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Type: Hand Painted Oil Reproduction

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The Old English Black Horse, though now extinct as a distinct breed, holds a remarkable place in the annals of equine history. Originating around the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, this breed emerged from a blend of European horses brought across the English Channel by the Normans and native British stock.

Despite its name, the Old English Black Horse wasn't strictly a black - colored breed. In fact, bays and browns were more commonly seen, along with roans, greys, and chestnuts. Ideal specimens boasted four white stockings and a well - defined bald face, bearing resemblance to Clydesdale horses in their markings.

The breed's development was further influenced when William III imported large Dutch horses, likely of Brabant and Friesian descent. These were brought in to assist with the challenging task of draining the Lincolnshire fens, as the existing cart horses were insufficient for the job. These Dutch - influenced horses became known as the Lincolnshire blacks, an important part of the Old English Black Horse's story.

Over time, the Old English Black Horse's bloodlines merged into other breeds. Notably, Robert Bakewell played a role in developing it into the black horse of Leicestershire, which was a forerunner of the Shire horse in the Midlands. Its genetic legacy is also evident in the Clydesdale breed, with both the Shire and Clydesdale inheriting many characteristics from their Old English Black Horse ancestors.