The Equinest archives

Arenberg-Nordkirchener Pony – Rare Horse Breed of the Week

This week’s rare breed comes from Germany & sadly they are among the rarest equines on the planet. So rare, in fact that we can’t find any images or video of them to share with you. The Arenberg-Nordkirchener Pony is dangerously close to extinction & are listed as critically endangered with their numbers in the teens.

20th Century Breed

These animals are a fairly recent breed (during the 20th century) & originally come from wild horses of Munster, Westphalia crossed with Lithuanian broodmares. This was a semi-wild breeding program (similar to that of the Dulman pony). Read more →

Horse Image of the Week

Why We Like It

We love images of horses that give them a vaguely human air. This one is no exception, with its windswept mane & bright eyes this handsome animal is as pretty as any supermodel. We can’t deny the lovely contrast of well manicured pastures & stark white fences in the background. It’s a well balanced image & it looks like paradise.
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Andravida – Rare Horse Breed of the Week

The rare breed for this week comes from Greece & come from incredibly ancient bloodlines. This breed is also called the Eleia, Ilia, or Greek, the Andravida are a rare & mysterious light draft breed found in the region of Ilia, Greece.

Robust Yet Refined

The Andravida ancestors were cavalry horses used by the Athenians in the fourth century BC. Later, in the seventh century BC the Greek cavalry again used the Andravida for war. Originally bred as a light riding draft breed they were a cross of local breeds with Anglo-Norman animals. During the 13th to 15th centuries Arabian blood was used to refine stock, which created a lighter animal. Read more →

Horse Image of the Week

Why We Like It

Yes, we know that’s not a horse up there, but we had to share it anyway. This is a Scottish breed of cattle called Highland Cattle & they are absolutely stunning. That coat is amazing & gives them such a cuddly look. We love this picture simply because it is stunning.
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American Cream Draft – Rare Breed of the Week

The rare breed for this Monday comes from the US & that means it’s a relatively recent addition to the breeds of the world. The handsome American Cream Draft horse began in 1905 in a small town in Iowa. The foundation of the breed was an old mare named Old Granny.

American Native

The first draft breed native to the US, the American Cream Draft is an incredibly rare sight in the 21st century. The replacement of farm animals with heavy equipment caused a sharp decline in their numbers & the first native draft breed in the US actually faced extinction. In 1982 a revival attempt was made & luckily today the numbers still increase. Read more →

Horse Image of the Week

Why We Like It

This is another one of those images we have a special reason for liking. It’s not just a sweet looking horse laying down, this one has got an apron face which is rather rare face marking that is difficult to find images of. We were delighted to run across it as we are of any image of rare markings or colors.
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Altwurttemberg – Rare Horse Breed of the Week

The rare breed for this week comes from Germany, although this breed is a rare sight even in it’s hometown. The Altwurttemberg breed was started by the Wurttemberg Prince House, although sadly they were created without an obligatory breed goal.

Careful Breeding

Although they had no real goal, the bloodlines used as their foundation were top notch. About thirty horses from Normandy were used between 1872 -1888, crossed with English Thoroughbreds, Holsteins & Oldenburgs. Through this careful breeding the Altwurttemberg horse was established. Read more →

Horse Image of the Week

Why We Like It

There is something about animals with blue eyes, whether it’s that they look more human or that they just stand out. In this particular image the contrasting brightness of the halter seems to enhance those peepers even more.
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Altai – Rare Breed of the Week

This Monday’s rare breed comes from Russia & it is one of most ancient breeds of Siberia. The Altai has been raised there for centuries & has always been indispensable to the nomad tribesmen of the area.

Dangerous Footing

This breed takes it’s name from the Altai mountains in Southern Siberia & like many breeds in unforgiving climates, they are built robustly surefooted. These animals have always been relied on to carry people & other precious cargo over mountainous terrain or through fast moving rivers, so their strength & tenacity was prized. Read more →

Horse Image of the Week

Why We Like It

Mainly we like this image because its a great example of a snowflake appaloosa. Images of them are difficult to find so we were delighted to run across this one. We also love the relationship between horses & dogs. By their very nature they shouldn’t really be pals, but they make it work anyway.
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Aegidienberger – Rare Horse Breed of the Week

This week’s rare breed is from Germany & they are a relatively recent cross – contributing to their rareness. The Aegidienberger comes from a cross between the elegant Peruvian Paso & the incredibly pure blood of the hardy Icelandic horse.

A Goal in Mind

The underlying drive behind the cross was to create a larger gaited animal that is well suited to the colder climates of Germany. The handsome Paso contributes their size, smooth gait & refined Spanish ancestry. While the Icelandic horse contributes it’s sturdy build, heavy winter coat & robust constitution. The perfect cross should be 62.5% Icelandic & 37.5% Peruvian Paso. Read more →

Horse Image of the Week

Why We Like It

What is not to like? Kids & horses are incredibly cute together – especially when a sweet & innocent moment is captured on film. We were all that size once & probably most of us loved horses then every bit as much as we do today. It’s a lifetime love affair for most of us.
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