Horse
Pronunciation:
Nah'-mib dez'-ert
Breed Description:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is a rare horse found in Namibia, Africa. It is most likely the only wild horse breed of sub-saharan Africa. Today, approximately 150 horses now live in 350 square kilometres of the Namib desert.
The Namib Desert Horse is an athletic, light riding horse type, similar to the Shagya. They have extraordinary endurance and a remarkable ability to survive on very little food or water. They are always bay or chestnut, occasionally with a dorsal stripe.
Temperament:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is a wild breed, but is known for intelligence and is believed to be trainable.
Height:
The Namib Desert breed of horse stands 14 to 15 hands.
Weight:
The Namib Desert breed of horse weighs 800 to 1000 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is extremely hardy and has no know health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Namib Desert breed of horse can tolerate very hot and dry conditions, but cannot tolerate very wet or cold climates.
Exercise:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is a wild horse from an environment where it must cover long distances to forage; consequently it needs freedom to move and exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is believed to live into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is a wild breed that needs very little care.
Origin:
The Namib Desert breed of horse is not native to Sub-Saharan Africa; the breed may descend from Dutch horses brought to the area in the 17th century, or German horses from the 19th and 20th century, although exactly how they came to run wild in Namibia is unknown. Genetic testing shows the breed to be possibly related to the Shagya, but whatever their origins they are certainly descended from riding and not draft or work horses, and have survived in almost complete isolation for many generations.
There are a few hundred Namib Desert horses today, roaming in small bands necessary because of the limited availability of food. Today they are protected and reside on National parkland, and to preserve their numbers forage and water are provided when necessary. 