Fouta

A Fouta, also known as a Foutanké, is a breed of light horse from Senegal in West Africa. It is a composite of the Fleuve and M'Bayar breeds. [ [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/fouta/index.htm "Fouta"] . "Oklahoma State University". Referenced March 31, 2008.]

The M'Bayar is a pony breed from the Baol region of Senegal. It is thought to have evolved from the Barb. The M'Bayar is usually bay or chestnut in color. [ [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/mbayar/index.htm "M'Bayar"] . "Oklahoma State University". Referenced March 31, 2008.] The Fleuve is a light horse breed found in the Senegal area of western Africa. It was formed by crossing Barb horses with the local pony breed. [ [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/fleuve/index.htm "Fleuve"] . "Oklahoma State University". Referenced March 31, 2008.]

While most Senegalese horses are relatively lightly built, owing to their common Arabian ancestry, there are some more heavily framed animals. These prove less stressed by the constant pulling of heavily laden carts that is their daily labor.

It is important to see these time capsules, as the genetics are not affected by the huge distances of influence as are found in the Western world. Rather, these horses have remained largely the same, while the western world has bred the functionality out of many of their Arab-descent horses. Part of the reason for this may be that the Senegalese still rely upon these horses for their livelihood.

References