Posavje horse
Origin and Development of the Breed
The Posavje horse developed from autochthonous horse populations bred in the Sava River basin along the border region of Slovenia and Croatia, particularly in the Posavje area.
Breed Characteristics
The Posavje horse is a small-framed cold-blooded breed characterized by a sturdy constitution, endurance, resistance to diseases and adverse weather conditions, early maturity, and good fertility. It has a calm temperament and a gentle nature, with a pronounced sexual dimorphism. The breed is known for rapid growth and good meat yield. Stallions have a withers height between 145 and 152 cm, while mares range from 135 to 148 cm. The horses are predominantly bay and black, with chestnut and gray coats being rare.
Breed Distribution and Endangerment
The Posavje horse is traditionally bred in the Posavje region, particularly around Krško and Brežice, and is also raised in Croatia. In Slovenia, the Posavje horse comprises approximately 18% of the total horse population. The studbook includes around 690 breeding animals. Due to the relatively high rate of inbreeding in the population, the Posavje horse is classified as a critically endangered breed.
Did you know ...
... that Pošta Slovenije will/has issued a special stamp with the motif of the Posavje horse on 28.9.2018?
Breeding Purpose and Products
The Posavje horse is still sometimes used for fieldwork and as an aid in forestry work. It is also used as a recreational horse in harness, and less frequently under saddle. In this way, it often participates in promotional and tourist events. The breed is suitable for hippotherapy or other therapeutic activities with the help of horses. A large part of the population is intended for breeding slaughter foals (production and processing of horse meat).
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Gallery
Javna služba nalog genske banke v živinoreji