One year Tarpans in the Eastern Rhodopes

Exactly one year ago, 12 Tarpans arrived in Bulgaria and were released in the Eastern Rhodopes - near the abandoned village of Sbor, Municipality of Krumovgrad. The Tarpan is a rebreed of wild horses that have lived hundreds of years ago in Europe.

The arrival and the reintroduction of the horses was conducted by New Thracian Gold project. The first year is crucial for the initiative. In the spring of 2012, four foals were born, which proves how successful the reintroduction kick-off was. The first two foals were named at an official ceremony in April 2012 during the first ever Tarpan Days. The Tarpans adapted well to the Rhodopean climate. When visiting Sbor, we can witness how happy they are.

Those horses are the offspring of a free living population. In the first 1,5 year in Bulgaria the Tarpans are fenced for appropriate habituation to the Rhodopean wilderness.

When the horses are accustomed to Bulgarian nature, they shall be released to the wild. Their role in Eastern Rhodopean nature will be the same as in ancient times: to graze the wild vegetation, to mold the wilderness and to support a natural ecosystem. Wild Tarpans have a reputation of being tough and easily adapted to the harsh conditions of semi-open wilderness landscapes.

The Eastern Rhodopean Tarpans became already an attraction for tourist and artists.

The Eastern Rhodopean Tarpans are very friendly and curious to people. We advise you, however, not to come any closer than 25 meters, not to disturb and feed them.

See here photos of the Bulgarian Tarpans from September 2012

See here Tarpan photo by Alexandra Lozanova

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