Intro
Also called the Dunav, the Danubian is a Bulgarian light draft breed that comes from Bulgaria. Low nutritional and management requirements made this a useful animal for farm work.
Origins
Production of this breed began in 1924 near Pleven, Bulgaria with a foundation of Arabian mares crossed with Nonius stallions. They were originally bred to have a massive and compact constitution for tough farm work. Over the years their use on farms has declined and Thoroughbred blood was added to create a lighter type well suited for show jumping.
Their numbers are quite low and they are rare, although it seems that a conservation program has been put into place to protect them.
Features
Average height 15.2 – 16.3 hands
Light gaits
Physique
Head is well shaped with a straight profile
Ears are medium
Eyes are small
Neck is medium length
Body is compact
Shoulder is sloping
Chest is deep
Croup is slightly sloping
Legs are thin but solid
Hooves are well shaped
Traditional Colors
Generally chestnut, black, bay or brown
Temperament
Mild temperament
Hard working
Use
Work horse
Farm animal