Dongola is a horse breed that is known for its stamina and strength.
This breed originated in Sudan, but can be also found in other countries of western Africa.
Dongola horses have a long history and have been used for centuries.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about Dongola horses, so if you’re interested in learning more about these amazing creatures, then keep reading!
Dongola Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Dongola horse:
| Height (size) | 15.0 – 15.2 hands high |
| Colors | Most commonly a deep, reddish bay, even though chestnut and black are also seen, white markings on the face and legs are common |
| Country of Origin | Sudan |
| Common Uses | General riding, it is often used in ceremonies and festivals beautifully presented in traditional costume |
Dongola Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Dongola horse got its name from the region of Sudan known as Dongola, where it was first developed.
In western Africa, it may be found in various nations, including Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic.
In eastern Africa, it can be found in the western part of Eritrea and the northern part of Sudan.
The Dongola horse breed is said to have descended in large part from Iberian horses that were imported to Egypt in the 13th century.
Although this aspect of the Dongola’s origin is certain, the rest is debatable.
Some people say that they descended from the Barb horse, while others claim that the characteristics of the Barb horse that can be recognized in Dongola horses today are just the product of crossbreeding.
Even though the Dongola has a relatively convex head, they, however, share many characteristics with the Arabian horse, such as strength, endurance, and spirited temperament.
It has a similar appearance and ancestry to the other breeds of West Africa that are classified as West African Barb horses.
These horses are not well recognized for their appearance or breeding, despite having long histories.
This is not, however, because there is an absence of inherent potential; rather, it is because there is an absence of institutional management of bloodlines.
Riding stallions is seen as more noble in the culture, but breeding them takes too long and is very costly, therefore they are usually imported from other countries.
This causes a shortage of good mares in the region as well as poor Dongola stallion lineages.
The popularity of the breed is attributed to the King of Sennar (Sudan), who purchased a number of Dongola horses in 1772.
The King of Sennar (Sudan) described the Dongola horses as being of high quality and having the power of carriage horses, while still being light and free in their moves.
During the Italian-Abyssinian War, which took place in the late 19th century, the whole Ethiopian cavalry was mounted on Dongola horses.
Because of this, they gained widespread recognition and even had some sent to Germany and Ireland to help improve native breeds there.
Because of interbreeding with Barb and Arabian blood, there are sadly very few purebred Dongola horses still in existence today.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Dongolawi”, “Dongolah”
Temperament/Personality
Spirited, intelligent, courageous, energetic
Physical Characteristics
The head is big with a pronounced convex profile.
The chest is narrow and flat.
The back is long, with a flat croup.
The legs are thin and long.
Colors
Most commonly a deep, reddish bay, even though chestnut and black are also seen, white markings on the face and legs are common
Height (size)
15.0 – 15.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
General riding, it is often used in ceremonies and festivals beautifully presented in traditional costume
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Sudan
Ancestors
Iberian horses, Barb and/or Arabian (speculated)