Hutul Horses of the Romanian Carpathians
Photographer Manuela Stefan takes us to meet the Hutul horses in the Northern Carpathians in Romania.
I was born and grew up in Romania. I often travel back to visit my family and friends. Last December was a bit different. I went home with the intention of finding and photographing some horses roaming free in the Southern Romanian forests. I was detoured. Prior to my arrival, my dear mother watched a documentary on the Hutul horses from the Northern Carpathians, and she felt the subject might interest me.
Romanian Hutul Stallion: ‘Molid’. The Hutuls are native to the region northeast of the Carpathians.
I did my research, discovered Lucina Stables and decided to travel to the other end of the country, close to the Ukrainian border. The adventure exceeded my expectations.
Horses have always been a big part of the Romanian people’s lives. In many areas of the country, men and their four legged partners are intimately connected, and the animals are indispensable in most households.
Lucina Stables in the Romanian Carpathians. The Hutul horses are called an ideal mountain breed, known for being strong, sensible, and sure-footed.
I mention this while staying faithful to the threads that tie my equine stories and photographs together–– depicting horses’ vibrant spirit and reflecting their desire to run free, regardless of their circumstances.
Hutul mares at Lucina Stables. The Hutul breed is also called the Carpathian Pony.
The locals from the North are extremely proud of these horses, which are so relevant to their existence in the area. Lucina Stables’ crew makes sustained efforts to preserve the breed by carefully and selectively working with the blood lines.
Romanian man and Hutul stallion.
Lucina Stables were first opened in the 1850′s by the Austrian Colonel Martin Von Hermman for the equine needs of the Austrian army. The Hutul horses are still raised there to this day and are known for their exceptional adaptability, strength and agility.
Lucina Stables mares running free.
With the exception of the breeding stallions, the horses at Lucina roam free in very large paddocks with creeks flowing through. They seem to be more aware of their free nature and they are connected with each other in a herd context, while exploring their natural environment. It is quite refreshing to witness.
I was able to enjoy the company of almost 60 horses, most of which were gestating mares expected to foal this spring. The energy around the group was simply extraordinary.
Hutul horses coming in for grain.
During my stay, one mare kept following me around to the point where I could not even take photos as she was beside me all the time. Before leaving, I went to say goodbye to my four-legged friends. She came to me, and while I was caressing her face, more of her friends joined and it all turned into a strange, beautiful, emotional procession. I was overwhelmed and had tears rolling down my face. I did not want to go!
The experience truly brought my artistic vision to a new level. It shifted the way I look at my equine work and is already helping me imagine new adventures.
A gorgeous Hutul mare.
About the Author and Photographer: Manuela Stefan is a Toronto based lifestyle and equine photographer with a keen eye for capturing the spirit of the horse in interesting locations worldwide. Her love for travel and horses has brought her to spectacular locations in France, Romania, Canada and the U.S. She has exhibited her large format equine images in Toronto and Collingwood, Ontario and Montana. Her adventures continue. Check out her Equine Blog and find her on Facebook and Twitter @GracefulHorses.
