Menu
The Dülmener Wildpferd, or Dülmen Wild Horse, is a remarkable and historic equine breed native to the Merfelder Bruch nature reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This breed, often referred to as a living link to Europe’s wild horse ancestors, embodies a captivating tale of survival, adaptation, and cultural significance. Known for their hardiness and versatility, these ponies have a distinct grullo coat color, a testament to their primitive origins. The Dülmen Pony is celebrated for its gentle nature and intelligence, making it a favored breed for conservation and educational purposes.
The breed’s roots trace back to the Middle Ages, with evidence suggesting their presence in the Dülmen area for centuries. They have survived wars, industrialization, and habitat loss, largely due to the efforts of the Duke of Croy in the 19th century, who established a reserve to protect them. This sanctuary, the Merfelder Bruch, remains their primary habitat, where they live semi-wild and are managed through annual round-ups.
Dülmen Ponies stand around 120 to 130 cm tall, characterized by their sturdy build and the distinctive mouse-grey to dark grullo color, often with a dorsal stripe. They exhibit strong social behaviors, living in herds led by a dominant mare, which contributes to their well-adjusted temperament. These ponies are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and friendly disposition towards humans.
Historically, the Dülmener Wildpferd roamed freely in the Merfelder Bruch reserve, contributing to the ecological balance of the region. While they maintain their semi-wild status, efforts have been made to integrate them into conservation grazing projects, where their natural foraging behaviors help manage the landscape. Additionally, they are sought after for therapeutic riding programs and as family horses, valued for their calm demeanor and ease of handling.
The Dülmen Pony is considered a rare breed, with the population predominantly concentrated in the Merfelder Bruch reserve. Efforts to preserve the breed have been successful, but challenges remain, including limited genetic diversity and the need for habitat protection. Conservation initiatives focus on maintaining the breed’s purity and ensuring their habitat within the reserve is preserved. Annual round-ups are conducted to check the health of the ponies, manage the population, and facilitate adoption of young ponies to suitable homes, which helps to fund their conservation.
Germany
local
Critical: ca. 500
122-132 cm
Dun, Bay, black, chestnut
GEH, Herzog von Croy
Rare and endangered
Semi-feral population
Dülmener — Dülmen Pony — Dülmen Wild Horse
All my pictures of rare and endangered horses can be licensed for private, editorial and commercial usage, and ordered as Fine Art Print as well. In addition, the albums only show a part of my large archive. Contact me directly if you don’t find what you are looking for.
Here are some places where you can see where you can support the rare and endangered breed. Above all I want to thank everybody who works with me.
Take part in my projects Forgotten Horses and Free Horses and consequently make an impact that matters. By photographing rare and endangered horses we can raise awareness to disappearing horse breeds and therefore preserve equine diversity.
Are you looking for professional photos of rare and endangered horse breeds? You will find a small selection of my pictures in the breed posts, however you may ask for more specific photos directly. In short, all my pictures can be licensed for private, editorial and commercial usage.
Do you want to see more of my photos? Please follow my accounts on Instagram and on Facebook and don’t miss any new updates and pictures of my projects.
Are you looking for professional photos of wildlings, rare breeds, horses in different countries and amazing locations? You will find a small selection of my pictures on my website, but you may ask for more specific photos directly. All my pictures can be licensed for private, editorial and commercial usage.
Sign up for my Explorer Report to be the first about receiving informations about new Explorer Tours, announcements for photographic adventures and updates for upcoming Expeditions via email.
