Batak Pony, Bavarian Warmblood, Beledougou, Belgian Ardennes Horse, Belgian Draft ,Belgian Sport Horse , Belgian Warmblood , Bergmann Pony and Bhirum Pony

Intro

The Batak Ponies are highly regarded among the ponies of Indonesia and are are often used to improve the bloodlines of neighboring breeds.

Origins

Thought to come from Mongol horse descent, this pony also has a considerable amount of Arabian influence as well. The combination created a hardy animal with a lightning fast pace and some physical refinement.

The Batak is selectively bred in Sumatra with some of the finest specimens contributing to the bloodlines of neighboring islands.

Features

Average height 12 – 13 hands
Hardy and tough

Physique

Light head with slightly convex profile
Neck is well-shaped and arched
Back is short and strong
Chest is deep and shoulder well sloped
Legs are slender and muscular
Hooves are solid, hard and sound

Traditional Colors

All common colors

Temperament

Kind nature and easy to manage
Willing & able

Use

Riding pony
Cart pony
Race horse

Bavarian Warmblood

Intro

Like many Warmblood breeds, the Bavarian Warmblood is relatively new, and was originated to create a superior sport horse.

Origins

This breed was developed in the 1960′s and breeding was based on the ancient Bavarian Rottal horse which is nearly extinct. The foundation includes blood ofHanovarian, Trakehner, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay, Norman Horse andOldenburg bloodlines.

The studbook for this breed includes animals of various warmblood breeds, animals are registered based on ability and temperament.

Features

Average height 16 – 17 hands
Registered animals carry the “B” brand on their left thigh

Physique

Similar to most German warmbloods in confirmation

Traditional Colors

All solid colors
Animals affected by white patterns are not allowed

Temperament

Similar to most German warmbloods in movement and athletic ability.

Use

Sport horse
Competition horse
Eventing horse

Helpful Links

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Bavarian Warmblood Studs

Cossino

Video

Beledougou

Origins

The Beledougou also called the Banamba is a variety of the West African Barb (with Arabian influence) and was developed in Mali, Africa. The Baluchi horse is related to the West African Barb through the Beledougou.

There is very little information about this breed.

Belgian Ardennes Horse

Intro

Originated in the Ardennes Mountains bordering Belgium & France but distinctly different from both the French & Swedish version of the breed.

Origins

Thought to have been bred in the Ardennes plateau for around 2000 years, considered one of the oldest draft breeds & valued by Napoleon as heavy war mounts. During the 18th century Arabian blood was added for refinement and even more recently Belgian Draft blood has been used to increase size & strength.

Features

Average height 15.1 – 16.1 hands
Surefooted & agile, well suited for rough and uneven terrain

Physique

Well-shaped distinctive head with a straight profile
Small active ears
Neck is short, muscular and crested
Withers are low & well defined
Back is short, wide and strong
Shoulder is muscled and well sloped
Legs are sturdy, muscular and short with feather on lower legs
Hooves are broad and strong

Traditional Colors

chestnut | grey | bay | roan | palomino | black is rare

Temperament

Calm & tolerant

Use

Draft animals
Food

Video

Belgian Draft

Intro

The Belgian Draft is not only one of the strongest draft breeds, but this breed has also held the world record for the tallest and the largest horses in the world.

Origins

Said to be the most direct descendants of the “Great Horse” of medieval times, the Belgian draft horse was the animal who carried knights onto the battlefield. Most draft breeds today carry Belgian lineage in their bloodlines.

Trough the years many of the purebred studs have been shown and exported to countries all over Europe to enhance draft bloodlines. The official studbook was established in 1885.

Until the beginning of the 20th century there were three types, although they varied little in confirmation.
The Big Horse of the Dendre
The Colossal Horse of Mehaigne
The Grey Horse of Nivelles

After WWII the need for draft horses declined on a global scale the the Belgian Draft numbers decreased.

Recently there has been a boom of interest in America for this heavy draft breed, although the American bloodlines differ considerably from the original stock. They are taller, more refined and are almost invariably chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.

Features

From 15.3 – 17.3 hands
Built solid for hard work
Exceptionally strong and hardworking

Physique

Head is light and square, profile is straight or slightly concave
Neck is short and muscular
Back is short and broad
Body is deep and short
Legs are strong, lean and sound with some feathering

Traditional Colors:

Chestnut (often displaying the Mealy / Pangare gene)
Roan | black | bay

Temperament

Docile and willing

Use

Still used for agricultural work
Agriculture work
Show horse
Draft competitions
Pleasure horse
Wagon horses
Meat

Helpful Links

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Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America
Canadian Belgian Horse Association

Where to Buy

Mountain View Belgians
Double Tail Farm
Greene Meade Belgians

Belgian Draft Studs

Howling Acres Ranch

Video

Belgian Sport Horse

Intro

Also called a Belgian Halfblood this is a breed solely developed for use as a sport animal in competition.

Origins

Royal halfblood society was founded in 1920 and until WWII the breed was mainly used & bred by the army. Bloodlines were a specific cross between the Belgian Draft, English Thoroughbred & Selle Francais mares.

After WWII Belgian breeders focused their attention on breeding an adaptable sport horse by combining their finest bloodlines with those of neighboring countries. More Selle Francais blood, Hanoverians, Dutch Warmbloods & Thoroughbreds with proven ability. Their popularity has continued to grow in eventing circles.

Features

Average height 16 hands
Highly athletic

Traditional Colors

Solid colors

Temperament

Willing
High energy

Use

Eventing horses
Show horses
Pleasure mounts

Video

Belgian Warmblood

Intro

Over the last 50 years the Belgian registry has been producing a solid stock of some of the finest jumping horses in the world. Standing down only to some of the breeds who had influence in their bloodlines.

Origins

Breeding began in 1937 to produce animals for the Rural Cavalry, and the intention was to teach and entertain the youth of the country, then allow them to demonstrate their skills.

Initially kids rode the animals they had available to them and tournaments were held which allowed them to display their skill and horsemanship.

After time breeders began to develop animals specifically suited to these tournaments by crossing Belgian Draft horses with smaller trotters andThoroughbreds.

After WWII a base was established for the breed using Gelderland, Normandy andHanovarian blood. However during this time the furthering of the breed faced controversy. Breeders were attempting to preserve the needs of rural agricultural life within the breed in a time when rural agriculture was rapidly moving away from horsepower.

In 1955 the National Breeding Association of Agriculture-Riding Horses was founded in Louvain, and later in 1970 the name was changed to the National Breeding Association of Warmbloods.

Today this warmblood is bred selectively with the idea of creating a strong, sound eventing horse with an even temper for the show ring.

Features

Average height 16 – 17 hands

Physique

Varies depending upon lineage
Muscular body, compact with good depth
Well carried and handsome head
Warmblood confirmation
Muscled legs with big sound feet

Traditional Colors

All colors

Temperament

Highly athletic and strong
Intelligent and willing to learn
Strong personality

Use

Show horse
Eventing horse
Competition horse
Sport horse
Pleasure horse

Helpful Links

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Belgian Warmblood Breeding Association
Official Belgian Warmblood
Equibel

Where to Buy

Warmbloods For Sale

Video

Bergmann Pony

Intro

Also called the Argentinean Modepony this is a pony with the same foundation as the Falabella and bred by minors in Argentina.

Origins

More refined & larger than Falabella ponies, the Bergmann Pony is bred for its beauty and intelligence. Today small populations can be found in the Netherlands & France.

Features

Average height 6.8 – 7.8 hands
Tough & durable

Physique

Head is large & straight
Neck is long & muscular
Chest is wide
Back is short with compact body
Legs are long & easy
Coat is lush & dense

Traditional Colors

All colors

Temperament

Calm and friendly
Docile & agreeable

Use

Pit ponies
Pets

Bhirum Pony

Intro

The Bhirum Pony or Nigerian Pony is a dwarf breed from northern regions of Nigeria that are thought to be descended from the little known Poney Mousseye of Cameroon.

Origins

This breed is thought to be related to the Barb which was brought to Nigeria by Nomads. These animals were bred to local ponies and the resulting animal became the Bhirum Pony.

The Nigerian is a large pony breed, although they are occasionally referred to as small horses. These animals are incredibly versatile & can resist the heat of their environment.

Features

Average height 14 – 14.2 hands
Considered a handsome pony, this animal exhibits some horselike features.

Physique

Head is plain with straight profile
Ears are small & alert
Neck is short & shoulder sloping
Chest is deep
Short back with sloping Barb croup
Legs are strong, but sometimes hindquarters are poorly developed

Traditional Colors

All colors

Temperament

Quiet & tough

Use

Light draft
Pack horse
Riding horse