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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 Iberian Peninsual Horses
Ancestry of Iberian Peninsual 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
"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
Asturcón
Asturcón
""The Asturcón is an ancient Spanish breed of small horse or pony from the autonomous region of Asturias in the northern part of the country. It has been documented since Roman times:[5] it has an unusual ambling gait, which was described by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia. It is of Celtic type, and shows similarity to the Pottok and Losino of Spain, the Garrano of Portugal, and the Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell, Highland, Shetland and Welsh breeds of the British Isles.[4]: 448 - Wikipedia: Asturcón
"The Asturcón is one of the most representative and ancient equine breeds of the Iberian Peninsula, especially from the region of Asturias. This small but resilient horse has been a symbol of Asturian culture and tradition for centuries.
The Asturcón horse is recognized as the typical horse of Asturias due to its native origin, hardiness, and endurance. During Roman times, this horse was highly valued for its abilities, leading it to be exported to Rome for military campaigns. Its adaptable nature and low maintenance made it ideal for the Romans, who admired its resilience and strength.
They originate from the mountainous region of Asturias, in northern Spain, especially common in the Sierra del Sueve and some areas in the western core of Asturias, such as the Oscos. In these areas, Asturcón horses can be found in the wild, living in herds and adapting to the extreme climatic conditions of the region. There are also breeders in other parts of Spain who have contributed to keeping this native breed alive in the country."
"... Its morphology allows it to easily adapt to mountainous terrains and adverse weather conditions.
As for its coat, this Asturian breed can be black, bay, or chestnut, although only a small white spot on the forehead (called a "star") is allowed to consider the specimen suitable for breeding. Any other marking or shoeing disqualifies the horse in terms of breed purity."
"The Asturcón horse is known for its ability to adapt to hostile climates and its endurance, qualities that enable it to survive in conditions of scarce resources. This adaptability is reflected in its behavior; while it can live freely, it also adapts well to human interaction, especially if it has had contact with humans from an early age." - Class Horse TV: Asturcon Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
Spain - especially from the region of Asturias
The Galician
The Galician
"The Galician Pony is a mix of Celtic horses, Roman horses and horses brought to Spain by the Suevos. More recently they have crossbred with other breeds. It is short-bodied and strong-legged. Despite their ethnic heterogeneity (three types of Galician ponies can be found in different parts of Galicia) the main characteristics are its straight profile, linear proportions, height of between 1.20 and 1.30 meters, and a chestnut coat. An interesting characteristic of one of the three types is the long mustache which appears on the upper lips of the older mares." - OK State: Breeds of Livestock: Galician Pony
"A genetic study clearly shows the grouping of three Spanish breeds of Celtic origin from the Atlantic: the Jaca Navarra, the Galician pony and the Pottok. With reference to the petroglyphs of Galicia, ancient authors, archaeologists and historians we know that the horse has existed in Galicia at least since the Bronze Age." - The Pixel Nomad: Cabalo Galego
"The Galician or Galician Mountain Horse, Spanish: Caballo de Pura Raza Gallega,[1] Galician: Raza Equina Cabalo Galego do Monte,[5] is a breed of small horse from Galicia, in north-western Spain. It is genetically very close to the Garrano breed of northern Portugal.[2]
The most commonly accepted theory of the origin of the Gallego is that it, like other small breeds of the northern part of the Iberian peninsula, descends from small dark-coloured horses introduced by Celtic immigrants in the sixth century BC.[3]: 462
In the Middle Ages these horses were rented or swapped for other horses at the border between Galicia and Castile, since the Galician was more sturdy and suitable for the rugged landscape of the country.[6]" - Wikipedia: Galician Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
"The Galician Pony is found in Galicia, in the northwest of Spain. This is a region with a very wet climate and numerous low mountains. ... Its size is between that of a pony and a normal horse. These animals are very rugged and hardy. ..." - OK State: Breeds of Livestock: Galician Pony
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"Almost all Gallego horses are managed extensively, in semi-feral conditions on the mountains of Galicia.[11]" - Wikipedia: Galician Horse
"The Pura Raza Galega (PRG), also known as the Cabalo Galego de Monte, is a native horse breed of Galicia, Spain, with origins tracing back to Celtic ancestry. Adapted to the rugged Galician mountains, these horses thrive at high elevations, enduring harsh climates. ... This long-lived breed plays a vital role in controlling underbrush, reducing wildfire risks, and preserving biodiversity in Galicia's forests. With only about 1,600 horses remaining, the PRG is considered endangered." - Discover the Horse: Pura Raza Galega
Garrano
Garrano
"There are two famous breeds of indigenous feral equines in Portugal — the Sorraia horses of the south and the Garrano ponies of the north (pictured).
Both are currently classified as endangered due to a decline in agricultural use value as well as predation, though there have been recent preservation efforts to re-establish and protect these breeds." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
Jaca Navarra
Jaca Navarra
"The Jaca Navarra is known for its hardiness and adaptability, traits honed by the challenging terrains of its native region. Typically standing at only 130 cm in height, these horses are characterized by a strong, compact body, capable of navigating the mountainous and varied landscapes of Navarre. Their coat color is mostly bay, often with a thick mane and tail that provide protection from the elements." - The Pixel Nomad: Jaca Navarra Horse
Historic Region
Historic Region
"The Jaca Navarra, a rare and indigenous horse breed of the Navarre region in Spain, embodies the cultural and environmental diversity of its homeland. ..." - The Pixel Nomad: Jaca Navarra Horse
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"... Traditionally, most of the Jaca Navarra is kept in semi-wild conditions in the mountains and forests of the region." - The Pixel Nomad: Jaca Navarra Horse
The Landais
The Landais
The Losino
The Losino
Marismeño Horse
Marismeño Horse
"The Marismeño Horse, a rare and ancient breed from the Andalusian region of Spain, has adapted over centuries to thrive in the wild marshlands surrounding Doñana National Park. Known for its resilience, power, and natural grace, this breed is deeply woven into the equestrian culture of its native town. The Marismeño horses are rounded up only once a year, maintaining a unique semi-wild lifestyle that contributes to their robust and independent character, embodying the spirit of southern Spain’s natural and cultural heritage." - Discover The Horse: Marismeno
Historic Region
Historic Region
The Andalusian region of Spain
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This rare breed is "indigenous to the marshes of the Guadalquivir River, from which it takes its name.[3][4] It is now found particularly in the Doñana National Park, which lies mostly in the province of Huelva, in Andalusia in southwestern Spain." - Wikipedia: Marismeño
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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"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
Monchino Horses
Monchino Horses
"The Monchino is a horse breed native to the Valle de Guriezo in Cantabria in the north of Spain, and also found in neighboring Biscay province.
The Monchino is a primitive breed of horse that has the ability to adapt to a variety of harsh environments due to its feral nature.
In Cantabrian language the word monchinu means from the mountains or highlander.
DNA analysis has shown that the Monchino horse is closely linked to the Iberian horse, yet the Monchino’s real origin remains unknown.
It is one of the Spanish native breeds that is in risk of extinction, according to the country’s Official Catalog of Livestock Breeds." - Horse Breeds List: Monchino
Historic Region
Historic Region
Spain
"The Monchino[1] (Spanish: [monˈtʃino]) or Monchinu[2] (Cantabrian: [monˈtʃinu]) is a breed of horse indigenous to the Valle de Guriezo in the Cantabria region of northern Spain, and also extending into neighbouring Biscay province.[1]" - Wikipedia: Monchino
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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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"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
Retuerta Horses or Caballo de las Retuertas
Retuerta Horses or Caballo de las Retuertas
"The Retuertas or Caballo de las Retuertas is a Spanish breed of horse indigenous to Andalusia.[3][4][5][6]: 485 [7][8]: 456 [9] It is found only in the Doñana National Park in the provinces of Huelva and Sevilla, with a conservation herd in the Campanarios de Azaba Biological Reserve in Espeja (Salamanca Province) a part of which is the research reserve of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, the Spanish National Research Council." - Wikipedia: Retuertas
"This horse breed got its name from the so-called Retuertas, flooded areas inside the Doñana National Park, where the sands slowly drain water towards the salt marsh. They work as natural drinking places for the animals. There is only a small number of Retuerta horses with ancestral genes left: in total around 150 animals in 2012.
The Retuertas breed was originally used for agriculture work but other breeds that are more suitable for these purposes replaced them. This in turn led to near extinction of the Retuertas horse, with only half a dozen animals left in the 1980s.
After rigorous comparative genetic analysis with other ancient races like Asturcón, Losino and Potoca, a study published in 2006 has discovered that Retuertas are one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe." - Rewilding Europe: Second Herd of Wild Retuerta Horsee Released in Western Iberia
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Sorraia
Sorraia
"There are two famous breeds of indigenous feral equines in Portugal — the Sorraia horses of the south and the Garrano ponies of the north...
Both are currently classified as endangered due to a decline in agricultural use value as well as predation, though there have been recent preservation efforts to re-establish and protect these breeds." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
Feral Horses & Ponies
Feral Horses & Ponies
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
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!"
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."
Braniego Asturcones "The Braniego stud is one of the pioneers in the breeding and recovery of the chestnut-coated Asturcón horse.
Located in the heart of the traditional breeding area of Asturcón in western Asturias, it has approximately fifty specimens raised in an extensive regime in complete freedom."
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