Bosnian
Origin
former Yugoslavia
History
The Bosnian or Bosniak or Bosnian Mountain Pony, a pony similar to the Hucul, is also thought to have developed from the Tarpan crossed with the Asian Wild Horse. The horses bred in Thessaly by the Ancient Greeks also have been among its ancestors. Eastern blood, introduced by the Turks, had a refining influence, but too much of it resulted in a weak-limbed pony. Therefore, breeders returned to the old lines exhibiting strong Tarpan character.
Beginning in the 1900's, the Bosnian Pony has been selectively bred through government-controlled breeding programs. The principal center of selective breeding was at the Borike Stud in Bosnia. The state controlled all breeding stallions, while mares were privately owned.
During the 1940s, 3 stallions were active and had a particular impact. Misco, a small pony of distinctive type had the greatest influence. Barut and Agan were heavier, and more like the Asiatic Wild Horse. Up to the outbreak of civil war in former Yugoslavia, much attention was paid to stallion selection. There were strict standards, including performance tests such as to carry a 100-kg pack over 16 km of difficult mountain country. This distance had to be covered in as little as 1 hr 11 mins.
Due to the controls imposed on the breed, the Bosnian pony is an extremely useful and functional animal.
Description
- Head:
somewhat heavy with a straight profile and small ears; large and expressive eyes - Conformation:
-neck, short and muscular with a full mane
-chest, deep and wide
-shoulder, long and sloping
-withers, moderately pronounced
-back, short and straight
-croup, slightly sloping
-legs, short and strong, well muscled with broad joints and clean, strong tendons
-hoof, well formed and very hard - Average height:
12.3 to 14.3 h.h. - Colour:
dun is a predominant colour, but browns, blacks, and chestnuts also occur - Temperament:
very hardy and tough with a docile temperament, which makes them easy to handle and good to ride - Today:
capable of light farm work, light draft, pack, and riding. They are frequently used for pack purposes because they are very sure-footed over terrain unsuitable for motorized vehicles.
