Liebenthaler

Overview

Liebenthal Horses (Liebenthaler Wildlinge) are a selective breeding project started in the 1960s. The goal was to obtain a horse with the primitive characteristics of the extinct Tarpan. They have a characteristic mouse-gray (grullo) color and bi-colored manes.

Origin & History

Initiated by biologist Lutz Heck. Koniks, Przewalski’s horses, and Icelandic horses were crossed. The main herd lives freely near Liebenwalde, Germany.

Temperament & Personality

• Natural Behavior: Show the full range of natural equine social behaviors.
• Shyness: Not domestic in the traditional sense, they can be wary of strangers.

Physical Characteristics

• Color: Almost always mouse-gray or dun, with a dorsal stripe and zebra markings on legs.
• Coat: Develop an extremely thick winter coat.

Foal Stage

• Birth: Without human intervention.
• Socialization: Learn herd rules from day one.

Adult Stage

• Handling: Some individuals are domesticated and used for light driving or natural riding, but their main purpose is ecological grazing.

Health & Care

• Self-sufficient: Virtually no veterinary intervention except emergencies. Iron hooves.

Needs & Routines

• Freedom: They are not stable horses. Need to live out and in a group.