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The Nonius horse, renowned for its strength and calm demeanor, originates from Hungary, showcasing a rich heritage in both agriculture and equestrian sports. This breed is named after its founder, a stallion named Nonius, and has been developed through careful breeding practices to excel in various disciplines. The Nonius is distinguished by its muscular build and versatility, making it a favorite among horse enthusiasts worldwide.
The Nonius breed was established in the early 19th century at the Mezőhegyes State Stud in Hungary. Its foundation was a result of crossing local mares with Western European stallions, particularly the Norman stallion Nonius Senior, from whom the breed takes its name. Over the years, the Nonius has played a vital role in Hungarian agriculture and military, prized for its endurance and ability to perform under challenging conditions.
Nonius horses are known for their patient and cooperative temperament, making them well-suited for riders and handlers of all levels. They typically stand between 155 to 165 cm tall, featuring a large head, deep chest, and strong legs. Their coat can vary in color, with bay, black, and chestnut being the most common. This breed’s intelligence and willing nature make it adaptable to many equestrian disciplines.
Historically, the Nonius has been used for agricultural work, as well as for pulling carriages and in the military. Today, its roles have expanded to include dressage, show jumping, and driving, demonstrating its versatility and capability in competitive and recreational equestrian sports. Its gentle nature also makes it an excellent choice for therapeutic riding programs.
The Nonius horse is currently considered a rare breed, with efforts being made to preserve its unique characteristics and lineage. Conservation programs and dedicated breeders in Hungary and beyond are working to increase the population of Nonius horses, emphasizing the importance of this breed’s heritage and its contributions to equestrianism.
Hungary
international
Endangered: ca. 2.500
145-168 cm
Bay, black
tbd
Rare and endangered
Elevage extensif
Nonius
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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.
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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.
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