Africa is home to some of the most ferocious and amazing animals in the world. However, not many people realize that Africa is also home to many unique breeds of horses.

Many horse breeds were developed in Africa, and some are now extinct. We share 15 of the most beautiful and beautiful indigenous African horse breeds.

Common African horse breeds are Barb, Nooitgedachter, Boerperd, Vlaamperd, Fleuve, Dongola, Poney du Logone, Western Sudan Pony, Abyssinian, Namib, M’bayar, Basotho, Fouta, Tawleed and Bhirum breeds.

Here are fifteen breeds of indigenous African horses.

1. Fork

The Berb originates in North Africa and is one of the most well-known African breeds. Although their exact origins are unclear, there are references to them in the second century, and by the eighth century, they were very common.

Barb is closely related to the Arabian dynasty, although it is less precise. There is much debate as to whether the Berber and the Arab share a common ancestor or whether the Arab is the ancestor of Barb.

The Barb has greatly influenced many other horse breeds such as Andalusian, Criollo, Thoroughbred, Lustanio and Akhal-Teke.

Barbed horses average 14.2 to 15.2 hands in length with a well-muscled body, arched neck, and slender legs. They are usually gray, black, bay, brown or chestnut. With their incredible endurance, Barb horses excel at endurance riding, along with dressage, jumping, and fun riding.

2. Never mind

Nooitgedachter’s origins are from South Africa. The breed is a descendant of the original Cape Horse and Basotho pony.

The breed was started from the Basutho Pony Project in 1951, and due to previous inbreeding, carefully selected breeding was required. This project then led to the creation of the Nooitgedachter dynasty. They are a rare breed, with only about 400 Nooitgedachter horses.

Nooitgedachter horses have a strong, compact build with excellent endurance and rideability. They are about 13.2 to 15 hands long and are generally bay, chestnut, or blue ran. Thanks to their sport, they excel in jumping and eventing.

3. Burbird

Native to South Africa, the Boerperd is believed by many to trace back to the original Cape horse or the ancient Boer horse. The Kaapse Boerperd Breeders Association was formed in South Africa in 1948, then a separate association, the South African Boerperd Association, was formed in 1973.

Boerperd’s history is divided into two phases. From 1652 to 1836, the first stage of the breeding of Arab Berber crosses consisted of Java with Andalusian and Persian Arabian horses.

From 1836 to 1899, Phase Two saw the head horse bred into Flemish stallions, along with Hackneys, Norfolk Trotters, and Cleveland Bays.

Boerperd horses have an elegant and muscular build with strong, well-arched necks and strong legs. They stand 14 to 16 hands and are available in different colours. This versatile breed excels in saddle seat, hunting seat, dressage, western and event, with some Boerperd horses even being walked in.

4. flamingo

The Vlaamperd is another breed that is native to South Africa. Their name translates to “Flemish horses” due to their strong Friesian influence.

The breed’s history dates back to the 19th century from the now extinct Hantam horse. They were crossed with other breeds, including the Friesian, Hackney, Cleveland Bay, Cape Harnes, and Oldenburg. These elegant horses are a rare breed, with only a few hundred horses.

Vlaamperd horses have a muscular and elegant appearance with a well-arched neck and a slick head. They measure 14.2 to 15.2 hands in length and, due to their Friesian heritage, are mainly black. These agile and versatile horses make perfect mounts for a saddle seat, dressage, hunting seat, and driving seat.

5. Fluff

The Fleuve horse originated in Senegal, and its name in French means “big river”. Although not much is known about their history, they are descendants of the Barb horses and local pony breeds.

Fleuve horses are an essential part of life in Senegal and are popular for racing, polo, dressage and jumping. They are sport horses with a slender build and a good head. Fleuve horses are about 14 to 15 hands long and are usually bay, grey, or chestnut.

6. Dongola

Dongola, or Dongola, is a horse breed that is native to Sudan, Cameroon and Eritrea. They owe their origins to the Iberian horses that were imported to Egypt in the 13th century, along with the Barbs and Arabs.

Although it was a popular breed, until it was imported to Ireland and Germany, it is not so much now. Several regional variants of the Dongola breed are throughout Africa, including West African Dongola, Bahr el Ghazal, Borno and Hosa.

They have a convex profile, light but strong build, and reliable ride mounts. Dongola horses are about 15 hands long and are usually bay, chestnut or black.

7. Bonnie de Logon

Poney du Logone originates along the Logone River in Chad and Cameroon. They are especially popular with the Musi people.

Poney du Logone dates back over 100 years and originates from Barb horses. It’s a popular choice for public transportation and rides among locals. Poney du Logones stand 12 hands tall and are usually beige, ran, chestnut or gray. They have a slightly convex profile with strong legs and a strong neck.

8. West Sudan Mehr

The West Sudan Mehr, also called the Darfur Mehr, the Gergawi, or the Kordofanian. It can be found throughout Sudan and South Sudan, especially South Darfur and South West Kordofan in Sudan.

Not much is available about the history of the dowry in western Sudan. They are usually bay, chestnut or gray and often have white markings.

9. Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is a breed of horses native to the northern part of Ethiopia. It is a popular breed for cultivation and transportation in Ethiopia and other African countries as well.

In 1861, Abyssinian horses were brought to Great Britain and later to America. This robust strain does well under hot and harsh conditions. They are a mild breed, often displaying variability, standing around 13 to 14 hands and coming in different colours.

10. Namib Desert Horse

The Namib Desert Horse is a feral horse breed that lives in the Namib Desert in Namibia. They are the only feral horses found in Africa.

Although the origins of the Namib Desert horse are relatively unknown, many believe they are descendants of German riding horses and also cavalry horses that escaped during World War I.

The Namib Desert horses are included in our list of unusual horse breeds, they are very hardy and have adapted to the harsh desert climate. There are currently about 90 to 150 Namibian desert horses roaming the wild.

Namib Desert horses have a light athletic breed, similar to European sports horses, with influences from the Trakkener, Chagya Arabian and Hackney breeds. Some horses even show dorsal stripes, and they are often chestnut or chestnut in color.

11. Mbayar

The Mbayar is a small breed of horse native to Senegal. Experts believe that the breed is a subspecies of Barb.

The M’bayar is closely related to the Fouta and Fleuve breeds. They are small, stocky horses with short necks and are one of the most popular breeds in Africa. They are popular for riding and driving in general, averaging 13 to 14 hands in length and often chestnut.

12. Basoto

The Basotho or Basuto pony is a breed originally from Lesotho and South Africa. It originated from horses imported by the Dutch in the 17th century.

The introduction of Arab and Persian blood helped improve the stock. Due to its rugged nature and long strides, it is very popular on horseback riding trips and public holidays through the mountainous regions of Africa.

Basotho ponies average 15 hands in height, have long necks, muscular bodies, deep chests, and come in different colours.

13. gesture

Fouta or Foutanké originates from Senegal and comes from crossing the Fleuve and M’Bayar breeds. It is a popular breed for working, driving, riding and also racing.

Fouta horses have a light build, with a similar resemblance to Fleuve and M’Bayar horses. They are often bay and chestnut, and are about 13.2 to 15 hands long. They are adaptable horses, noted their willingness to work.

14. Breed

The Tawleed horse comes from Sudan, its original homeland is the Khartoum region. It is common among the indigenous people of the mountainous regions.

Talweed horses come from crossing indigenous ponies with thoroughbreds and exotic horse breeds. These sturdy horses are well known for their riding, as they do well in difficult, rocky terrain and hot climates. They have a strong skeleton with a muscular body.

15. Berom

The Bhairum, or Nigerian foal, is native to the northern regions of Nigeria. Many experts believe they are descendants of Poney Mousseye and Barb.

Bahrum are large ponies that are sometimes bred with donkeys and zebras. With their stamina and endurance, they can thrive in hot climates. They have a compact body with a deep chest and short neck, measuring 14 to 14.2 hands in length and available in various colours.