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Brumbies near the Sandover Highway in the Northern Territory
Photograph by Dryan. License: Public Domain.
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Brumbies on Alpine Way
Photograph by Grahamec. Some rights reserved.
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FACTS
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Description
Horses have become an integral part of the life in Australia right from when they were brought by the settlers to this island nation. The Brumby horses are the wild horses that are native to Australia. Though they can be found in any part of Australia, they are concentrated in large numbers in the region of the Australian Alps and in the Northern Territory. The second largest population of these horses can be found in the Queensland. Australia is home to the largest number of feral horses as compared to any other country.
The Brumbies are relatively short animals. The height of the horse from this breed ranges between 12-16.2 hands. The head of the Brumby horse is well balanced and big. They have a short but strong back. The feet are sound and strong. Since the Brumbies are feral horses, it is not possible to predict their temperament.
These horses are a topic of controversy in Australia. While a certain section of people believe that these horses imbalance the eco system in Australia, there are other who feel that these horses are a part of their heritage and culture and hence should be protected and safe guarded. They stand against the extermination of these horses and the inhuman treatment meted out to them.
Size
12 - 16.2 hands
Colours
These horses can be of any coat color.
Suitable for
The Brumby horses are generally feral horses. However, some people domesticate these horses and use them as stock horses on their farms. These horses are also used as show horses and for trails. These horses can be used as pleasure mounts too. They find their use as Pony Club mounts also.
History
When European settlers arrived on this continent, they brought with them some horses. Some of these horses either escaped or got lost on the Australian soil. The Brumbies in Australia are considered to have descended from these horses. They can be the result of cross breeding between Thoroughbreds, Arabian horses, Timor Ponies, Capers and various other breeds of British ponies.
Today, Australia houses more than 400,000 feral horses which are by far the largest in any country. This population is growing at the rate of 20% each year.
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