Intro
The Thessalian horse is a light draft breed from Thessaly in Greece. There is speculation that Alexander the Great’s horse, Bucephalus himself was a Thessalian horse. However this is contested by those that believe he was a Turkoman.
Origins
Their bloodlines include a mix of Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, Andalusian and Lipizzan. While these breeds contributed to (and likely improved) Thessalian bloodlines, they were probably crossed with animals of Turkoman blood. Larger than most of the pony breeds found on the Greek Islands, the Thessalian is a proper horse. While it isn’t a large one, it is built quite muscular and compact.
Thought to have gone extinct, attempts have been made to grow their numbers and in 1999 a studbook was established. This appears to be working as according to the DAD-IS they are at risk, but as of 2021 there were between 1063 and 1193 of them and numbers were on the rise.
Features
Average height 13.7-14.7 hands
Physique
Fine head with nice profile
Handsome conformation
Legs are slender and strong
The colors are bay, brown, chestnut or gray. The Thessalian Breed is of the Oriental type and is intelligent and affectionate. The head is nicely shaped with a nice profile. The conformation is generally good. The legs are slim but strong. Their height is 14-15 hh.
Traditional Colors
Generally grey
Temperament
Intelligent and affectionate
Use
Riding
Transport