The oldest Texas (4 months), the middle Mustang (2.5 months) and the youngest one-and-a-half-month-old Thesora - these foals added drive and pleasant care to the staff of the Center for Breeding and Preservation of Wild Tarpan Horses. The head of the center Maria Antonenko said that the foals feel great, grow well and enjoy the expanses of Yavoriv National Nature Park. In total, the center already cares for nine descendants of tarpans. One stallion Troll - the father of all newborn foals - and five mares.
© Ostap Protsyk
Wild tarpans once inhabited the forests and steppes of Eurasia en masse, but gradually human influence led to their complete extinction. Later, breeding scientists in Poland, where, as in Ukraine, lived the last of the tarpans, decided to restore the species. They did it this way: they searched the villages for horses that were born from mixed "marriages" of tarpans and domestic horses. And then, by mating with each other, they sought offspring that increasingly resembled their ancestors, until they achieved the closest possible result to the original. The tarpan-like descendant of wild ancestors was named the Polish grasshopper.
In 2009, Polish colleagues from the Roztochan National Park, where tarpans are bred, presented their Ukrainian colleagues with three horses - a stallion Troll (you've heard about him - he is an active dad) and two mares - Turnia and Mika.
© Ostap Protsyk
These grasshoppers are really different from their relatives. They are more hardy, not afraid of bad weather, not picky about food - they can even eat bark. In winter, overgrown with thick fur, which is shed in summer. And despite having the genes of wild ancestors, they work well with humans. They can ride children and help in the household, - says Maria Antonenko.
Where do grasshoppers live?
The center for breeding and conservation of wild tarpan horses is located on the eco-farm Mochary. This is an amazing space, where there are also goats and wild boars. There is also a recreation area with a fireplace, a place for a bonfire on the street, houses for overnight stays and places for tents. There is also an apiary.
There is a museum of antiquities on site.
You can come here for the whole day or for the weekend.
What to eat?
We advise you to order from the local hostess Yavoriv pie with borscht and pancakes with cheese. Very tasty! Tasted and heartily advise 🙂
Food must be ordered in advance, contacts - at the end of the publication.
Or you can take food with you.
What for children?
You can order a master class on making wax candles or painting a Yavoriv toy. You can also ride horses with our instructors.
Is it possible to spend the night?
Yes, there are houses and places for tents.
Contacts:
03259 3-31-35, 096 714 18 53 - Mariya
How to get there?
In the village of Dubrovytsia - turn to the landfill. You have to climb four kilometers on that bad road and turn right twice without entering the landfill. This way you will get to the Mochary tract, where the recreation center is located.
How to get there?
You can choose to walk. Start your journey along the main European watershed.