{"id":549,"date":"2010-08-09T03:47:14","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T03:47:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=549"},"modified":"2025-01-02T17:49:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T17:49:57","slug":"estonian-native","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/estonian-native","title":{"rendered":"Estonian Native Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also called the Klepper<\/em>, the Estonian Native is one of the few remaining breeds in this area that has effectively resisted the effects of cross breeding and retained the characteristics of a northern horse.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Thought to have come to Russia as early as the 14th or 15th centuries and because of their extreme versatility and hard working abilities was quickly adopted and became widespread throughout Estonia. <\/p>\n

After the advent of mechanization the need for a sturdy pony declined, while the need for large draft animals increased. Larger breeds were introduced to the bloodlines and many of the pureblood breeders were displaced to the Baltic shore and neighboring islands. As a result, animals from the mainland tend to be larger (and probably less pure) than their island counterparts. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 13.1 – 14.3<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is well shaped, but can be coarse
\nNeck is short to medium and fleshy
\nChest is very wide and deep
\nLegs are short, well-set and clean
\nHooves are very hard and sound<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

chestnut<\/a> | grey<\/a> | bay<\/a> | dun<\/a> | roan<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Undemanding and easy to care for
\nWilling and affectionate<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Light agriculture work
\nRiding horse
\nTourism
\nImproving other breeds<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* all links open in a new window<\/small>
\nEstonian Animal Breeding Association<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Estonian\n<\/div>\n
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Video<\/h3>\n