Hegardt Horse

Intro

There have been several attempts to recreate the ancient (and actually wild) Tarpan, notably the Heck and Hegardt Horses.

Origins

The Tarpan was among the few wild equines that existed during prehistoric times and they are thought to be ancestors of most modern breeds from the Russian Steppes. Originally they were found throughout eastern Europe and Western Russia, becoming foundation stock for many civilizations along the eastern Mediterranean.

They were hunted to extinction, mainly because land was needed for farmers and wild herds used up precious resources, they were also hunted as a source of meat. The last one died in a Russian zoo in 1909.

Bringing Them Back

Early in the 20th century an attempt was made by the Polish government to recreate the breed, using Konik horses animals with similar characteristics. They used selective breeding to recreate the genetics as closely as possible. Not long afterwards, Heinz and Lutz Heck, zoologists and directors of the Munich Zoo also took on the project. Creating a similar looking animal, but actual Tarpan genetics stayed outside of their reach.

Feral is Not Wild

Later in the mid 20th century, a breeder in Oregon named Harry Hegardt began breeding in an attempt to recreate Equus ferus caballus. His foundation was feral mustangs from the area and his own farm horses. Similar to the Heck Horse, they were able to produce a horse with similar coloring (Kigers run feral in Oregon and they are known for exquisite dun coloring).

While Harry was able to reproduce accurate coloring, Kiger genetics probably did a lot of the heavy lifting. Likely these feral herds were what gave him the idea in the first place. While they may look similar, Kiger genetics come from Spanish animals brought to the Americas by explorers. They are the feral ancestors of domestic horse. Those Spanish animals may have been influenced by the Tarpan, but the genetics would have been diluted for a very long time.

The Stroebel Effect

For several decades he selectively bred for type and coloring, producing animals that stumped horse people. He even managed to produce the primitive mane that had eluded the Heck brothers.

In the 1980’s Lenette Stroebel discovered Harry’s herd and became fascinated with them. When Harry died in 1990, Lenette and her husband Gordon bought his herd of 20 animals and continued to breed them in Central Oregon. Even the BLM got involved, helping them sort through thousands of animals to find a stallion with kept their project going.

Modern Tarpan

This modern Tarpan is larger and likely more robustly built than the original. This is a sprightly little horse that is well liked by the people who encounter them. They look like an ancient horses, but do not possess the stormy temperament of a wild equine.

Features

Average height 13 hands

Physique

Head is large
Withers are low
Hindquarters are strong
Belly is round
Legs are robust
Hooves are strong and hard

Traditional Colors

Generally bay, brown or grey, but can also be found in chestnut and black

Temperament

Always a shade of dun with primitive markings. Occasionally they can have white markings, likely an indication of domesticated horse in the bloodline.