Home Horse Breeds		First Posted July 24, 2009 Sep 17, 2010

Dongola Horse Breed

Picture from the book "Mensch und Pferd" from Fulvio Cinquini

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Countries of Origin: Cameroon and Sudan

It is thought that the Dongola breed origined in the Sudan in the Dongola Province, Egypt and Eritrea. It is thought that the breed descended from the Iberian horses that were taken to Egypt in the 13th century. There is historical evidence that the Dongola horse predominates from Cameroon. It is associated with the Foulbés people who were from the Upper Nile. They are now a very rare breed. The mares are not very fertile and the stallions are not of good quality. The breed has degenerated in quality.

Physical Characteristics

The Dongola Horse is taller than the Arab, but related. It has a firey temperament like the Arab and lots of spirit. The have large, long heads which tend to be narrow, a convex profile, flat croups, poorly attached loins, thin legs. The chest is flat and high. In color they are deep reddish bay, black and chestnut with white markings on the face, lower legs and tail. Much of this is from poor breeding management. Some of the Dongola are nicely conformed, have endurance and vitality. An effort is being made to bring back the breed and imporve it by the Institute of Animal Research in Garoua.

The breed was introduced into Ireland and bred to create faster hunting horses.

For More Information:

Dongola
Dongolawi
Data Base - Dongola
Dongola Horse Image - Painting
International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds

Horse Breeds
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