East Bulgarian

East Bulgarian

East Bulgarian mare and foal in Kabiuk, near Shumen
Other names	Източнобългарски кон
Country of origin	Bulgaria
Equus ferus caballus

The East Bulgarian is an elegantly built warmblood breed of horse that developed over the last 100 years. They are used mainly for under saddle and light draft work, and are well-suited for a variety of competitive sports, ranging from dressage to eventing.

History

The East Bulgarian began to be developed at the end of the 19th century at the "Kabiuk" stud farm (former Vassil Kolarov) near Shumen and at stud farm in Bozhurishte near Sofia, in Bulgaria, by crossing local horses with Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, Thoroughbreds and English half-breds. Once established, only additional Thoroughbred blood was added to improve the breed's quality. They were officially recognized as a breed in 1951.

Breed characteristics

An East Bulgarian in profile.

The East Bulgarian generally stands 15 to 16 hands (60 to 64 inches, 152 to 163 cm) high, and is usually chestnut, black, or bay. Typically, East Bulgarians have quiet but energetic temperaments and are nicely put together, with good conformation. In appearance, they have a fine head with a straight profile that is well set onto an elegant, muscular neck. The withers are prominent, and they have strong shoulders, a full and deep chest, a straight, long back, a slightly sloping croup, and well-made, though muscular, legs.