Conservation status | Endangered |
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Other names |
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Country of origin | Greece |
Distribution | Peloponnese |
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Height |
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Distinguishing features |
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The Peneia Pony ( Greek: άλογο Πηνείας, or Greek: Πινειώτικο άλογο) is a rare breed of pony from the Peloponnese in southern Greece, originating in the former prefecture of Elis, which included the village of Peneia ( Pineia).
Peneias generally stand between 10.1 and 14 hands high, and are usually bay, black, chestnut, or gray, although other colors are seen. They have a well-proportioned head with a convex profile and a well-set neck running into low withers, a wide chest, and muscular, sloping shoulders. They have a short back, sloping croup, and long legs with small, tough hooves. [1]
It is a fairly hardy and sure-footed breed, well adapted mountainous terrain. [2] The natural gait of the Peneia breed is fairly stilted, so they are usually taught a smoother gait called the aravani ( Greek: αραβάνι) which makes riding more comfortable. [3] Two other names for this breed, the Ravani ( Greek: Ραβάνι) and the Georgalídiko ( Greek: Γεωργαλίδικο or Γιοργαλίδικο), refer to this smooth gait. [4] These terms can also be used generically, to refer to both the Peneia and the similarly-gaited Messara. The terms giorgalídiko and ravani are derived from the Turkish language yorgala [at] and rahvan [at] (at is Turkish for "horse"). Yorgala describes a lateral ambling gait that is said to resemble that of a camel, while rahvan means "hyperactive". Yorgala is itself derived from the Greek word γοργός (gorgós), meaning "swift." [5]
The Peneia, along with a number of other gaited horses, was the object of a research study to determine the presence of the DMRT3_Ser301STOP mutation, which is associated with gaited horses. It was possible to detect the presence of that mutation in the Peneia with a frequency of 97.1%. [6]
The breed was founded on an autochthonous Greek variety very possibly related to the Pindos, and later crossed with Anglo-Arab, Anglo-Norman and Nonius strains. It may have originated from Messara ponies who were requisitioned for use on the Pindos front during the Greco-Italian War in 1940 and 1941. [4] Its herdbook was only established in 1995. The breed is found in Elis and Achaea in the northwest of the Peloponnese. [7]
According to Greek Agriculture Ministry statistics, as of 2002 there were two hundred thirty-one breeding mares and sixty-nine stallions. [8] As of 2017, only about one hundred specimens of the breed existed, placing it in danger of extinction. [2]
Peneias are used as draft animals, pack animals, and mounts for riding and jumping. [7] The stallions are often used for breeding hinnies. [1] Crosses with the Thoroughbred have produced faster horses, while the Hellenic National Stud Book Society is promoting a new breeding program crossing Peneia stallions with light draft mares.