What is a Moonwalker?

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A MoonWalker is a type of Warmblooded horse with a distinctly light build.  The Moonwalker we see today was the result of a collaboration of  multiple horse breeds beginning in the 17th century in Scotland. However enthusiasts say the predecessors of the Moonwalker can date back to the 10th century , scientific evidence of this proved quite slim. Originally a mix  of the "hotblooded" breeds, such as (still developing) English Thoroughbred(which consist of the time, of their native mares and stallions of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman breeding) and the Turkish "Golden horse"; the  Akhal Teke,  along with the Foundation Bloodstock Appaloosa, and with very light influences of the early "coldblooded" Clydesdale (or seen even further back, their father breed the Flemish stallion). Later on the breed was crossed with a multitude of Heavy Warmbloods such as the Alt-Oldenburger and Ostfriesen, then again with more modernized hotbloods to give the appearance of the breed today.

Despite the traces of Draft, these horses are mostly bare, growing little to no mane and tail.  Depending on the breeding, manes and tails are known to be of either average or sparse in fullness, and tend to not grow very long(when they do grow long it is uneven and thin). The breed's manes are usually roached standing between 1/4 inch to about 1 inch in height, or grown out just long enough to lay on the neck and to preserve fullness (about 3 - 3.5 inches)

Recent breeding, in hopes of buffing up the breed to attempt incorporating it into other disciplines, have added Fresian blood into the growing geno pool of the Moonwalker. Thus creating more of the classic warmblood look in addition to their lighter more "hotblooded" counterpart. The introduction of Fresian has increased the possibility of a thick and longer mane and vary sparse feathering along the ergot.

Breed characteristics

The breed is known for its angular face; triangular in shape, boxy muzzle, mostly seen from its appaloosa heritage.  the breed is also known for a protruding brow (its origins unknown) and its large expressive eyes, long ears, and a mouth that always seems to smile.  Their body is defined by a tall, thin neck; not too cresty, prominent withers, long back and loin, slim barrel, and high croup.

In conjunction with long legs, the breed also has large hooves, not often seen on light breeds.  These hooves are much lighter than any other hoof of their size. This is due to the fact that their hoof wall is much thinner and the hoof tends to be more hollow than than normal horse. Paring the lessened weight and large size, makes the Moonwalker far more stable at higher speeds.

However, a lighter hoof also calls for a lighter, specially made shoe, as normal shoes would be far too heavy and could result in serious and. or permanent hoof damage.  Another issue with a lighter hoof wall is also the higher tendency for the hoof to crack or chip. However, the best solution and preventative measure is proper hoof care.

Proper care must be taken before and after being ridden or else the Moonwalker could become lame.

The typical Moonwalker ranges from 15.2 to 17.0 hands (62 to 68 inches, 157 to 173 cm) high, averaging 16 hands (64 inches, 163 cm). They are most often Chestnut and Bay. Less common colors recognized in the United States include roan and palomino. White is very rare, but is a recognized color separate from gray.The Most common markings you will see in a Moonwalker are appaloosa, paint, or pintoloosa. At the same time Solid colors are also extremely common see, and usually carry bird catcher spots. Commonly mistaken for minimal snowflake appaloosa, breeders and scientists are trying to relate the spotted solid coat to a specific genotype. Good-quality Moonwalkers are classified among the "Warmblooded" breed, most commonly used in English eventing, and due to their build are usually confused with "hotbloods" which are animals bred for agility and speed and are generally considered spirited and bold.

Moonwalker history

The Moonwalker was originally called the Saxon light warmblood or the Irish lightblood, both names are still acceptable to use today. The name Moonwalker, was given to the breed due to the common spots on their body which to most seemed to resemble stars.

Originally Bred to be used as Saxon Calvary horses, the magistrate and nobility of the 1600's found pleasure in this breed often using them for recreational hunting.  Today the breed is used in English hunting (or hunter/jumper), cross country and military work due to their brave and intelligent nature, and ability to pick up speeds matching their hotblooded founders. The breed was also commonly used in the 1950's TV westerns, as stunt horses.

It was in the courts where a studbooks for this breeds was created where an estimated 13,000 purebred Moonwalkers were recorded in Scotland alone. the 17th century proved well for the breed as a favorite among of James VI King of Scots, and spread quickly throughout European nobility, reaching close to 50,000 by the end of the 18th century.  In the turn of the 20th century the studbook was officially closed due to dramatically dropping numbers of pure Moonwalkers.

Despite moments of popularity, today there is an even further decline in the breeds numbers estimating between 200 to 450 horses. In hopes of saving the breed, most Moonwalker breeds are going back to the breed's roots and crossing the modern day "grandchild foundation" stock to create a new starting linage of this proud and noble steed.
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