Messara horse
| Alternative names | Cretan Horse |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Crete |
| Equus ferus caballus | |
The Messara (also known as Cretan horse[1]) is a light riding and draft horse found on the island of Crete off the coast of Greece.
History
The native mountain-type Messara pony exists on the island of Crete since year 1000 or longer.[1] The name comes from the Messara Plain where they are mostly found. Cretan horses were developed by crossing native and Arabian breeds imported during the Ottoman occupation in the 17th century.[2] It is now a rare breed with around 100 representatives.[1] Since 1994 there exists a studbook and a conservation programme has been started.[3]
Characteristics
The main coat colours found in the Messara are bay, brown (a variation of bay), black and gray. They usually stand between 12.2 and 14 hands (50 and 56 inches, 127 and 142 cm) high. They retain have some characteristics of their Arabian ancestors. Most Messara ponies have a natural pacing gait that is easy and comfortable to ride.[2] They are very good at walking on rocky ground and uneven surfaces.
Uses
Messara ponies are used for light farm work and for transportation[2] but more and more also for riding and racing.[3] The stallions are often crossed with female donkeys (Jennies) to produce hinnies.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 Jasper Nissen: Enzyklopädie der Pferderassen. Franckh-Kosmos Verlags GmbH & Co, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-440-09723-4 (German)
- 1 2 3 4 Hendricks, Bonnie. International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. University of Oklahoma Press, 1996, p. 283. ISBN 0-8061-2753-8
- 1 2 Messara description in the European Farm Animal Biodiversity Information System
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