Carpathian
Buffalo

The Carpathian buffalo is a friendly, intelligent, and strong animal that loves communication, nature, and open spaces. A majestic and very calm animal, it has long been present in almost every local homestead.

«There are different buffaloes. This one, a Carpathian, is very smart. He has a completely different consciousness than a Bulgarian, for example. The Carpathian buffalo is a friend. He must be handled with care. He is like a Ukrainian elephant. He remembers everything, he has his own character. A buffalo will never give milk if you are not friends. You need to communicate with her; she is not a stupid cow or goat, she has her own personality.» — from materials on ukrainer.net

Originally from India, buffaloes have adapted perfectly to life in the Carpathians. Their beautiful fur and hardy appetite make the Carpathian buffalo unique. They are known for their exceptional strength and have been traditionally used by the local population as traction power for transporting heavy loads and plowing.

Buffalo milk is also considered special, with a fat content of about 8–12%. This milk is highly valued among connoisseurs and is considered healing due to its high vitamin content and easy digestibility for the human body.

The survival conditions of Carpathian buffaloes have never been easy, but they have always been able to live in symbiosis with humans. Over time, people and buffaloes became dependent on each other.

Today, the population of Carpathian buffalo has dropped to a dangerous level, so it is urgent to take measures to ensure their story doesn't end.

Help us ensure that there are more Carpathian buffaloes.

Michel Jacobi and his Carpathian buffaloes: Ukraїner

Researchers consider the Carpathian Hutan to be one of the oldest European horse breeds and suggest that it is a direct descendant of the Tarpan, an extinct European wild horse.

Hutans are considered small mountain-type horses (height at withers 125–144 cm). The horse's body is massive, the forms are rounded, and the constitution is strong. They have a medium-sized head with a broad forehead, straight or slightly curved profile, and a thick short neck. Distinctive features of the Hutan breed include a dark stripe along the spine and zebra-like stripes on the legs. Their mane and tail are usually dark, and the coat color ranges from cream to brown, sometimes gray. In impassable off-road conditions, these horses are versatile for both riding and traction. The uniqueness of Hutans lies in their smooth gait – they don't gallop like other horses, but seem to float gracefully over the ground.

Hutsul Horse

Strong, hardy, intelligent, reliable — such is the loyal friend and partner of the Hutsul, the «Hutan». This is an ancient breed of Hutsul horses, praised and glorified in folk art.

«The horse is the only one capable of carrying blocks of bryndza cheese and butter from far-away meadows along steep, narrow paths. Everyone rides a horse in the Hutsul region because the roads are rocky, the mountains are steep, and the spaces are vast. A Hutsul woman spins wool in the saddle, a mother rock her child. As soon as a child is born, they are symbolically placed on a horse. A horse will carry even a blind or sleeping man safely home. An old proverb says: "If it weren't for the Hutsul horse, the mountains would become a wilderness."» — Vlad Maria Mykolayivna, «Book of Hutsul Customs and Beliefs»

«Hutsul women could calmly do needlework or weave wool while their horse took care of the road. Sick or intoxicated people were always brought home safe and sound by their horses. They could independently deliver barrels of cheese or butter from the pasture to their destination. Even suspension bridges over valleys were not an obstacle. When a horse felt a wolf or a bear nearby, it would immediately warn its owner. The horse was always friendly and obedient with children.» — Senkiv Ivan, «Pastoral Culture of the Hutsuls»

Today, the Hutan horse is under protection and is considered an endangered breed. Therefore, it is extremely important that these wonderful animals have the opportunity to live and develop in the Carpathian Mountains.

Let's make sure that there are more Hutans.

CarpathianBuffalo

Michel Jacobi and his Carpathian buffaloes: Ukraїner

Hutsul Horse

Carpathian
Buffalo