shifted to cattle breeding.
More horse breeds from Switzerland
Photo credits4 photographs on this page
- Erlenbach horse — Karl-Joseph Brodtmann · Public domain · file page
- Einsiedler — Roland zh · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Freiberger — Rama · CC BY-SA 2.0 fr · file page
- Swiss Warmblood — Clément Bucco-Lechat · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.