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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Horses and ponies were domesticated thousands of years ago, with the last European "wild horses" - the tarpan, dying out in 1901 (though these may have been ferral hybrids themselves as their DNA and other evidence). These keystone species, and environmental engineers, were critical in helping to maintain European biodiversity through grazing and other natural behaviors.
Over the many generations of domestication, horses and ponies have begun to loose some of the amazing and diverse traits that made them keystone species for specific, and unique environments.
We already created the Wild Horses & Ponies page to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of wild and ferral animals on the landscape, rewilding programs, resources, and organizations that engage with these amazing creatures.
This Page
This Page
Due to the inaccurate claims of a book written back a century ago, many people believe the Konik Polski (little Polish horse) to be the closest relative to the now-extinct tarpan. Due to this many rewilding projects have focused on using Koniks and Przewalski's horses, in an attempt to use breeds as close to the original wild horses of Eurasia as possible.
The problem here is that when domesticated horses spread across Europe, they inevitably bred with wild horses over time, thereby picking up the distinct genetics of those unique regions. Today some of these "forgotten" breeds remain mostly unchanged, maintaining genetics that can make them particularly suitable to conservation grazing in wetlands and bogs, while others are more suited to rocky mountains. The yakut for example can produce a protein similar to antifreeze, to prevent frostbite down to -70 degrees Centigrade.
The purpose of this page is to help people understand the benefits and drawbacks of certain horses and ponies in the conservation landscape.
Ancestry of European Horses
Ancestry of European Horses
Celtic Horses
Celtic Horses
Forest Horses
Forest Horses
"The European Forest Horse was a heavy framed animal that inhabited European marshes and gave rise to the Warmblood and some draft horse types." - Australian Brumby Alliance: About Wild Horses
Steppe Horses
Steppe Horses
Tarpan
Tarpan
Some "light horse stock is largely attributed to the Tarpan of the southern Russian steppes which unfortunately became extinct in the late 1800’s." - Australian Brumby Alliance: About Wild Horses
"Wild Horses"
"Wild Horses"
Konik Polski
Konik Polski
"Koniks are a primitive breed of horse that originated in Eastern Europe (mainly Poland) and [was once believed to be] closely related to the also extinct Tarpan horse (European wild horse). The name "konik" comes from the Polish language and means "pony, small horse". These horses are also very robust and ideally suited for being kept outside all year round." - Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz: Heck Cattle and Konik Horse Grazing
Historic Region
Historic Region
Eastern Europe
Poland (Biłgoraj region)
Suitable Environments
Suitable Environments
"the Konik was chosen due to its largely quiet friendly nature and the ability to thrive in the wetland conditions without obvious damage to hooves and lower limbs. At times the ponies wade out belly deep in the water to avail themselves of grazing and are often to be seen moving from sandy spits of land through the wetlands." - Fell Ponies Colorado: Other Breeds in Use for Conservation Gazing
"Forgotten" Breeds
"Forgotten" Breeds
"There are many so-called primitive, “forgotten” horse breeds that are genetically closer to the original European wild horse, like the Exmoor ponies in the UK, the Fjord horse in Norway, or the Sorraia, Pottoka, Asturcón, the Losino, the Galician, the Landais and Monchino horses in Spain." - Rewilding Academy: Konik horses are Not Tarpans
See also Breeds of the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula.
Bosnian Mountain Horse or Pony / Bosanski Brdski Konj
Bosnian Mountain Horse or Pony / Bosanski Brdski Konj
"These horses share ancestors with and are very similar to Konik ponies and Hucul ponies. The three breeds make up the "Balkan breeds."
They are believed to come from a cross between the Tarpan and Mongolian Wild Horse breeds, although the breed has been diluted some. During the Ottoman empire, the Turks added more Oriental blood, deteriorating the breed's characteristics. The Tarpan has since been added back in and the better breed qualities have been reinforced." - OK State: Breeds of Livestock: Bosnian Mountain Horses
"The breed has not been substantially affected by importations of foreign horses. ..." - Wikipedia: Bosnian Mountain Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
"The Bosnian Mountain Horse (Bosnian: Bosanski brdski konj / Босански брдски коњ)[2] is the only indigenous breed of domestic horse in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it constitutes about 70% of the horse population." - Wikipedia: Bosnian Mountain Horse
"The Bosnian Mountain Horse is in danger of extinction in its native countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Northern Macedonia, Croatia, and Montenegro ..." - Horse Breeds List: Bosnian Mountain Horse
"The mountain horses evolved over centuries in the Balkan region, living a wild life in a natural environment and thereby exposed to all the upsides and downsides of that and living only from what nature could provide. Therefore, it is today still very durable, tenacious, and adaptable to different climatic conditions and regions. It is very fertile, mates without any help, doesn’t need so much nutrition, is of strong health and has an iron constitution given that it is a child of a merciless natural selection throughout the millennia. The Bosnian mountain horse is also considered an endangered breed, with only about 200 individuals remaining and the Rewilding Europe programme here in Velebit also contributes to preserve this authentic breed." - Rewilding Europe: Five More Hardy Bosnian Mountain Horses Now Reinforce the Wild Living Herd in Velebit
Adapted For:
Adapted For:
"Bosnian Mountain Horses are a hardy breed that is well-adapted to the harsh climate and rugged mountainous terrain." - Horse Breeds List: Bosnian Mountain Horse
Re-Introduced for Rewilding
Re-Introduced for Rewilding
"Five more horses of the ancient and endangered Bosnian mountain horse breed have now been added to the already existing herd of wild-living horses in the Velebit Mountains, Croatia.
... Over the past year, an exceptional situation with wolves arose around Malo Libinje and caused the loss of several of the local wild horses. The efforts now invested are to create a stronger social herd with stronger, tougher leading animals that we hope are able to better protect their herd and be more resistant to wolf attacks then they have been..." - Rewilding Europe: Five More Hardy Bosnian Mountain Horses Now Reinforce the Wild Living Herd in Velebit
Breton Horse
Breton Horse
"The Breton was originally bred for strength and durability.[4] One theory is that they were brought to Europe during the Aryan migration from Asia over 4,000 years ago, while another school of thought has them descending from horses bred by Celtic warriors before their conquest of Great Britain.[5]
The original ancestors of the Breton were a population of horses that lived in the Breton mountains, possibly descended from steppe horses ridden by Celts." - Wikipedia: Breton Horse
This breed may not be good for rewilding projects, but could be used to cross breed with other, similar but rarer breeds. since they supposedly have some Celtic horse ancestor and "... They are ... commonly used to improve other breeds through crossbreeding. ..."
Historic Region
Historic Region
"It originated in Brittany, in north-west France, from cross-breeding of local horses with various other breeds." - Wikipedia: Breton Horse
Camargue Horses
Camargue Horses
"The Camargue, French: Camarguais or Cheval de Camargue, is a traditional French breed of working horse indigenous to the Camargue area in southern France. Its origins are unknown. For centuries, possibly thousands of years,[4] these small horses have lived wild in the harsh environment of the Camargue marshes and wetlands of the Rhône delta, which covers part of the départements of Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône. There they developed the stamina, hardiness and agility for which they are known today. Traditionally, they live in semi-feral conditions in the marshy land of the region. The Camargue horse is the traditional mount of the gardians, the Camargue riders who herd the black Camargue bulls used for courses camarguaises in southern France." - Wikipedia: Camargue Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
The Camargue area in southern France. Specifically in fertile saline marshes.
Introduced for Rewilding
Introduced for Rewilding
"The Camargue horse was introduced in the 1970s to the Po delta in Italy, where under the name 'Cavallo del Delta' it is treated as an indigenous breed.[10] In 2011 the registered population numbered 163.[11] " - Wikipedia: Camargue Horse
"Accustomed to mosquitoes." - Rewilding Europe: Rewilding Horses in Europe
Dülmen Ponies
Dülmen Ponies
Formerly known as Merfelderbrücher, this rare "wild" breed now exists in a Wild Horse Sanctuary, in Western Germany. "This extensive area, consisting of bog, heathland, coniferous forests and oak stands, offers wild horses a varied food supply. In the winter months, the animals are supplied with hay at some feeding points. In relation to their way of life, the wild horses are left to their own devices, follow their instincts and are not only adapted to the food supply, but also to any weather conditions in their habitat. They find protection in the forest stands. Only the individuals adapted to this habitat can assert themselves and pass on their genes. This natural selection has left the Dülmen wild horses with a healthy and resistant horse population." - Wild Pferde
A Lesson In Caution for Breeders
A Lesson In Caution for Breeders
"Since the stallions over one year of age tried to establish their own herds every year, they searched for mares and fought for a chance to mate with them, causing harm to the nearby farmers and creating dangerous situations. Therefore, in 1907, a new tradition of the annual capture of young horses on the last Saturday in May was introduced.
However, despite the attempts at rescue, the horses of Dülmen met a sad fate.Due to the fears of inbreeding within a small and enclosed population, in the early 20th century, stallions of other breeds were allowed to join the herd, including Welsh ponies, Mongolian horses and Huculs. “Thus, the horses from Dülmen began to irrecoverably lose their authenticity,” added Dostal.
The fatal blow to the continent’s last wild horses came in the mid-20th century. At that time, scientists considered the grey-coloured tarpan to be the wild horse ancestor. Therefore, starting in 1957 only Polish Konik stallions were allowed to mate with the local mares. The Polish horses were bred to ensure its grey colour matched the prevalent idea of the tarpans’ appearance.
Herds of Dülmen ponies, which were originally animals with a brown coat and a black mane, achieved their grey colour after several years of focused “rescue” breeding. Today, it is practically impossible to distinguish them from the Polish Koniks.
The tragedy of this measure came to light only in 2009. At that time, genetic archaic DNA analyses showed that the original colour of the wild horses in Europe was chestnut, i.e., animals with a brown coat and a black mane and tail. Further research has shown that the grey-coloured tarpan was probably a feral domesticated horse.
“Unfortunately, as it turned out later, instead of “wild blood” blending, cross-breeding with the Polish Konik and other breeds has resulted in the irreversible loss of the original identity of the Dülmen pony. Although the estate owners already knew in the 19th century that the herd was not entirely pure and the influence of domesticated horses was apparent, it was probably one of the last continental populations which, thanks to the wild way of life and partial isolation from domestic horses, retained not only it appearance, genes, but also the behaviour of the original European horses,” said Jirku.
“By the time we learned that the original colour of the Dülmen pony actually matched the wild horses, it was too late. Unfortunately, due to the mistaken bet by some scientists on the grey-coloured tarpan, Europe has lost its last herd of visually authentic horses that had lived in the wild on the continent. Hence, only one population of wild horses not crossbred with any other breeds remained in Europe. They live outside the continent, on the British Isles in the Exmoor area,” Dostal points out. It is certainly interesting to note that the horses from Dülmen in their original, authentic form were strikingly similar to the Exmoor horses, as shown by photographs still taken in the 1930s." - Euro Wildlife: The Dulmen Pony a Tragic Mistake Led to the Extinction of the Last Herd of Wild Horses on the Continent
Estonian Native Horse or Keppler Native
Estonian Native Horse or Keppler Native
"This ancient breed, the issue of local horses, has escaped much crossing, although it perhaps received some Arabian blood in the past, but in an insignificant quantity. The studbook has existed since 1921. The breed has itself influenced other breeds in this region, notably the Toric."
"The Estonian Native has a pleasant temperament and is lively and energetic, while remaining calm and focused. It is a robust horse with good endurance, endowed with good health and long life. It is easygoing, well adapted to the Estonian climate, and easy to keep." - Horses of the World - Horses of Eastern Europe and Russia
"The Estonian Native Horse, earlier also called klepper, is one of the last survivors of the horse breeds belonging to the Northern forest horse group that used to live in the forest areas of Northern Russia and were the horses of the local Finno-Ugris nations. Others (viatka, petchora, mezeni, obvinka, obi, tavda etc.) have disappeared and the nations that created and were using them are also disappearing. ..."
"Analys showed that the Estonian Native Horse is one of the few breeds, which has retained the characteristic features of the native horse and were not significantly influenced by crossing with other breeds. ..."
"The number of Estonian Native Horses decreased years ago and the breed has been entered in the Watch list of endangered domestic animals. Presently, the total number of Estonian Native Horses is around 1000, less than half of mares are used for breeding. The genetic diversity is attempted to maintain in breeding, preserving the existent 6 lines."
"The preservation of the Estonian Horse is conducted in co-operation with environment protection programms, for example, maintenance of heritage ensembles (especially meadows and coastal pastures). Owners are paid subsidies by environment funds for pasturing the horses on these areas. A preservation area for the Estonian Native Horse has been created (officially Laidevahe bird preservation area)." - Vooretallid: The Estonian Native Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
"Estonia, notably on the islands (Saaremaa) and the west coast; a few in Sweden." - Horses of the World - Horses of Eastern Europe and Russia
Fjord Horse
Fjord Horse
"The Fjord is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. Horses were known to exist in Norway at the end of the last ice age. It is believed that its ancestors migrated to Norway and were domesticated over 4000 years ago. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites suggest that horses of this type have been selectively bred for at least 2000 years.[1][2] The horses were used by the Vikings as war mounts, and have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway. Even as late as World War II, they were useful for work in mountainous terrain. Its strength, durability and thick coat fare well in the rough winters of Norway.[2]
The breed has a long history of pure breeding without cross-breeding from other sources.[2]" - Wikipedia: Fjord Horse
Origins of the Fjord Horse
Origins of the Fjord Horse
"Little is known about the origin of the breed. There are many similarities such as colour and primitive markings between the Fjord, the feral Przewalski horse and the European wild horse, the Tarpan, now extinct in its natural state. However, the Fjord Horse does not descend from the Przewalski Horse, as the Przewalski has 66 chromosomes and the Fjord and Tarpan 64.
It is most likely that the horse came to Norway from the east. There seem to have been wild horses in the south of Sweden and in Denmark since the last ice age. Archaeological excavations reveal that the horse was domesticated in the Bronze Age, circa 1200 BC. Viking burial grounds show that man had bred the horse for about 2000 years and it appears that the Fjord Horse is a descendant of the earliest horses in Norway. Through the ages there has been a great deal of contact between Norway, Iceland and the British Isles, and horses from these lands across the sea have surely influenced the development of the breed."
"The Fjord seems to have varied in size and type from the north to the south of Vestlandet. The Fjord Horse from Nordfjord and Sunnmøre was known to be larger with more bone and with more profuse mane, tail and feathering than the Fjord in Sunnhordland, which was smaller, lighter and more refined. This has led to an assumption that there were perhaps different types of the Fjord Horse with slightly dissimilar origins. ..." - Fjord Horse International: The History of the Fjord Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
Norway, especially well knowns for their adaption to mountains and cold winters.
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Adapted For:
Primitive Colour & Features
Primitive Colour & Features
"The Norwegian Fjord Horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the original Fjord Horse migrated to Norway and was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Herds of wild Fjord Horses existed in Norway after the last ice age. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord Horse has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years.
One of their unique characteristics is that approximately 90% of all Fjord Horses are brown dun in color. The other 10% are either red dun, gray, white or "uls" dun, or yellow dun. The Fjord Horse retains the "wild" dun color of the original horse as well as the primitive markings which include zebra stripes on the legs and a dorsal stripe that runs from the forelock down the neck and back and into the tail. Dark stripes may also be seen over the withers. Red duns have reddish-brown stripes and body markings. Gray duns have black or very dark gray stripes and markings. The white or "uls" dun is a very light body color with black or gray stripe and markings. The yellow dun have a darker yellow stripe and markings, they may have a completely white forelock, mane and tail. The yellow dun is a very rare color in the breed." - Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry: About the Breed
Gotland Russ Pony
Gotland Russ Pony
"The Gotland Russ or Gotland Pony is an old Swedish breed of pony or small horse. Until the twentieth century it was found only on the small island of Gotland on the south-eastern coast of Sweden. It is now distributed through much of Sweden and is also present in some other European countries and in the United States.[4][5]: 469 The Öland horse from the neighbouring island of Öland was a close relative of the Gotland, but became extinct in the early twentieth century." - Wikipedia: Gotland_Russ
"The presence of feral horses on the Baltic island of Gotland is documented from the thirteenth century.[5]: 469 From the mid-nineteenth century settlers moved to the island, much land was cleared for farming, and numbers of the Russ fell sharply.[8]: 388 [9] In 1880 a breeding centre was established, where two stallions of Oriental type were used; other stud farms were opened in the early twentieth century. Nevertheless, by 1922 there were no more than fourteen of the horses remaining – a two-year-old stallion, seven mares and six young horses.[9]" - Wikipedia: Gotland_Russ
Icelandic Horse
Icelandic Horse
"Developed from ponies brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, the breed is mentioned in various documents from throughout Icelandic history; an early reference to a named-horse appears in the 12th century. Horses were venerated in Germanic religion, a custom brought to Iceland by the country's earliest settlers. Centuries of selective breeding have developed the Icelandic horse into its modern physical form, with natural selection having also played a role in overall hardiness and disease resistance; the harsh Icelandic climate likely eliminated many weaker horses early on due to exposure and malnourishment, with the strongest passing on their genes. In the 1780s, much of the breed was wiped out in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption at Laki."
"...The breed is known to be hardy and an easy keeper.[9] The breed has a double coat developed for extra insulation in cold temperatures.[10]" - Wikipedia: Icelandic Horse
"Icelandic horses are traditionally kept in big herds while growing up. All over the world, most Icelandic horses are kept outside or in open stables their whole life all year round, and only the riding horses in Iceland are usually in stables over the winter. ..." - Horses of Iceland: Upkeep
Potential Problems for Rewilding Outside of Iceland
Potential Problems for Rewilding Outside of Iceland
"The horses tend to not be easily spooked, probably the result of not having any natural predators in their native Iceland.[6] Icelandics tend to be friendly, docile and easy to handle, while also being enthusiastic and self-assured.[12] As a result of their isolation from other horses, diseases in the breed on the island of Iceland are virtually unknown, albeit with the exception of certain kinds of internal parasites. The low prevalence of disease in Iceland is attributed to strict Icelandic law preventing horses which have been exported out of the country from being returned, and by requiring that all equine equipment brought into the country be either brand-new and unused, and/or fully disinfected. Hence, Iceland-born horses have no acquired immunity to many diseases; an infection on the island would likely be devastating to the entire breed.[6] This can create issues when showing native Icelandic horses against other foreign-born horses, as the same national laws for horses apply to all species of livestock animals; once an animal has left the country, they are not allowed to return.[12]" - Wikipedia: Icelandic Horse
Their overall good qualities paired with their lack of immunity could make them appropriate choices for rewilding on other islands or other similarly isolated areas, where herds would not be in danger from other horse or pony populations.
Knabstrupper
Knabstrupper
The Knabstrupper itself may or may not be ideal for rewilding as a breed, but they may be useful in crossbreeding with other breeds to help reintroduce the leopard print genetics found in cave paintings.
"Similar to the Appaloosa and possibly of the same ancestry, the Knabstrupper is a breed of interesting and intense history that has beaten the odds." - I Heart Horses: The Fascinating History Of The Knabstrupper
"The Knabstrupper originated in Denmark in the nineteenth century and the breed started with a single mare, Flaebe, and the owner of the manor Knabstrugaard, Villars Lunn. Flaebe was a horse with incredible spots and coloring, thought to be of Spanish origin. Bought from a butcher, this is the mare that is also responsible for setting the breed’s standards. One night Lunn was run over by a carriage and badly needed a doctor. It took about 19 miles and 105 minutes for the man to get the care he needed. His carriage was pulled by Flaebe and another horse.
The trip took its toll on the other horse, sending it into retirement, but Flaebe was back to work in the fields the next day. Even bred to a solid chestnut stallion, all her foals had the spots and Flaebe was the birth mother of the Knabstrupper breed.
The offspring of Flaebe all had the mare’s stamina. ...
... Inbreeding caused the spots to not show in foals and a fire at the manor killed half of the herd. The eye-catching breed was on the urge of extinction. Appaloosa stallions were imported to Denmark to add new bloodlines to the horses that survived." - I Heart Horses: The Fascinating History Of The Knabstrupper
Historic Region
Historic Region
"The Knabstrupper originated in Denmark" - I Heart Horses: The Fascinating History Of The Knabstrupper
The Landais
The Landais
The Losino
The Losino
Historic Region
Historic Region
"...native to the Pyrenees and Ariégeois mountains of southern France, where the river Ariège flows, and northern Spain, near Andorra." - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
"The history of the Mérens is closely linked to its homeland in the Pyrenees, as evidenced by the many myths and legends in which it plays a role.[31] The origins of the Mérens are very old, and are commonly said to be lost in the mists of time. It is native to the upper valley of Ariège, near Andorra.[7] The direct ancestor of the Mérens was probably in this valley during the Quaternary Period, approximately 15,000 years ago. These wild horses probably moved to the mountains to escape global warming that accompanied the end of the last glacial period.[32]
The physical characteristics of the Mérens are the result of the harsh mountain environment where they live,[33] and they are reminiscent of the horses in the cave drawings at Niaux, made some 13,000 years ago.[2][7] These images depict animals with dense coats and a skull shaped like the modern Mérens, with a beard-like protrusion of hair under the jawbone.[13]" - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
Mérens Horse
Mérens Horse
"The Mérens, Cheval de Mérens or Caballo de Merens (French pronunciation: [meʁɛ̃s] ⓘ), still occasionally referred to by the older name of Ariégeois pony, is a small, rustic horse native to the Pyrenees and Ariégeois mountains of southern France, where the river Ariège flows, and northern Spain, near Andorra. Two general types, a small, light traditional mountain horse and a taller, sportier modern type, are found. Always black in color, Mérens must meet strict physical standards in order to be registered in the stud book. ...
Thought to have originated in prehistoric times, the exact early history of the Mérens remains a mystery. Theories on its origins include descent from Iberian horses, similar to many regional mountain horses, or possibly Oriental horses brought to the area by settlers from the east. Small black horses from the area of Ariège have been recorded as early as the time of Julius Caesar, as well as being associated with Charlemagne. ...
In the second half of the 20th century, the population sharply declined, as mechanization transferred work in cavalry and agriculture to machines. By the 1970s, the Mérens was on the verge of extinction, with only 40 horses registered in the stud book. The breed was saved by members of the hippie movement, who re-settled in the Ariège mountains, boosting the local economy and restarting breeding programs. The Mérens also benefited from a new surge in popularity in riding horses, and between 1975 and 1985 its population rebounded, leading the breeding program to be considered an example for the conservation of rare breeds. The herd size remains relatively small, however, and one genetic study considers the traditional type of the breed to be endangered and recommends that efforts should be focused on its preservation." - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
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Adapted for:
"The Mérens, like many mountain horses, is calm, docile and hardworking.[11] The report of a comprehensive study on the heritability of the breed's temperament was published in Equ'idée in 2010.[12] It is a versatile breed, and very hardy, able to live all year outside without suffering from the weather. Mérens are known for their endurance, agility and sure-footedness.[10] They require very little care, and can survive on poor food, even when working.[11] They are resistant to cold, but react poorly to heat.[13] Mérens foals are often born in the snow, without human intervention,[14] but are usually handled and accustomed to humans from an early age.[10] They show increased resistance to the anticoagulant properties of some varieties of fern, the consumption of which can cause bloody sweats and blood in the urine in other horses.[15]" - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
"The breed is known for its sure-footedness on mountain terrain, as well as for its endurance, hardiness and docility. The French breed registry organizes regional offices, and partners with other national organizations in Europe to preserve and promote the breed. The organization enforces rigorous selection of breeding stock, with a goal of increasing quality in the breed. ... Many Mérens are taken on an annual transhumance (seasonal migration), in which they are moved higher in the mountains during the summer and into the valleys for the winter. An old practice, it fell into disfavor, but has recently re-emerged." - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
"Horses bred in the valleys and plains are larger than those bred in the mountains..." - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
"Each year, in June, hundreds of horses are moved to summer pastures at around 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in altitude, where they live in a semi-feral state, traveling on steep mountain paths and weathering storms and other climatic variations. In October, they return to the valleys for the winter.[26] An old tradition, the transhumance fell out of favor, but has been reintroduced to Ariège by the association Autrefois en Couserans. Since 2000, the association has worked with local horse breeders to promote the return to the annual practice.[27] Around 500 Mérens make the transhumance each year.[28] Herds are usually led by an experienced mare marked with a bell, as is done with cattle. A stallion can accompany the mares with foals to maintain cohesion of the herd and prevent it from mixing with other herds on the mountain slopes.[29] The behavior of transhumant herds is midway between that of feral horses and domesticated horses who are around humans year-round.[30] Some horses, raised high in the mountains, stay there year-round and do not perform the transhumance.[13]" - Wikipedia: Mérens Horse
Nordlandhest or Lyngen Horse
Nordlandhest or Lyngen Horse
"A large degree of mystique still surrounds the origins of the Lyngen horse. Icelanders believe this North Norwegian horse race is an ancestor of the Icelandic horse, and it is highly probable that it is related to horse races from Finland and from the border areas between Central Asia and Russia.
The famous conqueror Genghis Khan and his Mongolian horses are often a topic when the origins of the Lyngen horse are discussed. Historical sources indicate that people from Mongolia travelled to the Baltic region and returned with large herds of horses. It is believed that some travelled all the way north to the sea." - Visit Lyngenfjord: Lyngen Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
North Troms of Northern Norway
The Noriker Horse
The Noriker Horse
"The Noriker horse gets its name from the Roman province of Noricum, which is roughly equivalent to present-day Austria. These horses are typically found in the Austrian alps, living in elevations as high as 6,000 feet. They are extremely hardy horses that can withstand the elements with ease. Living in these conditions is something they've done since they were first bred, and they thrive here. True to the cold-blooded draft breeds of horses, they are calm and peaceful. They can come in a few shades, such as appaloosa, bay, chestnut, black, and roan. ..." - I Heart Horses: Noriker Horse Breed
"Archeological sites dating back to around 600 BC provide evidence that Celts in the alpine region owned horses, in some cases even spotted horses. After the province 'Noricum' was founded by the Romans on the territory of modern-day Austria, heavy breed Roman draught horses were introduced to Central Europe at the time of Christ's birth, giving rise to a new breed of horse." " - OK State: Breeds of Livestock: Noric Horses
Some Leopard Genetics
Some Leopard Genetics
"Currently, black horses, bay horses and chestnuts each make up about 90% of the Norics. The remaining 10% are leopards and roans." - OK State: Breeds of Livestock: Noric Horses
The Noriker itself may or may not be ideal for rewilding as a breed, but they may be useful in crossbreeding with other breeds to help reintroduce the leopard print genetics found in cave paintings.
Historic Region
Historic Region
Austrian Alps
Transhumance
Transhumance
"Transhumance is a traditional practice that has shaped much of the landscape in the Alps, as without it, most areas below 2,000 m (6,600 ft) would be forests. While tourism and industry contribute today much to alpine economy, seasonal migration to high pastures is still practised in Bavaria, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. In some places, cattle, horses and goats are taken care of by local farmer families who move to higher places. In others, this job is for herdsmen who are employees of the cooperative owning the pastures. The animals live in high pastures for a summer from June to October depending weather conditions and altitude. They are allowed to roam free on a vast area, usually don’t have any shelter but what the landscape offers in trees and rocks. The German language knows a few words for transhumance like “Almsommer” or “Sommerfrische”. It is a popular way to bring up the young stock, so they can develop their character, social behaviour, instincts and sure-footness." - The Pixel Nomad: Noriker
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"These horses are typically found in the Austrian alps, living in elevations of 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). They are very tough horses that can withstand the elements with ease.
They spend their whole lives outside, and get little supplemental feeding, which has resulted in a very hardy and resilient animal." - Horse Breeds List: Noriker
Polesskaya Horse or Polesian Horse
Polesskaya Horse or Polesian Horse
"a compact and incredibly hardy animal which has lived for centuries in the marshy and forested lowlands of Polesia in southern Belarus." - Rewilding Europe: European Rewilding Network Welcomes Belarusian Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
a compact and incredibly hardy animal which has lived for centuries in the marshy and forested lowlands of Polesia in southern Belarus
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Adapted For:
Pottoka Ponies
Pottoka Ponies
"Native to the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain's Basque Country, the Pottoka are an ancient breed of horse that has become increasingly endangered due to the loss of habitat and crossbreeding with other equine varieties, including Iberian horses, Arabian horses and Welsh ponies." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
"It is considered an ancient breed of horse, particularly well adapted to the harsh mountain areas it traditionally inhabits." - Wikipedia: Pottok
What's fascinating about the Pottoka is that they are quite adept at "predicting" the weather. Depending on the air pressure, herds will migrate into valleys ahead of bad weather and return to the highlands after the storm passes." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
Historic Region
Historic Region
Native to the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain's Basque Country.
"Its traditional range extends west as far as the Biscayan Encartaciones and east roughly as far as the Saint-Jean-le-Vieux area.[5] A census carried out in 1970 found roughly 3.500 purebred Pottoks north of the Pyrenees and approximately 2.000 purebreds to the south, a considerable drop from historic populations, linked to an overall drop in the number of horses being bred and used commercially.[5] Competition with sheep and more recently commercial forestry has also infringed on the Pottok's natural habitat.[5]
The traditional core habitat are the mountains of Labourd and Navarre from about 1.500m upwards, generally on poor acidic soil and limestone formations.[5]" - Wikipedia: Pottok
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Adapted For:
"It is considered an ancient breed of horse, particularly well adapted to the harsh mountain areas it traditionally inhabits." - Wikipedia: Pottok
Origins of the Pottok
Origins of the Pottok
"Many opinions exist on the origins of the Pottok. It is deemed by the scientific community to have lived in the area for at least several thousand years.[3] It displays signs of genetic isolation and is genetically closest to breeds like the Asturcón, the Losino, the Galician, the Landais,[3] and the Monchino horses.[4] Tests have revealed considerable genetic differences between populations in the Northern Basque Country and the Southern Basque Country, leading some to consider them separate breeds.[3]
Some claim the Pottok's origins derive from the horses on ancient cave paintings in the area and thus claim to descend from the Magdalenian horses of 14,000–7000 BC. Other link its origins to an influx of horses during the Bronze Age. However, neither of these theories has to date been scientifically verified.[5]
Genetic research by the University of the Basque Country's Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology department into various genetic markers amongst the 4 indigenous horse breeds in the Basque Country have examined their relationship to other horses. Based on microsatellite tests, of the four Basque horse breeds, the Pottok and the Basque Mountain Horse, are genetically the most distant from other breeds. The others, the Burguete horse and the Jaca Navarra (today considered meat breeds), less so.[6] This variability in the Pottok and the Basque Mountain Horse appears to be related to the fact males range more widely and mate with more females in these feral or semi-feral herds.[6]
Research into a known single-nucleotide polymorphism showed this non-native alternation is very rare in purebred Pottoks.[6] Tests of mitochondrial DNA revealed Pottoks are most likely to crossbreed with the Basque Mountain Horses, less so with other breeds.[6] Although some genetic markers of other European horse breeds were found, overall the genetic distance to the other European breeds is large.[6] One marker previously only found in certain British breeds has also been found in Pottoks.[6]" - Wikipedia: Pottok
Mountain Pottok vs Plains Pottok
Mountain Pottok vs Plains Pottok
"There are noticeable differences between mountain herds of Pottok and valley or flatland herds, with mountain horses generally being smaller.[5] The official French breed standard distinguishes two types, the Pottok de Montagne or Mountain Pottok, with a height range of 1.15–1.32 m (11.1–13.0 h), and the larger Pottok de Prairie or Plains Pottok, which has a height range of 1.20–1.47 m (11.3–14.2 h).[7]" - Wikipedia: Pottok
Pottok Conservation
Pottok Conservation
"Efforts are now being made to ensure the continued survival of purebred Pottoks. The Pottok was the first Basque horse breed to be included in the list of indigenous Basque breeds requiring conservation efforts in June 1995.[8] Its status was classified as endangered.[8]
Various reserves, for example in Bidarray in Lower Navarre or the ZAPE Society in the Aralar Range have been set up to protect the pony and its environment. There is much debate about how best to increase numbers – whether to focus only on the purebreds or to employ selective crossbreeding to build greater numbers of Pottok-like ponies." - Wikipedia: Pottok
Yakutian Horse /Yakut Pony
Yakutian Horse /Yakut Pony
"Suitable for Rewilding in the far north of Europe. Used to survive deep snow" - Rewilding Europe: Rewilding Horses in Europe
"The Yakutian (Yakut: Саха ата, Sakha ata) or Yakut is a native horse breed from the Siberian Sakha Republic (or Yakutia) region. It is large compared to the otherwise similar Mongolian horse and Przewalski's horse.[2]: 340 It is noted for its adaptation to the extreme cold climate of Yakutia, including the ability to locate and graze on vegetation that is under deep snow cover,[3] and to survive without shelter in temperatures that reach −70 °C (−94 °F).[4]
The horses appear to have evolved from domesticated horses brought with the Yakuts when they migrated to the area beginning in the 13th century, and are not descended from wild horses known to inhabit the area in Neolithic times.[4]" - Wikipedia: Yakutian Horse
Subtypes of Yakutians
Subtypes of Yakutians
"There are several subtypes of the Yakutian horse.[7]
The Northern type is the purest bred Yakut, and is sometimes called the Middle Kolyma or Verkhoyansk horse. It is usually bay, gray or light dun in color, with primitive markings including a dark dorsal stripe and zebra-pattern stripes on the legs. ... This variety is considered to be the most valuable.
The second variety is the Smaller Southern type, which is also considered a pure but less valuable breed. ...
The third variety is the Larger Southern type, which is the result of cross-breeding with other breeds, and is widespread in central Yakutia. ..." - Slightly edited from Wikipedia: Yakutian Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
Serbia
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Adapted For:
"In Siberia, annual temperatures fluctuate between +38 and −70 °C (100 and −94 °F) and winter may last for 8 months.[7] Yakutian horses are kept unstabled year-round, and in the roughly 800 years that they have been present in Siberia, they have evolved a range of remarkable morphologic, metabolic and physiologic adaptations to this harsh environment.
While smaller than modern highly derived horse breeds, they are larger than other primitive horse breeds (Bergmann's rule);[2]: 340 at the same time they have a compact build with a stouter trunk and legs that are relatively short in proportion to the horse's size (Allen's rule).[4]
Their winter coat is extremely dense[4] and reaches a hair length of 8 cm (3.1 in).[2]: 340
Their metabolism adjusts to seasonal needs. In fall they accumulate large fat reserves, in winter the metabolic rate is lowered, and in spring they show an increased carbohydrate metabolism, making use of the freshly sprouting grass.[4]
They show an increased production of antifreezing compounds.[4]
They may further avoid frostbite by reducing the volume of circulating blood during times of extreme cold, as indicated by an increased responsiveness of their genetic networks involved in oxidative stress responses, vasodilation, and blood coagulation.[4]
Genetically they show indications of convergent evolution with other inhabitants of the Far North like mammoths regarding their adaptation to the extreme cold.[4]" - Wikipedia: Yakutian Horse
Žemaitukask
Žemaitukask
"Žemaitukas of Lithuania "It is presumed that the Zemaitukas horses originated from the early East steppe Tarpans that reached the territory of Lithuania together with the Indo-Europeans approximately 5000 years ago. The breed has been known since the 6–7th centuries. The Zemaitukas were used as war horses in the Lithuanian-Crusader battles in the 13–14th centuries, and is only well-known horse breed originating from Lithuania." - Nord Gen: The Zemaitukas
Historic Region
Historic Region
Lithuania
Feral Horses & Ponies
Feral Horses & Ponies
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Heck Horse "Between the two world wars, the German brothers Heinz and Lutz Heck crossed stallions of Przewalski's horse with mares of the Konik horse, as well as mares of other breeds such as the Dülmener, Gotland Russ, and the Icelandic horse, to create a breed resembling their understanding of the tarpan phenotype. The result is called the Heck horse.[10] - Wikipedia: Heck Horse
Introduced Breeds for Rewilding
Introduced Breeds for Rewilding
Dartmoor Ponies
Dartmoor Ponies
"Dartmoor ponies are named for the protected English moorland in which they reside. Characterized by their short yet broad stature, these ponies are known for being exceptionally hardy. Their strength and stamina gives them a leg up in the face of the extreme weather that is common to the moorland's climate.
Like many other wild and feral horses, these equines have declined greatly in population over the past century. According to the BBC, there used to be tens of thousands of free-roaming Dartmoor ponies in the moorland, but in the spring of 2004, the number stood at just a few hundred." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
Przewalski's Horse
Przewalski's Horse
Native to the central Asian Steppes, Przewalski's horse of Mongolia is often thought of as the only true wild horse, but genetic data shows that this may not be fully true.
"The Przewalski's horse is a subspecies of Equus ferus and is considered to be the domestic horse's closest relative. It is a cousin to zebras and the wild ass, which also falls under the Equidae family. The split between Przewalski's horse species and the ancestors of domestic horses happened somewhere between 120,000 and 240,000 years ago." - TreeHugger: Przewalski's Horse Things You Didn't Know about the Last Wild Horses
"The four largest reserves where captive Przewalski's horses roam are in Le Villaret, France; Buchara, Uzbekistan; Hortobágy-National Park in Hungary; and the Chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ) in Ukraine.7 Scientists released P-horses on the outskirts of the CEZ to increase biodiversity in the area and better balance the ecosystem. It also gave the horses a 1,000-square-mile habitat almost completely free of humans, allowing them to thrive. In 2019, researchers from the University of Georgia used motion-activated cameras to capture more than 11,000 images of the horses using the abandoned dwellings in the zone as shelter.8 Their study, published in the journal Mammal Research, suggests the horses use the buildings for sleeping, breeding, and refuge.9" - TreeHugger: Przewalski's Horse Things You Didn't Know about the Last Wild Horses
Historic Region
Historic Region
Native to the central Asian Steppes, and last known to graze in the Gobi Desert
Mongolia
4:35 minute video about the challanges of returning this once extinct species to the wild, after the animals have acclimated to living in milder climates and easy zoo life.
Introduced for Rewilding
Introduced for Rewilding
Belarus
France (in Le Villaret)
Hungary (Hortobágy-National Park and the Pentezug Reserve)
Ukraine (Chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ)
Uzbekistan (the Bukhara Breeding Centre)
"A total of 36 Przewalski’s horses were brought to the border of Belarus and Ukraine 15 years ago to increase biodiversity in the fall-out area." - Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
Programs & Services
Programs & Services
Europe
Europe
Natural Grazing Facility "Does your organisation have a surplus of, or a need for large herbivores to conduct natural grazing activities? The Natural Grazing Facility connects demand and supply of herbivores among organisations dedicated to rewilding principles." "Species considered in the Natural Grazing Facility are large mammal herbivores relevant to conduct natural grazing in Europe. This includes native grazing and browsing species (e.g. deer), but also functional analogues of extinct European species, like rewilded horses and bovines."
UK
UK
Grazing Directory "a list of contacts for a range of UK & Ireland native pony breeds. Arrangements are bespoke, with some organisations offering permanent long-term loan (and welfare checking), short-term grazing, and even permanent sale & adoption. It is important to find the arrangement that is most suitable and viable, along with the right breed, for the habitat (each breed comes from a different region and is suited to the grazing and habitats found there). In the directory you will find contacts and organisations for each breed. Each listing will be able to source varying amounts of ponies over varying timescales and locations. The idea of this Directory is to help get connected with ponies across the UK."
Dartmoor Pony Conservation: Conservation Grazing "Our comprehensive conservation grazing service is perfect for those managing land for nature.
Because our ponies are handled to Conservation Grazing level, day-to-day herd management is safe and easy. We provide training courses for wardens, rangers and volunteers involved in the herd’s daily care and welfare. We’re always delighted to recommend the most suitable stock for your situation and we’ll even deliver the ponies to your grazing site."
Resources
Resources
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Grazing Animals Project Handbook (RBST) "A Guide to the Selection of Livestock Breeds for Grazing Wildlife Sites"
Kent Wildlife Trust: Conservation Grazing: An A-Z of Our Graving Breeds
Rewilding Europe: Rewilding Horses in Europe (PDF) includes a list of prospective horse breeds and information about their adaptations as well as availability.
Organizations
Organizations
International
International
The International Association of Breeders of the Bosnian Mountain Horse
Europe
Europe
Denmark
Denmark
Grazelands Rewilding "is committed to restoring wild European landscapes with more biodiversity. The key lies in landscapes where we as humans no longer intervene with machines, but where natural processes are guiding. And where large grazers work in the rhythm of nature, in other words Grazelands!"
Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuanian Farm Animal Genetic Resources Conservation Programme
Norway
Norway
Norwegian Fjordhorse Center "is a resource centre for the Fjord horse and runs an information and advice service for all matters relating to this all-Norwegian horse breed. One of the centre’s main functions is to promote the breeding and use of the Fjord horse. Many courses are held at the centre throughout the year, and Fjordane Folk High School’s horse programmes use the premises for teaching activities."
Spain
Spain
The Asociación Pura Raza Cabalo Galego "is a non-profit organisation that was formally established in 1997. It works to recover the Purebred Galician Horse (PRG) and is included in the FEOGA Plan and the EU Agro-Environmental Programme for the promotion of endangered native breeds (AG236K), of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment and the Regional Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Sea of the Xunta de Galicia."
Sweden
Sweden
UK
UK
The Fell Pony Society "aim is to foster and keep pure the old breed of pony which has roamed the northern fells for years and to circulate knowledge and general information about the pony breed.
The Society deals with the Registration of Ponies, applications for Membership and export matters. It produces two Magazines per year, lists of ponies for sale, runs shows and advertises a regular calendar of events."
Friends of the Lake District (FLD) "own 66 acres here and have Fell ponies grazing to carry out vital conservation work. The Fell ponies remove the grass growth, helping to keep an open sward for wild flowers to flourish.” (1).
“The area is being managed under a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme with the aim of improving the structure and species diversity of the grassland sward. The area is acid grassland with gorse scrub and some wetter rushy and fen areas around a small tarn. The FLD receive a supplement for having registered native breed animals there which also contribute to the gene pool, i.e. will be used for breeding.” (2)" - Fell Ponies Colorado: Fell Ponies and Conservation Grazing
Rare Breeds Survival Trust "Help us conserve and promote our UK native livestock and equine breeds"
England
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Shetland Pony Club "we are educating children about how and why we are rewilding our land with Shetland ponies."
Wales
Carneddau Pony Society "a group of farmers from Bethesda and Llanfairfechan who are supported through a management agreement with Natural Resources Wales that helps them to maintain the herd, grazing to benefit wildlife on the mountains, from Chough to Dung beetles." - Pont Cymru: Carneddau Ponies - Wildlife Warriors from Snowdonia National Park
The Welsh Pony & Cob Society: Hill Pony Improvement Societies
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