Intro
Also called Yagha and Burkinabe, this breed horse is named for the Mossi kingdom in what is now Burkina Faso. The Mossi people have been associated with masterful horsemanship for centuries. Their horses are a type among the West African Dongola horse, found in many countries on that part of the continent.
Origins
The Mossi kingdom predates Burkina Faso and large portions of the country was originally Mossi territory. While there is not much official information about this breed, it is clear the Mossi take their horses very seriously. The equine was an essential partner in war, hunting and transportation, while the grasslands of the area were a prime spot for breeding good horses. This is a tribe with oral traditions so there is not much information about their horses to be found. Although it is clear that they credit their mastery of the horse for enabling their growing territory. It took the French to began intense colonization in the 19th century to halt their progress.
Like many of the Dongola types, this is a light riding horse with a large amount of localized variety in its bloodlines. Interestingly, the Mossi have long been known as a source of horses in West Africa and they actually breed their animals. Many in that part of the continent prize stallions and don’t want to keep mares, so the Mossi may be largely responsible for the spread of the West Africa Dongola.
Features
Average height 13.9-14.9 hands
Fine mane and tail hairs
Physique
Large head with convex profile
Sort neck
Muscular hindquarters
Thin legs
Small hooves
Traditional Colors
Generally chestnut or bay, sometimes grey
Temperament
Sturdy and resistant
Use
Transportation
Riding horse
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