The Ojibwe Horse of Canada is making a remarkable return; as few as 125 years ago, the breed was considered extinct. But thanks to a concerted effort by conservationists, the rare and majestic animal has been brought back to life.
The Ojibwe Horse is a distinct breed that is believed to have descended from the horses of the Great Plains tribes. It is a small horse, with an average height ranging from 13 to 14 hands and a muscular frame, broad chest, and a sturdy build. The horses are noted for their strength and agility, making them well suited for the terrain of their native Canada.
The breed was declared extinct in 1899, but in the early 2000s, a small herd of Ojibwe horses was discovered in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The herd, descended from the animals that once roamed the Great Plains, had been maintained by the Ojibwe people for centuries.
The discovery of the Ojibwe horses sparked a passionate conservation effort. Initiatives to protect and preserve the rare breed were launched by organizations such as the Humble Horse of Western Wisconsin, the Ojibwe Horse Conservation of Minnesota, and the Sahan Journal in Minneapolis.
The conservation efforts have included tracking and monitoring the horses, providing medical care to them, and educating the public on the importance of preserving the Ojibwe horse. The organizations have also worked hard on raising awareness of the breed to ensure its survival, with the goal of eventually increasing the population.
In addition to the conservation efforts, some Ojibwe people have begun to breed their own horses, taking steps to ensure the breed’s survival. The Sahan Journal reported on one such effort, which saw Ojibwe people in Minnesota breed their horses for the first time in over a century.