Crazy Alphabet Challenge (with a twist): the letter J: Jument

source of the photo above:  https://thehorse.com/162816/what-is-a-foundation-mare/ 

As the photo above depicts so well, a « jument » is a mare in English, thus she is the female in the equine world. The young one beside the mare is named a foal in English but a « poulain » (the male) and « pouliche » (the female) in French. 

DId you know there are 391 breeds of horses, including donkeys, as of 2011 according to the French Equine and Equestrian Institute. The International Equestrian Federation classifies the different breeds of horses into three main types: 1) riding or saddle horses which are mounted, 2) work horses, 3) poneys which are horses below 1,48 m or 4.9 feet in height. 

Personally, I just love horses. They are elegant, grand looking and usually friendly. Some of the most beautiful breeds of horses and « juments » are these below: the Morgan horse, which is one of the first primary horses developed in the United States, They served as coach horses and cavalry horses making them very versatile.

Next is this handsome fellow: the Marwari. It is differentiated from the other breeds by its inward curved ears. They were and still are bred in the Marwar region of India. They were used as cavalry horses and are a mixture of Arabian horses and Indian ponies.

Now comes the Haflinger originally bred in Austria and Northern Italy. They are a very hardy type of horse with great muscle mass and can climb just about whatever terrain they have to. 

Another gorgeous horse is the Appaloosa originally bred by the Nez-Percés Indians in the United States. These hardy and spirited horses were well suited for hunting, battling etc as they are spirited and well proportioned. They are also easily identified due to their distinctive markings.

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The next horse is known just by its name, the Mustang. They are generally referred to as feral horses or wild horses. Nonetheless when they are domesticated, they become a rider’s best sure footed friend. 

Next is one of the oldest breed ever: the Akhal-Teke originally from Turkmenistan. They have quite a sheen on their fur and body which earned them the name of « Golden Horses ». Despite their seemingly fragile body they are still sturdy and capable of enduring very harsh climates.

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The next horse is known throughout the world just with its name: the Andalusian. They are the « Pure Spanish horse » having been bred exclusively in the Iberian peninsula. They are considered war horses but also diplomatic horses as they were used by diplomats throughout Europe prior to the trains and cars. 

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Next comes a different type of horse which was officially recognized as a breed in 1998. Here is the gorgeous Gypsy Horse. Unlike its name, the Gypsy Horse is native to the British Isles and Ireland. They were the horses of the Roma (gypsies) of Great Britain and Ireland where they were used to pull their carts etc. These horses are simply gorgeous because of their feather like fur from mane to toes. Have a look at the next picture for this beautiful specimen of a horse.

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The Arabian horse is also considered one of the oldest breed in the world. They have strong bones, have a high tail carriage (distinct to the breed) and are recognized for their speed and endurance making them excellent race horses. 

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Next is another unusual type horse: the Friesian. They originated in the Netherlands. They are quite big horses and were often used in the Medieval times during the Crusades to carry the Crusaders and their heavy armour. And even though the Friesian are quite big, they are still nimble and remarquably quick. 

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Now coming back to the « jument », the word comes originally from the latin « jumentum » which later becomes « jumenta ». The pronunciation of the word « jument » is rather simple for us French. The first part « ju » sounds like the first part of the word « june » in English. The « ment » sounds like I do not know what in English. The only thing I can tell you is that the « t » at the end of the word « jument » is not pronounced. Sorry about that. 

This concludes this week’s word starting with the letter « j ». Next comes the « k ». See you again next week.