Selale or Oromo Horse

Intro

The Selale or Oromo horse is found in central Ethiopia and are particularly known as good riding mounts. They have an interesting past, deeply connected to the history of the country itself. The Selale name comes from the area where they are found and Oromo are the people who keep them.

Origins

This breed is primarily found in a central highland plateau of Ethiopia, commonly known as Selale. Probably the best representative population of the breed is found in Jida and the horses found there are called Jida Horses. Horse culture is strong here and they commonly have open horse markets where breeders and trainers gather to compete or show off their horseflesh.

Historically, Jida is where Emperor Haile Silasie established horse farms in the early 20th century. It is said he imported stallions from England of unknown bloodlines to mix with local animals and the conformation of this breed may reflect the unique influx. This is anecdotal, puts this little horse into the history books of the country.

Loving Culture

A fine Selale riding horse is considered a status symbol in the Oromo community and is very well kept. Only ridden during cultural events, horse shows, holidays or ceremonies. These animals are known as farda teesumaa, which means saddle horse. There is another type in the breed which is used as a beast of burden, they are called baataa which means load carrier.

Features

Average height 13 -14 hands
Unsound conformation
Paunchy belly and deep back
Bred for strength and agility as mountain pack/ work horses

Physique

Because of the high level of dilution, these animals come in all shapes and sizes. There is no breed standard per se
Coat is short & coarse, often with rosettes