Dülmen
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Names: Dülmen, Dülmen Pony, Dülmener Pony, Dülmen Wild Pony. I will usually use the shorter name.
Origin: Germany's
only semi-wild pony stud in the Merfeld Bruch near Dülmen. North
Rhine-Westphalia. Breed has existed for over 600 years. Owned by
Duke of Croy. Nowadays only the best stallions stay with the herd, the
others being weeded out annually and sold. Over the yeras frequent
introduction of new blood from Welsh
Mountain Pony, Konik,
Basque-Navarre Pony and Arab.
A medium-sized, half-wild horse of the North Rhine,
Westphalian region of Germany. It is said to have been bred there for over
600 years. It is a mixture of the Welsh mountain pony, Polish konik,
Baschkiren (Russian) pony, and Arab. Regarded as the last living race of
feral horses in Germany.
Breeding: Their home, where they fend entirely for themselves, lies among the moors and forest of the 500 acre preserve belonging to the Dukes of Croy. Between the annual round-ups, no human feeds or touches the ponies--which adds to the excitement and is much appreciated by summer visitors. The event is further enhanced by the picturesque costume of the "toreros" who conduct it. Several turbulent hours are spent in catching and branding the unwanted colts, which are then sold on the spot, mostly to smallholders and tradesmen, or for eventual riding by children.
Description: These are small "wild horses," actually feral. Frequently knock-kneed stance.
Action: Energetic movements in all three gaits. Able to gallop and jump.
Body: Not too short neck, well set on. Powerfully muscled back with good connection to muscles of the very steeply cut-away quarters. Low set tail. Well-made shoulders. Adequate depth in the girth.
Color: They possess the dorsal black eel stripe of wild horse ancestry, but come in the varied colorings of more domesticated animals. Frequently mouse-grey with dorsal stripe and mealy nose. Often zebra stripes and black points; may be any colour. White markings are rare.
Head: Small with short, pointed ears and wide, lively eyes.
Hooves: Small and sound.
Legs: Clean and sturdy.
Size: All under 13 hands. 13 to 14 hands. 52-56 inches.
Temperament: Very easily taught. Temperamental, but no vices or bad manners.
Features: Medium sized, half-wild pony. The last surviving semi-wild breed in Germany.
Uses: Favoured by small traders for pulling carts. Useful children's pony.
Accomplishments:
Curiosities: The Dülmen was mentioned in a document of 1316.
Profiles:
Conclusion: