Possibilities of using hucul horse (Carpathian ponies) at riding schools based on the results of behavioural tests
Keywords:
Hucul horse, behavioural tests, training horse, qualifying treats of horsesAbstract
Nowadays Hucul breed is less popular in Hungary compared to the half-bred horses. However, by the versatile exploitation, stature, bearing capacity and frugality, the breed was able to occupy a more significant role at riding schools, hobby horse owners and riders. Temperamental and behavioural qualities of the training horses have essential role in teaching beginners or children and at therapeutic courses. Cooperation with the trainer and the rider and friendly, calm behaviour are fundamental requirements using these breeds. By reforming the traditional performance test system, uniquely in the national horse breeding practise, the Hungarian National Pony and Small Horse Breeders’ Association lays considerably more emphasis on besides the general value traits (confirmation, origin, performance, summarising exterieur) moreover to achieve better understanding of temperamental and behavioural characteristics (internal value traits summarising interieur). Apart from physical appearance / conformation and origin; temperament, rideability and obedience of ponies and small horses are evaluated at a horse muster based on an accurately defined skill test. Knowing and examining these features (similarly to foreign practise) as well as using its objective results is a rightful claim in terms of safe training, sport-, hobby- and therapeutic riding in today’s modern horse breeding. In this paper, temperament and nature of Hucul breed were examined with the help of several easily performed behavioural tests. It was also investigated whether the breed is suitable for teaching beginner riders.
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Interieur - Pferde@Pet-Service.de
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