Home / Romanian Horses / Bucovina Horse

By Smith Northam

Last updated: 2nd April 2018

Bucovina Horse

By

Smith Northam
Last updated: 2nd April 2018

The Bucovina Horse is a very rare, calm draft breed from Romania. Though slightly bulky, this horse is lighter than the Romanian Draft breed and is closer in conformation to light draft horses. The Bucovina is not widely known around the world; however, they are quite admired by the local inhabitants of different regions in Romania and are ideal for draught work, logging, and riding.

Bucovina Horse Pictures

Quick Information

Other Names Cal de Bucovina
Behavioral Characteristics Noble, calm, well-mannered, willing, adaptable
Physical Traits Sturdily built with slight bulky structure; however, proportions might vary depending upon the intensity of draft genes
Coat Colors Bay, black, chestnut, roan (rare)
Height/Size Up to 15 hands (adult)
Weight Average
Common Uses Agriculture, riding, logging, sleigh pulling
Health Problems No known breed-specific issues
Type Work horse, Riding horse
Ancestors (Bloodlines) Romanian Draft, Ardennes, Hucul
Popular Traits Versatile, hard-working, easy trainability, durable
Feeding/Diet Normal horse diet including hay, grass, grains, etc.
Country of Origin Romania
Associations and Registries Not officially registered

Video: Bucovina Horse in the Stable

History and Development

The horse developed in the Bucovina region of Romania, from which it gets its name. The breed was created from the Romanian Draft horses, the larger and heavier specimens from the Ardennes breeds, and the Hucul (Hutsul or Hutzel) horses, which were extremely common in Romania.

Though the Bucovina was initially created as a working horse to be used for forestry and agricultural purposes, they proved to be immensely versatile even in pulling the sleigh, general riding, and transportation.

The horse continues to be rare even to this day, and the conformation varies between individuals, depending on the presence of draft horse genes in the pedigree. However, they still retain the flexibility and toughness of the Hucul horse.

Interestingly, some Bucovinas display a roan color coat, which is not common amongst them. This color, in fact, is the evidence of the presence of Ardennes genes, and it is not surprising. After the World War II, the Ardennes horse was actually introduced in Romania in order to revive the local stocks.

 

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