Posted on 02/14/2025 7:59:28 PM PST by SunkenCiv
...Przewalski's horse is the last truly wild horse species. Native to the steppes of Central Asia, it has existed for about 500,000 years. These horses are known for their stocky build and distinctive short mane. Due to their endangered status, they play a vital role in conservation efforts...
The Caspian horse is often considered the oldest breed, with remains dating back to 3,400 B.C. Found in Iran and Turkmenistan, these small horses are agile and used for various purposes, including riding and work...
Originating from Turkmenistan, the Akhal-Teke horse has a history of over 3,000 years. Known for its striking metallic coat and endurance, this breed is often used in competitive events like dressage and show jumping. They are versatile and athletic...
The Arabian horse is one of the most recognizable breeds worldwide, with origins dating back at least 4,500 years. Known for their stamina and intelligence, Arabians have influenced many modern horse breeds. A refined head and high tail carriage characterize them...
The Icelandic horse's history dates back to the 9th century when Norse settlers brought them to Iceland. These horses are unique for their five gaits, including the tölt. They are small yet powerful, making them excellent for various riding disciplines...
Dating back over 2,000 years, the Norwegian Fjord horse is known for its gentle temperament and versatility. This breed features a distinctive two-tone mane and is often used for farm work and riding due to its strength and calm nature...
Mongolian horses have roamed the steppes of Mongolia for over 2,000 years. They are hardy animals, well-adapted to harsh climates. These small but strong horses are integral to nomadic culture in Mongolia, often used for riding and herding livestock...
The Exmoor pony is one of the oldest native pony breeds in Britain, with origins tracing back over 1,000 years. Known for their tough nature and ability to thrive in rugged environments, they have a distinctive appearance with a thick mane and forelock...
The Asturcon pony has existed since medieval times in Spain's Asturias region. These ponies are valued for their strength and adaptability to various terrains. They are often used in traditional farming practices...
The Turkoman horse is an ancient breed from Central Asia with a lineage that dates back over 3,000 years. Known for their speed and endurance, they were historically used by nomadic tribes for transportation across vast distances.
The Garrano pony hails from Portugal and has existed for centuries, appearing in ancient cave paintings. These small ponies are known for their agility and endurance and are often found in wild herds on mountainous terrains.Wikimedia Commons – Norberto Esteves
Fascinating
Thank u
I had horses a long time
Love them
Thanks. We were a horse family for about 15 years. Our middle daughter started riding when we gave her a pony riding / training session for her fifth birthday. She fell in love and competed all the way through college. She was really good and won lots of first place trophies including the Northern California Pony Championship one year. We started her on a half-lease of a pony, then a full lease, which led to buying that pony and eventually graduating to a full horse. She was in hunter-jumper events and I was absolutely scared every time she jumped. But she was just gorgeous in her riding outfits and commanding her horse Bentley. They were an incredible pair together. I never missed a show where she competed and often went to watch her practice with her trainer.
Those were really wonderful times! Good memories.
Thanks!
The Przewalski’s horse went extinct in the wild, but there were still zoo stocks. Some international preservation organization met to decide where to try to reintroduce them into the wild. They decided on outer Mongolia. They were reintroduced in June, 1992 in the Hustai National Park. (They have since been reintroduced in other countries.)
I went to Mongolia in October, 2016. It was quite cold and there were few tourists, but we (my guide, driver, and I) encountered a couple of Brazilian women who had also come to the park to see the horses. They said that they did not see a single horse. I hoped we would be luckier when we visited the park the next day. Come the day of the visit, we drove around the park, not seeing much of anything until we entered a little valley and, suddenly, there were dozens of harems of horses. A harem is what they call a stallion, his mares and offspring. I think the park’s entire population of about 300 horses were there. It was an awe-inspiring sight.
There were also deer in the park, and the driver was more excited to see those than the horses. Those deer were quite shy. Even though they were far enough away that they were barely visible, they would flee if we moved at all. Given that I’ve had staring contests with whitetails at a distance of 20 feet away—and they don’t understand the word “Shoo”—I thought that I’d happily trade the timid Mongolian deer for our overly bold whitetail.
There are a lot of wild horses around the area I live in near the Nevada border. They are remnants of a herd that got away back in 1862.
The Akhal-Teke is the most beautiful horse ever, a golden color like no other horses. I’d love to have one,, but I live in the. city so just admire them from a very long distance.
I don’t think the author knows the difference between a breed and a species.
Yes
Did you ever notice that in all the Hollywood blockbusters about Arabia, there are NO Arabian horses? Not a one. Not in Lawrence of Arabia, not in Kingdom of Heaven, and not in Appaloosa.
Yet there is one in “The Convert,” about an Englishman in New Zealand in the mid-19th Century, but it’s only ever referred to as “the horse.” The fact that it’s Arabian is entirely irrelevant to the storyline.
All of which I find utterly ... weird.
Aren’t they “breeds” and not species?
At times the herds are so numerous on the Tonapah Test Range that before the USAF got WOKE, the military units training there were encouraged to kill as many as they could.
Extinction is an absolute. Either it is or it isn't.
Most interesting article. Horses are so beautiful. Thank you for posting this.
Yes. Calling breeds species is incorrect and misleads those who do not know the distinction.
The damned whitetails here are so tame, from idiots feeding them, that I almost had to honk at one to get out of my driveway a couple days ago.
"Horses" is also an excellent Patti Smith album.
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