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 A Batak stallion, photographed in about 1930 | |
| Other names | Deli |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
The Batak pony, also called the Deli pony, is a pony breed from Indonesia. Originating in Central Sumatra, it is thought to have descended from Mongolian Horse and Arabian blood, and has continually been infused with additional Arabian blood to improve its quality. The Batak is selectively breed by the Indonesians, and is often used to upgrade the quality of the horses and ponies on nearby islands.
Characteristics
The ponies are slender, but still strong and sturdy. In general, they are well-conformed, and most of their faults are partly to blame on the poor forage to which they have access. The only other breed of the country which is of better quality is the Sandalwood Pony. The ponies have a fine head with a straight or slightly convex profile. The neck is short and thin, the withers are prominent. The chest and frame are narrow, the back is usually long, and the quarters sloping. The tail is set and carried quite high. The Batak pony is considered a very willing breed, and is quite hardy. They usually average about 11.3 hands (47 inches, 119 cm) but may stand up to 13 hands (52 inches, 132 cm), and are generally brown, but can be any color.
The Batak pony was once used as sacrificial animals for the gods, but is now employed in a less-gruesome occupation as a riding pony. The Arabian blood makes it spirited when needed, but the pony is generally quiet enough for children to ride, with an excellent temperament. Their speed also makes them popular for racing among the local population.
Origin
Horses were introduced to Nusantara archipelago in unknown date, they are descended from Tibetan or Mongol-type horses. It is possible that ancient stocks were brought to Indonesia by the Chinese Tang dynasty in the 7th century, recorded as being given to Dja-va (Kalingga kingdom), Dva-ha-la, and Dva-pa-tan (Bali). Mongolian horses are probably captured during the Mongol invasion of Java (1293). If this true, the Nusantaran ponies would owe much of its roots to the Mongolian horse as well as horses obtained from other areas of western Asia like India and Turkmenistan.
See also
References
- "Batak Pony". Retrieved November 21, 2013.
- Summerhayes, RS; "Horses & Ponies", Warne & Co, 1948
- Boomgard, Peter (2007). "3. Horse Breeding, Long-distance Horse Trading and Royal Courts in Indonesian History, 1500–1900". Breeds of Empire: The 'Invention' of the Horse in Southern Africa and Maritime Southeast Asia, 1500–1950. Vol. 42 (NIAS studies in Asian topics). Copenhagen: NIAS. pp. 33–50. ISBN 978-8-7769-4014-0.
- Groeneveldt, Willem Pieter (1876). "Notes on the Malay Archipelago and Malacca, Compiled from Chinese Sources". Batavia: W. Bruining.
- Hendricks, Bonnie L. (1995). International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 9780806127538.
- Kentucky Horse Park. "Bali". Horse Breeds of the World. International Museum of the Horse. Archived from the original on 24 November 2010. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
External links
| Horse breeds of Indonesia | |
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