Horse Basics Category

Horse Breeds From Mongolia

Mongolia FlagAnother Friday and a great day to visit a new exotic location and learn about the interesting horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is a fascinating ride, & today a peek at the breeds from Mongolia.

The Last of The Wild Horses

The Mongolian Wild Horse is the only surviving species of truly wild horse. All of the mustangs we refer to as ‘wild’ are actually feral. They may be untamed, but their ancestors were domestic horse. Similar to zebras and wild asses, Mongolian horses are actually wild and have never been tamed or domesticated.
Read more →

Horse Breeds From Lithuania

Lithuania FlagFriday again and time to visit another exotic location and learn about the interesting horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is a fascinating ride, & today a peek at the breeds from Lithuania.

Ancient Strains

There aren’t very many breeds from Lithuania, but the few that exist are important. This country is home to a member of the Konik family, the Zhumd. These forest types have been in the area for centuries and have been traditionally used for farming and transport. The original bloodlines have been influenced with a variety of exotic stock over the years which has resulted in two types, a heavier forest-type and a lighter animal with Arabian refinement.
Read more →

Horse Breeds From Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan FlagFriday again and time to visit another exotic location and learn about the interesting horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is a fascinating ride, & today a peek at the breeds from Kazakhstan.

Ancient Strains

Most of the breeds from Kazakhstan have ancient origins, and have been traditionally bred by local people for thousands (& thousands) of years. The Adev, part of the Kazakh breed dates back to the 5th century BC. This area is known for horse culture and the people have always been dependent on the equine animal, for transport as well as nourishment. Harsh environments make for sturdier animals and the native animals are quite hardy and adaptable beasts.
Read more →

Horse Breeds From Japan

Japan FlagAnother Friday and time to visit an exotic location and learn about the interesting horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is a fascinating ride, & today a peek at the breeds from Japan.

Island Ponies

Japan is an island nation and one with a variety of island geographies. These pockets of isolation make for relatively pure bloodlines in what are primarily small horse and pony breeds of Mongolian descent. Many of the pony breeds are revered and protected under Japanese law, continuing already incredibly pure bloodlines.
Read more →

Horse Breeds From Italy

Italy FlagIt’s Friday again and a great day for visiting an exotic location and learning about the fabulous horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is an interesting ride, today a peek at the breeds from Italy.

Bred For War

It makes sense that many of today’s breeds came originally out of a need for sturdy war mounts and hardy mountain-type agricultural animals. Some of their breeds (like the Avelignese Horse & Bardigiano) are cousins to the well-loved Haflinger. All three of these breeds share common ancestors and come from the horses of invading Belgian Gauls.
Read more →

Horse Breeds From Ireland

Ireland FlagIt’s the end of the week and time to visit another beautiful location and learn about the hardy horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is an interesting ride, today a peek at the breeds from Ireland.

Made Ireland Tough

Most of the breeds from Ireland are smaller and tougher than your average horse. In large part due to the climactic conditions and physical geography of the country itself. Perhaps my favorite being the Kerry Bog Pony, tinier than the Shetland and once used to transport peat moss from bogs.
Read more →