Ancient Breeds: The Caspian

 

The Caspian is an ancient breed that originates from Persia, in the northern region of modern-day Iran, near the Caspian Sea. The first writings and art depicting the breed have been traced as far back to 3000 B.C. and is likely the influencer to many light type horses, including the Arabian and most Oriental breeds. They were commonly used for driving royal chariots. Unfortunately, the breed was assumed extinct after the fall of the Persian Empire in 331 B.C. with the arrival of the famed Greek Warrior, Alexander the Great. It wasn't until 1965 A.D., when the American, Louise Firouz discovered a small herd of small, light boned horses near the Caspian Sea, while she was on an expedition for small ponies for her riding school. She then set out to restore the breed through a breeding program in Europe and keep a number on the existing population. Her efforts came to a halt when Iran went to war with Iraq in 1979, in which after the war was over, she was able to establish the International Caspian Studbook in 1978. Since then, the Caspian has been exported and bred in the United Kingdom, U.S.A., Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the Caspian is commonly ridden by children in jumping disciplines and is an excellent carriage/driving horse.

The height ranges from 10-12 hh. The color ranges from Black, Chestnut, Bay, the Dun gene, and Grey.

Resources:

https://www.horsebreedspictures.com/caspian-horse.asp

https://www.caspian.org/

http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/caspian/

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/persian-empire/

"International Encyclopedia Of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

The Hot and The Cold Combined: Württemberg

 

Old Type

Modern Type

The Württemberg Horse originates from its namesake in Germany. They were first bred in the mid-1500's by Duke Eberhard V the Bearded and Christoph von Württemberg's stud - the very one that became Haupt-und Land-gestüt. The first breedings infused native mares with a mixture of Turkish, Suffolk, Hungarian, and Caucasian stallions. During the Thirty Years War, maintaining the stud taken a setback until the war's end in 1648. It was then when the Barb, Spanish, and East Friesian horses were introduced to the current stock. However, it suffered greatly during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815) due to the loss of horses. Later, in the late 1800's, the Arab, Thoroughbred, Anglo-Norman, and Trakehner were introduced. The Württemberg breed society was founded in 1895. However, after WWII, Sporthorses became the desirable steed and tractors took over the plow. The modern type Württemberg began to develop in 1958, by crossbreeding heavily with the Trakehner - with Julmond as the main stud at Marbach (1960). Later in 1979, The Westphalian and the Hanoverian were introduced as reinforcers. Since then, the Thoroughbred, Holsteiner, Oldenburg, and more Trakehner have been used to further develop the new type.

Considered rare due to the rise of the Modern Type, the Old Type Württemberg was originally bred as an all-around horse, with a heavy emphasis in carriage driving and farming. They had a stockier build, resembling that of a Cob and had shorter legs than their modern counterpart. Being bred for sport, the Modern Type Württemberg is leaner, but still maintaining the same average height: 16.1hh; and the Cob-like features.

Both types come in the basic Bay, Black, Chestnut colors; with minimal white markings allowed, such as up to a sock for leg markings and up to a stripe for facial markings.

References:

https://www.horsebreedspictures.com/wurttemberg-horse.asp

http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/wurttemberger/

http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/wars_napoleonic.html

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks (book)

Fictional Oops That Don't Line Up With Reality.......Or So I Thought

 

Just a few days ago, I decided to check Rainbow's MHOSS entry information, because she was DQ'd for not having a Mustang Breed specified. Weird thing is, she did. But, it's the breed I chose for her and her immediate family based on a theory from a Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron Fandom website; which was the Cayuse...Pony....apparently??? And not considered a Mustang??? Well, from all the information I had previously researched about the Cayuse Pony was extremely inconsistent and confusing as to what type they fall under. Additionally, The Cayuse Tribe is in Oregon. OK, that fits perfectly, since Spirit is based off of the Kiger Mustang, whose range is in Oregon.

Then the rabbit hole started.

So...where does the story is supposed to take place?

In 1800's Oregon.

Ok. But....Oregon doesn't have red sandstone regions - Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico does.

Doesn't a guy in the movie say something about connecting in Utah (had the realization that he is talking about The Golden Spike just now!) when Spirit recognized the land up ahead?

Maybe, I'll have to watch it again to be sure.

And what about Little Creek? The Colonel addressed that he is a Lakota. Wait! Aren't Lakotas apart of the Sioux Tribes?

Yeah, and the Lakotas's territory was in North & South Dakotas, most of Nebraska, East Wyoming, and Southeast Montana. Nowhere near Oregon.

Now, granted, the Native Americans at the time, just like many other cultures around the world, practiced slavery. So, it is possible that Little Creek was taken captive away from his tribe and later found family in an Oregon region tribe (the Cayuse tribe being in Northeastern Oregon).

Now, according to this map of the USA in the 1800's, the Oregon territory is much larger than what it is today. So, locations are closer than you think.

Fair enough. Then, where is this Cimarron place?

Well, there is a Cimarron River that starts and runs through Oklahoma, curves up into Kansas, and ends in Northeastern Colorado. But, now the locations are totally out of whack! Alright, what does the word Cimarron actually mean?

A wild place.

This could be anywhere.

The home of a mustang stallion.

Ok, that makes sense!

Now, back to Rain. Is she or is she not a Cayuse Pony?

According to a facts about Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron article, she is recognized and registered (no, I'm not kidding!!) as an American Paint Horse.

But...the Paint breed wasn't established until 1962, when the registry was formed. Then, what are the possible influencers?

That's when I found the Colonial Spanish Horse. 

The Colonial Spanish Horse was bred by the Chickasaw tribe with the descendants of the original horses brought over by the Spaniards. This horse was one of the influencers of the American Quarter Horse, and therefore, the American Paint Horse (became a separate registry due to the amount of loudly pintoed Quarter Horses). Other than Pinto patterns being present in the breed, one of the key features is the Roman/Convex nose - which links it to the Iberian ancestry. They also are of a smaller build.

Rain is a smallish Pinto (smaller than Spirit, that is) AND has a Roman/Convex Nose!

A perfect match indeed!

Now, where do you put a Colonial Spanish Horse, as far as type goes?

Well, on MHOSS' description for what breeds are accepted in each class (and they classify Mustangs in the Spanish Division, whereas many other shows lump them in with Stock) didn't have the specific term of Colonial Spanish Horse listed. Are there any other names - I wouldn't doubt it!

Yep, Spanish Mustang.

WOW!! All of that roundabout, indirect search ended up being something simple!!

Well, maybe not that simple - comparing body types, colors, locations, and names are not easy. The only mystery left is location. Does the Chickasaw tribe territory come anywhere close to the Lakota and the Oregon Territory? Though, keep in mind that there were a lot of horse thieving and trading among the Native American Tribes - with each other and with the Spanish, French, British, and the Americans.

Not as close as I thought, though, seeing the location makes sense in relation to one event: The Trail of Tears. Apparently, there were more Native American  tribes other than the Cherokee who had adopted the European way of living, owned plantations with African Slaves, practiced Christianity, and created a written language. Unfortunately, despite appearing European (or US American), they were still considered inferior and ordered to start anew in Oklahoma with other tribes - friends and enemies alike.

So, how does this relate to the Colonial Spanish Horse?

The Chickasaw tribe moving, with their horse stock, to Oklahoma. Then, reconsider horse thieving - the Comanche were in most of Texas and the west part of Oklahoma by the 1800's. These superb horsemen were one of the most powerful tribes in North America. So, raiding smaller tribes would cause either horses to be taken by the enemy tribe or have gotten loose in all the panic.

Ok, now we have mustangs. How does this relate to Rain's parents and grandparents?

Well, Dreamworks story behind Rain's grandmother, Bonita, starts out in San Antonio during the Mexican War. She then becomes free and joins a wild herd where Rain's mother, Sierra, is born. What breed Bonita is, would have to be a different discussion as I still have not read that book. However, considering location, she would likely have more of Iberian blood in her ancestry. As far as, how mustang herds travel, they tend to stay in a general region that ranges in size. Though, considering the time period, those regions may have been larger than what they are now. They also likewise had moved further north due to colonization, therefore jumping Native American Territory borders before a horse of almost pure Iberian ancestry through runaways of the Mexican War and The Trail of Tears would even enter the Lakota territory, let alone the Oregon Territory.

Ok, there's Rain's mom's side - what about her dad's?

If Rain has such strong features that link with the Colonial Spanish Horse, then he probably came directly from the Chickasaw in Oklahoma.

I am glad to have figured out Rain's breed officially. 

Next is figuring out how can Spirit be a Dun (or ND1?!) where his parents are supposed to be non-duns with no primitive markings.

Stay tuned in for that analyzation!

References:

https://horseyhooves.com/spirit-stallion-of-the-cimarron-movie/ 

http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/colonial-spanish/ 

http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/paint/index.html/#:~:text=Decorated%20by%20nature%2C%20the%20origins,horses%20roaming%20the%20Great%20Plains. 

https://www.sport-horse-breeder.com/colonial-roots-quarter-horse.html 

https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Cimarron-Bonita-Kathleen-Duey/dp/0142300950 

https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-Spirit-Cimarron-Paperback-April/dp/B010EVFAPE/ref=pd_sbs_1/147-0263402-4897131?pd_rd_w=Aiiji&pf_rd_p=8b76d7a7-ab83-4ddc-a92d-e3e33bfdbf03&pf_rd_r=TEXBCA6A6FB8CX1K35JZ&pd_rd_r=08858cef-3936-4bd8-944a-e980060e860c&pd_rd_wg=cN2AN&pd_rd_i=B010EVFAPE&psc=1 

http://www.texasindians.com/comanche.htm 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Five-Civilized-Tribes 

http://www.albc-usa.org/ChoctawRescue/crColonialspanishhorses.html#:~:text=The%20Colonial%20Spanish%20horse%20goes,and%20weighing%20700%2D900%20pounds. 

Not in the Mood

 My mind has been occupied with NaMoPaiMo.

It is not in the mood to write.

Not in the mood to edit my entry for the MEPSA Writing Contest.

Not in the mood to update the blog.

Not in the mood to write the Mustangs Breed Studies Series.

Not even in the mood to put together a chart for studying the patterns of inheritance across multiple different domesticated animal species in color genetics.

It is overcast and we've been getting a mix of snow and rain - which might be part of my problem.

I guess first thing's first would be getting my entry done for the Writing Contest since it's due next week on the 15th.

Gonna do that after I check my NOT NaMoPaiMo horses who are in their last stages before completion (my NaMoPaiMo horse needs repainting since the shade isn't right).

NaMoPaiMo 2021

 Well, instead of writing posts for the new breed series, I worked on a closer deadline of not just one, but two NaMoPaiMo projects. One is just a personal one - finishing that five-year project/two-year NaMoPaiMo project Visible Horse model kit. Finally figured out how to fix the ribcage....and some.... As usual, just when I thought I was almost done, Now-U-See-It decided throw another curve ball into the cauldron.

Curve ball,

...after curve ball,

...after curve ball, 

...after curve ball,

...after curve ball.

Oh, yeah, the pegs broke, too. Now I have wires in place that work much better.

I hate selfies, they are awkward to take and I just don't like them.

Why did I finally do a selfie for NaMoPaiMo?

One: The horse

And Two: To participate more

I also decided to try a colored primer this time. I'm guessing it'll give the base color a richer hue.

I also have a perfect "I Did This Too!" model that, yes - spoilers alert - is my entry for the MEPSA Extreme Makeover Challenge on the Big Ben mold.

Can you see Big Ben yet?

He has a magnetic horn for better storage and shipping.

Ironically, his coloring would be using the same colors as Now-U-See-It - a creamy off-white color with brown shading. I couldn't've planned that if I tried.

The way this custom contest works is:

I do the custom

take the pictures

mail in the custom

the custom, alongside other people's customs on that same mold, is chosen by popular vote to receive a prize

then those customs are auctioned off to raise funds for MEPSA's Champ Show at the end of the show season in July (you could see why in this post here)

the artist of the custom that got the highest bid also receives a prize

I had wanted to do the Lady Phase last year, but when I finally understood that I won't be keeping the model, I decided not to. However, with trying to sell and gain commissions for the customizing, I figured that this might help with getting my name out there (like I haven't done so already!) We'll see how that goes. I'm also planning(?) on possibly increasing my inventory to not only put together a website for selling, but also to enter as a Breyerfest vendor. We'll see how that goes, too. The All-Access Breyerfest ticket (the equivalent to the Three-Day ticket) goes on sale tomorrow at 1pm EST.

Now that sculpting has slowed down (though, I still have some on the table), I SHOULD be able to punch out some Breed Studies posts!!!

No "We'll See About That" is allowed!

New Breed Studies Series: The American Mustang

 

(This is Flint - Pryor Mountain Mustang)

I had been thinking about picking a new topic for my Breed Studies Series and decided to go with the American Mustang.

As with the Horses and Ponies From the Celtic Regions Breed Study that was grouped with Breyerfest 2020 Celtic Fling!, each breed will have it's own post, picture, breed info, and a relation to the Breyer Horse models. The posts may or may not be daily - just as long as I get this series done before I start the Color Studies Series for Breyerfest 2021 A Horse of a Different Color.

On a side note, this study series have been beneficial to me for a reference for online photo shows. Much simpler than re-logging in the blurp and photo every time - it's already done! (plus, I have a LOT of mustang types. In my herd, I have: Pryor Mountain Mustangs, Kiger Mustangs, Cayuse Mustangs/Indian Horses, and a bunch of others who need proper labeling).

So, stay tuned, this series would start this week!

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The New Forest Pony

The last in segment in the Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions Breed Studies Series is the New Forest Pony. They have been roaming in the New Forest in southwest Hampshire, England, since before the Roman invasion. The earliest documentation appear on Roman earthenware depicting horsemen approaching the Celtic goddess, Epona, the breeder of horses. These ponies remained in true form until around the nineteenth century, when the Thoroughbred and the Arabian were introduced to improve the breed. The first studbook was founded in 1910. Even though, they roam around like wild horses, most are actually owned by locals. There is an increasing number of New Forest Ponies being bred outside of England, in places such as Australia and Canada. They are used for the family, driving, many competitive English sports, Therapeutic riding, and for basic riding.
Their height ranges from 12hh-14.2hh. Their colors are predominantly Bay and Chestnut. Single Creams, such as Buckskin and Palomino, is allowed in the breed. However, Blue eyes are not desirable in the breed; so double Creams (Perlino and Cremelo) and Pinto patterns are not allowed.

Resources:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks
http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/new-forest/
https://www.petguide.com/breeds/horse/new-forest-pony/
https://www.redshoot-campingpark.com/ever-wanted-know-new-forest-ponies/#:~:text=To%20keep%20the%20breed%20pure,or%20cream%20with%20blue%20eyes.

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Welsh Cobs

The Welsh Pony of Cob type (Section C) and the Welsh Cob (Section D) are more stocky than their other Welsh Pony counterparts, making them more useful for light draft and farm work. The Welsh Cob's origins are still a bit of a mystery even though it was obviously bred to be more horse-like in size; while for the Welsh Pony of Cob type, it is known that the Andalusian and the Cob were used as influencers. Like their founder, the Welsh Mountain Pony, they are an all-around in many different disciplines - preferably in Driving and Jumping. The Welsh Cob were also used in the Welsh militia during the 1400's. The Welsh Cob is also known for their exceptional speed.

The Welsh Pony of Cob type does not exceed 13.2hh, while the Welsh Cob ranges from 14hh-15hh. Both types share the same color ranges as the other Welsh Pony types: Bay, Grey, Chestnut, Black, and Cream. Again, Pinto patterns are not allowed; though it appears in photographs that minimally marked Sabino does occur within all types.

Breyerfest Store Special Stablemate Collection Kochab, could pass as a Welsh Cob/Classic Friesian Cross. The new Friesian mold, in which Kochab is featured on, is sculpted with the tallest, more typical type of Friesian. Of course, the Grey gene is not present in that breed, but it is in all of the Welsh pony types.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

https://www.horsebreedspictures.com/welsh-cob.asp

http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/welsh-d/

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Welsh Pony

The Welsh Pony Section B is the next size up from the Welsh Mountain Pony. All of the Welsh ponies and Cobs share most of the same ancestry as the founding Welsh Mountain Pony, but in developing the different types, other influences were used. The Welsh Pony started out with Welsh Mountain Ponies being crossed with the Hackney. Later, a small Thoroughbred stallion provided influence on the new type. Over the years, the studbook has been re-opened to allow out-crossing to develop a taller, leaner pony. However, they still resemble a larger version of the Welsh Mountain Pony. These ponies were used as the next size up when children grew out of the Welsh Mountain Pony. They, too are an all-around pony.

Their height ranges from 12.2hh-13.2hh. They share the same color ranges as their founder: Bay, Chestnut, Black, Grey, and Cream. While, Pinto patterns are not allowed in the breed, minimally marked Sabinos do occur.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Welsh Mountain Pony

The Welsh Mountain Pony is the smallest and the oldest of the Welsh Pony types, which is Section A. These ponies were roaming the mountains of Wales long before the Romans conquered Britain. They are descended from Celtic Horses and possibly the Arabian as well. They have been used as foundations for other breeds such as the Hackney, the New Forest Pony, and the Welsh Pony of Cob type to name a few. They make great first mounts for children because of their gentle personality. Additionally, they could carry small adults as well as children. They are an all-around pony, being trained in various disciplines from English to Western riding to Driving.

The height does not exceed 12.2hh. Their colors are all solid basics: Black, Bay, and Chestnut. Grey is very common in the breed. The Cream gene occurs, but is rare. Pinto patterns are not allowed, however minimally marked Sabinos are present.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

"Eyewitness Handbooks: Horses" by Elwyn Hartley Edwards

https://www.horsebreedspictures.com/welsh-mountain-pony.asp

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Manx Pony

The Manx Pony is an extinct breed from the Isle of Man, but should still be covered since it is descended from the Celtic Horse. Thankfully, they survived long enough to be photographed. Skeletal remains have also been discovered on the island from the time of the Vikings. However, the tack buried with the horse was Celtic in origin. They were used primarily for heavy work; such as: pulling, hauling, plowing, and packing. The last pony died in the late 1800's.
The average size was estimated out to be 13hh. The color was unknown, until an agricultualist named Thomas Quayle documented that their colors were Bay, Black, and Grey. Dark Chestnut has also been documented. 

Resources:
http://asmanxasthehills.com/the-manx-pony-native-isle-of-man-celtic-extinct/

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Garrano

The Garrano is a Portuguese pony breed that is built more like a horse rather than that of a pony. They are very old and have been noted in cave paintings. Even though it does not contain the blood of an Arabian historically (though, the Arabian was introduced in the last century), one of it's key features is a concave (dished) nose. Since the Garrano influenced the Andalusian, some Andalusians have been reported to have a concave nose instead of the typical convex (Roman) nose. It is also thought that the Garrano is the ancestry of the Asturian and the Galician horses. They were historically used for military, pack, riding, and racing. They were introduced to the Americas in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The height ranges from 12hh-13hh. The colors consist of Black, Bay, and Chestnut with the exception of white markings. (Edited 7/15/26)

Resources:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Galician Pony

The Galician Pony is built much like a horse, rather than a pony. They originate in northwestern Spain, in a region called Galicia. Their ancestors are a mix between Celtic and Roman horses. Historically, they weren't just used for riding. Their manes, tails, and forelocks were used to make hair brushes. They were also bred for meat. Today, they still live semi-feral. Each year, there is a festival where all the herds are rounded up to trim their manes, brand them, sell a few, and then turn them back into the wild Galician mountains.
The height ranges from 12.2hh-13.2hh. Their colors include various shades of Bay, Chestnut, and Black - in addition to exhibiting Grey and Tobiano. This breed is also known to amble, but not all individuals inherit the gene.

Resources:
http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/galician-pony/
https://www.horsebreedspictures.com/galician-horse.asp
http://www.second-opinion-doc.com/galician-pony-breed.html

Notes on Cantabria
There are three regions in northwestern Spain: Galicia being the furthest west; Asturia is next; and Cantabria being on the east side of Asturia. I researched if there was a native horse or pony breed of Cantabria that was old enough to come in contact with the Celts, but found none.

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch is one of England's oldest horse breeds that has retained its original form. The ancestry has been long lost prior to the 1500's, when the historic records stop. In 1877, the Suffolk Horse Society was founded in order to preserve the breed - especially since all of the current individuals led back to one stallion. They were bred for heavy work, farm, and hauling. It was from hauling matches when the Suffolk horse earned the nickname "Suffolk Punch." Like all heavy work horses, populations dropped with the invention of the tractor. 
The height ranges from 16.1hh-17.1hh. The color is always Chesnut, no other color. And traditionally, Chestnut is spelled without the middle "t." Various shades, small white markings, and miscellaneous light hairs intermixed in the coat are allowed for registration.

Resources:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Shire

The Shire, the largest horse breed in the world (though, there have been reports for decades of various draft breed individuals exceeding the height of the Shire. It's just common knowledge that the Shire is the biggest). The ancestors are believed to be the "great horse" since they were used for jousting mounts during the Middle Ages in the mainland of Europe. These horses were introduced to England during the reign of King John I (1199-1216). By the time of Queen Elizabeth I, large horses were desired for war. Leaning towards modern days, these horses were used to pull in boats to shore, hauling, farming, and other heavy work. Like other work horses, the Shire's population numbers decreased after WWII with the invention of the tractor. Other influences to the breed were the Friesian and the extinct Flanders Horse.
The height ranges from 16.1hh-17.3hh. They come in all the basic colors: Bay, Black, Chestnut, Grey, and Seal Brown. Their most distinctive markings are caused by the KIT Mutation gene called Sabino. Most individuals are minimally to moderately marked with crisp edges - which are caused by the Sabino1 gene. Some can be completely solid in color with no white patterns. It is not uncommon for a Shire to be both Grey and Sabino.
Breyerfest 2020 Special Run Ash portrays the breed perfectly with the correct coloring and choice of mold.

Resources:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Haflinger

Again, I include an Austrian breed due to the fact that the Celts originated there and quite possibly touched the Haflinger's ancestors.

The ancestors of the Haflinger were isolated from other breeds due to the terrain in which they inhabited in Tyrol, Austria. Their exact origin is unknown, but it is thought that the Byzantine troops drove them into the region. They were historically Arabians that crossed with the native mountain ponies. Later, the Arabian was reintroduced into the breed in the 1800's. They are used for a variety of different disciplines that include both English and Western saddle. They make great carriage ponies, too.

The height ranges from 12.3hh-14hh. The color inhibits all shades of Chestnut and Sorrel (genetic Sorrel: Chestnut + Pangare) and no other color.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Shetland Pony

The Shetland Pony originates from the Shetland Islands north of Scotland. This pony's ancestors have been around since before the arrival of the Celtic Pony; in which they eventually crossed with as well as ponies from Scandinavia. Their plentiful numbers on the islands suddenly changed in the 1800's when Parliament prohibited children from working in the mines. So, the Shetland Pony took their place due to their small, compact stature. They soon became high in demand for work in other mines. The ones that remained on the islands were used to carry peat with a special pack saddle called the Klibber. They are also favored for driving and first mounts for children. Shetland Ponies have been exported all over the world. In the U.S.A., lives a leaner version of the Shetland Pony.

The height ranges up to 10.2hh (42"). Their colors include all solid colors - including dilutes. They also exhibit all the KIT Mutation genes (Tobiano, Frame, Splash, and Roan). Their most exclusive color that only is present in their breed is Mushroom (pictured above). The base color for Mushroom is surprisingly Chestnut. It is also recessive, so in order to get one through breeding, both parents would have to be Mushrooms or carriers.

Breyerfest 2020 Online Auction model Lot #2 is a Traditional Glossy Silver Bay (does occur in breed) Tobiano Shetland Pony.

(***picture coming soon***)

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

https://www.horsebreedspictures.com/shetland-pony.asp

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Haflinger

The ancestors of the Haflinger were isolated from other breeds due to the terrain in which they inhabited in Tyrol, Austria. Their exact origin is unknown, but it is thought that the Byzantine troops drove them into the region. They were historically Arabians that crossed with the native mountain ponies. Later, the Arabian was reintroduced into the breed in the 1800's. They are used for a variety of different disciplines that include both English and Western saddle. They make great carriage ponies, too.

The height ranges from 12,3hh-14hh. The color inhibits all shades of Chestnut and Sorrel (genetic Sorrel: Chestnut + Pangare) and no other color.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Abtenauer

The Abtenauer is the smallest variation of the Noriker, but lighter in bone. They are bred in Abtenau Valley, Austria. They are well-known for their trotting ability that flows with every stride. These draft horses are used for work in the mountain forests. Researchers think that the ancestors are horses the Greeks left in the valley when they were no longer of  use.

The height ranges frm 14.3hh-15hh. The colors accepted by breeders are Black, Chestnut, and Roan; while Leopard Complex is not. The foals are born with an unique curly coat that is shed when the foal gains his adult coat. There is no official registry and very little information known about this breed. They are also considered rare.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/abtenauer/

Horses and Ponies from the Celtic Regions: The Noriker

The Celts actually didn't originate from Spain, France, or the British Isles. They really came from the Alps region, therefore northern Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The first writings about the Celts were by the Greeks and Romans, stating that they were fair skin, had yellow hair, and blue eyes. Both the Greeks (5th & 4th century B.C.) and the Romans (390 B.C.) were attacked by the Celts.

The Noriker originates in Austria, but their ancestors were bred by the Greeks in Thessaly, northern Greece. They were used as heavy war horses; which later were used by the Romans, who then introduced them to the Austrian region. It was here where the Noriker continued to breed and thrive. They are the only European draft breed that lives in an untouched environment from the outside world. Today, they are the ideal work horse for the Austrian Forest, because they are surefooted and sturdy. They are still very popular in Austria today.
The height ranges from 15.1hh-16.3hh. The colors are Bay, Black, and Chestnut. They can be solid color, a Pinto pattern (Tobiano or Framed Overo), True Roan, or a Leopard Complex pattern.
Breyerfest 2020 Special Run Oak perfectly resembles the Noriker since the new Georg mold has very little feather on his fetlocks, lining up with the Noriker breed standards.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

"The Timetables of History: The New Third Revised Edition" by Bernard Grum

https://www.ancient.eu/article/1401/the-celtic-invasion-of-greece/