The Noriker horse is an autochthonous, moderately heavy mountain draft horse. The breeding area covers the alpine areas of Austria and Germany. Except for agricultural work this horse played an important role for the transport of goods through the alps (they carried salt and gold from Salzburg to Italy and on the way back wine and spices). This purpose developed a long-rectangular, deeply stored and step-safe draft horse - an adjustment to the alpine terrain. The augmented usage of the horses in agriculture started with the industrialization in the 19. Century. Very early in the breeding history of the Noriker baroque horses played an important role. In the year 1565, with the establishment of the stud farm Rif (near Salzburg), began the phase of the refinement by Neapolitan stallions, which exerted their influence on the Noriker horse until 1806. Down to the present day this influence is visible in the Exterieur: roman heads with swung upper lines and sumptuous long hair are combined frequently with black horses or blue roans. The name "Mohrenköpfe"  (blue roan with black head) has its origin directly from the Italian baroque age expression „testa di moro“. Most apparently the baroque influence is visible on the fur colours. Beside "Mohrenköpfen" the leopard spotted colour remained until nowadays, in contrary to other European horse breeds. In the year 1903 the stud book was closed and since then tha Noriker horses are strictly pure breeded. In our time almost all draft breeds in Europe are threatened by extinction. The Noriker horse could survive due to its ability to handle with extensive mountain pastures.  Annual "Alpung" (residence of the horses on huge mountain pastures on high altitude, between 1200m to 2200m, during the summer months) is today still usual and guarantees important constitution characteristics and a balanced character. All these characteristics predestine the Noriker for his new tasks in the leisure time society. Selection over centuries on a friendly character created the balanced temper of this breed. These characteristics with an unusually good walk and a well seatable trott make the Noriker horse a safe leisure partner for all sections of riding and horse-keeping. Noriker with special fur colours and classical training are often the attraction of various horse meetings.

The Noriker is a moderately severe mountain draft horse with deep position of the center of gravity, sure footed and with a good sense of balance. The size of whiters averages between 156 and 163 cm. The head should be dry, typeful and should express harsh draft horse aristocracy. The neck should be strong and muscular. The shoulder should be long and well positioned. The width of chest should be broad and deep. Special attention is put on a correct position of the legs with strong and clear joints. Circumference of cannon bones of mares has to be between 22cm and 25cm. Due to its colour varieties the Noriker enjoys large popularity . Beside the basic colours brown, black and sorrels there are leopard spotted horses, "Mohrenköpfe" (blue roans with black head), brown and red roans, tobianos and overos. Grey do not occur.

The Noriker is used for riding and driving, as a parade horse at festivals and as a racing horse during the winter season for trotting races. Also traditional working with the horse is getting more and more popular like the numerous wood-moving competitions show. The Noriker horse is appreciated because of its excellent constitution, durability, resistance, its outstanding character and its balanced temper. Austria is with 4.200 registered mares and approximately 180 stallions the largest breeding area of Europe.