Estonian Native

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

N/A

Basic Info

The modern Estonian is not large in size; the head is well proportioned, has a wide forehead and is sometimes somewhat coarse; the neck is on the short side or medium in length and fleshy; the withers are low and wide; the loin is well muscled; the croup is average in length and has a normal slope. The chest is very wide and deep; the legs are short, properly set and distinguished by firmness and cleanness. The hoofs are extremely solid. The animal is undemanding; it has extraordinary endurance and quite good action. The fodder utilization is good. It has a willing disposition. The average measurement (in cm) are: stallions - height at withers 142, oblique body length 147, chest girth 178, cannon bone girth 19.5; mares: 141, 149, 182 and 19 respectively. The predominant colours are chestnut, bay, light bay, dun and grey.

Health

N/A

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

With the development of agriculture and the demand for working horses these native horses were crossbred with light harness and saddle breeds.

Origin

Russia

History

The Estonian Native originated from Russia through Novgorod in the 14th and 15th centuries. This horse has maintained many of its native characteristics and had not been notably influenced by any other breeds. The Estonian Native, however has been used in the influence of many other breeds development. The Estonian influenced Vyatka, Obva (extinct), Hackney, Tori, and Ardennes breeds. A stud was opened and used to continue pure breeding and the results were very good with these horses having distinguishable strength and endurance. The demand for the larger horse led to the breed no longer being necessary on the Estonia mainland. The Estonian Native horses numbers were reduced to only about 1,000 horses and are found only on the islands of Muhu, Hiiumaa, and Saaremaa. Estonian Native also known as: Estonian Pony, Mestnaya estonskaya, Estonskaya loshad, Estonian Klepper.

Common Foods

grass