The Posavina horse
The Posavina horse, Croatian Posavian or Croatian Posavina horse, like the majority of horse breeds (Equus caballus) originates from a still existing breed, the wild Mongolian horse (Equus Przewalsky).When taking physical measures, weight and temperament into account the Posavina horse belongs to the coldblooded breed of horses. By analysing blood of the Posavina horse it has been proved that it is a separate breed of horses, which makes it an internationally recognized breed. Owing to its historical development, it can be said that the Posavina horse is similar to several breeds of horses, including ponies. Human influence on crossbreeding gave significant results as far as the features of the Posavina horse are concerned, but the influence of living conditions and free-range pasturing are also very important. The physique of the horse certainly attracts attention: its head is elongated and lean, with characteristically wide nostrils, and it has got clear eyes and small, protruding ears. Its neck is firmly attached to the withers; it is short and nicely shaped, with a thick mane. Its body is robust and strong. Its croups are cleft, more frequently steep, with the tail positioned lower with ample horsehair. The legs are relatively thin with a short cannon-bone; they are straight in posture with the pasterns grown over by hairs standing erect. The hoofs are flat and prominently wide which goes to show that they have been adapted to the long-term breeding in soft marshy grounds. The Posavina horse is good-natured, obedient, loyal, sturdy, and modest. It is most commonly bay, sometimes black or grey, and rarely sorrel. The number of these horses has significantly decreased in the past thirty years, use of agricultural mechanization being only one of the reasons. This fact makes it even more invaluable to its natural habitat of Pasavina pasture grounds. The greatest number Posavina horses can be found in Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Nowadays a 200 head strong herd is considered a large herd, but in the old days animals often lived in herds of 2,000 animals. The Croatian Posavina horse is temperamental, strong and sturdy, modest and obedient. This breed has excellently adapted to the conditions of horse-keeping in this region, which is proved by the fact that these animals used to be kept in the marshy pastures along the Sava River almost throughout the year (from March to the first snow). In the course of winter they would be scantily fed on hay, with a little maize and sometimes a bit of oats. In the past the animal was used for pulling out oak logs from forests; it used to pull ships and ferryboats, carry riders and pull carts. Like most of the horses today, it is not appreciated as a working animal but as a horse for recreational purposes and therapeutic riding. It is even more important for the protection of the countryside of its origin. Though much effort has been put into the conservation of this breed, it is still endangered, particularly due to the export of a great number of animals that are sold to slaughter houses. The state has developed a system of subsidies to protect and preserve the breed, first of all in its primary habitat. The associations of breeders of the Posavina horse have had a significant role in the conservation of the breed.