Intro
Thought to be an incredibly old breed of horse, the Borana horse comes and is named for the Borana zone in southern Ethiopia. There is not much documentation about the breed, but scientists have begun to study them in an attempt at characterization.
Origins
Their origins are unknown and there are no official breeding programs, so very little is known about them. This is a typical lowland breed used and bred by Borana Oromo pastoralists. They tend to be hardy breed, well adapted to the low-moisture and stressful environments of southern Ethiopia.
Borana of Today
The Borana Oromo pastoralists have an interesting horse culture, a bit like those of the Bedouins. This cultural system is called Gadaa and it obligates members of the community to give horses superior respect. Some of the traditions attached are quite extreme including allowing horses to drink before any other species (including human) at watering holes and providing burial ceremonies for their stallions. Borana horses will also never be found pulling a cart.
The Borana zone is regularly hit by extreme drought and while they may drink first, during dry times they only drink every other day. The arid conditions of the area have had an impact on the horses here, hardy as they are.
Features
Decent conformation
Drought resistant
Traditional Colors
Generally bay
Temperament
Strong and willing
Docile, hard workers
Use
Herding livestock
Transportation
.jpg){kind=link}