Dülmen Pony Breed

Pony

Country of Origin: Germany
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The Dülmen is one of two native pony breeds from Germany - the other is the Senner pony, which by some accounts is now considered extinct. The Dülmen has been documented in the Meerfelder Bruch in Westphalia since the 1300s. Both ponies are said to have contributed to the Hanoverian horse.

Physical Description

The Dülmen appears in all colors with black, brown, and dun being the most common. It stands around 12.3 hands high. It has a typical pony head, small and square with small ears. It is marked by upright shoulder, poor hind quarters and a short neck.

Origin

There is not much documentation on the origins of the Dülmen pony other than its resemblance to the New Forest Pony of England. Currently, a herd of around a hundred mares runs semi-wild in a reserve in Meerfelder Bruch. They are said to have been bred in the area for over six centuries. No longer purebred stock, the Dülmenhave been crossed with Polish and British pony stallions.

Interesting Facts

The Duke of Croy owns the Dülmen herd that runs on the Meerfelder Bruch reserve, part of the Croy estate. Once a year, a round-up is held and the yearling colts and unwanted stock are sold.

For More Information:

Dülmen Pony Breed
Dülmen Pony Breed/Horse Show Central (Comprehensive Information)

Sources:

Permission given by my dear friend, Cowboy Frank, to use his breeds section.
Oklahoma State University list of livestock breeds