Intro
A relatively new breed, the American Cream Draft is a color breed in the United States. They come from Iowa, originating with a foundation draft mare named Old Granny in 1905.
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The Equinest archives
American Bashkir Horse
Intro
American Bashkir horses are the only breed found to be hypoallergenic, those allergic to horse dander do not have a reaction to these animals.
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American Albino Horse
Intro
It should be noted that albinism is fatal in equines, a pure albino is a result of lethal white genes from both parents & will rarely live past birth. American Albino (also called American Cream & White) horses are white, but not technically albino genetically.
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Altwurttemberg Horse
Intro
One of the lesser known breeds, the Altwurttemberg is considered extremely endangered & is a rare sight outside (even inside of) its native country.
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Alter Real Horse
Intro
The Alter Real breed comes from Alter de Chao, a small town in the Alentejo province of Portugal, where the flagship stud is still located. Real is the word for ‘royal’ in Portuguese, the Alter Real is the Royal breed of Alter.
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Altai Horse
Intro
One of most ancient breeds of Siberia, the Altai has been shaped in large part by the harsh mountainous climate of their native land. This breed has had a close relationship with the tribesman of the region for centuries.
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Albanian Horse
Intro
There are two types of horses native to Albania, mountain horses (Mountain) & horses of the plains (Myzequea). Sadly, a lack of proper breeding programs has allowed interbreeding between them to blur lines of distinction.
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Akhal-Teke Horse
Intro
Known for their greyhound-like appearance & coats that often gleam with a metallic shimmer, the Akhal-Teke horse is one of the easiest breeds to recognize by sight. They are quite simply built for speed & stamina in hot weather.
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African Wild Ass
Image from Roni G
Intro
A wild member of the horse family Equidae, the African Wild Ass (Equus africanus) is thought to be the ancient ancestor of the domesticated donkey often seen today.
Image from Martynf65
Origins
This breed is native to dry areas of northeastern Africa such as Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. They have a tough digestive system which efficiently extracts moisture from their diet of vegetation, this allows them to go a long time between watering.
These animals generally live in small family groups instead of herds due mainly to the sparse vegetation in their habitat. They are very loud and can communicate verbally with other asses up to 2 miles away.
Today conservation efforts are being made because there are only a few hundred left in the wild. This is a result of a combination of factors. Interbreeding with domesticated stock has compromised the purity of their ancient bloodlines.
They are also forced to compete with domestic livestock and agricultural needs for the limited resources of the area. Not to mention they are traditionally hunted for food and medicine in both Ethiopia and Somalia.
They are legally protected in most of the countries where they are found, however these laws are next to impossible to enforce.
Features
Resilient animals that have thrived for thousands of years in an unforgiving climate
Physique
Typical donkey with stocky body
Ears are large to help cool them and give them keen hearing
Mane is stiff and upright and tipped with black
Tail is short and ends in a black brush
Hooves are slender and close to the same diameter as the legs
Traditional Colors
Dun displaying the mealy / pangare gene and primitive markings
Temperament
That of a wild animal
Image from Antelopes
Helpful Links
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Ultimate Guide to the African Wild Ass
African Wild Ass Archive
Do you have images or know more about the African Wild Ass? I’d love help completing this page, please contact me to get involved.
Aegidienberger Horse
Intro
The Aegidienberger is a relatively recent cross, one that utilizes the elegant Peruvian Paso & the pure blood of the hardy Icelandic horse. The aim was to create a larger gaited animal that is well suited to the colder climates of Germany.
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