Heck

The Heck horse looks like the extinct wild horse called the Tarpan and is colloquially known as this name. The breed was actually developed by German zoologists names Lutz Heck and Heinz Heck, who were attempting to bring back the Tarpan. To do so, the Hecks bred horses and ponies that were believed to be descendents of the extinct horse. Thus, they used the Icelandic horse, Gotland, Konik, and the wild Przewalski’s horse. Their breeding program resulted in colts that were eventually known as Heck horses. Many were sent to the United States, where they were further bred and used for riding and light driving. Some breeders have crossed the Hecks with other breeds, like the Arabian and Thoroughbred, to attain bigger horses while maintaining primitive characteristics. When it comes to appearance, Heck horses come with coats in dun or grullo. They do not have white markings, but do have primitive markings, like the dorsal stripe and zebra patterns. With big heads and strong legs, this breed is high stepping. With rather strong hooves, it does not usually need shoeing. They are comfortable to ride. Further, when it comes to temperament, they are calm and sociable. These curious and clever horses have independent characters.