Conservation, Breeding and Breeding goals of the “Dülmener Wildpferd” throughout the past centuries

Abstract

This thesis discusses the history of genetic conservation in the horse breed “Dülmener Wildpferde”. The challenges and problems the population and people caring for them and also the human influence on the herd is presented. The changes in their habitat, style of breeding and the breeding goals throughout centuries from the first known source till today are laid out. Reorientations and decisions of the people caring for the herd and their influence is shown in multiple examples. The maintenance of the breed and the used stallions and associated breeding goals are discussed. A special focus is put on the development of the breed from the beginning to the middle of the past century which was characterised by big changes in the orientation of the breed.