Unboxing a very special Schleich horse! Przewalski's horse breed, retired Schleich, model horse unboxing
May 14, 2025
I can not believe this day! 💕🐎 About a week ago I ordered a Schleich horse that does not come by for sale very often, and she was the Schleich Przewalski's horse! This little girl came to me all the way from Italy, FYI I live in Europe. I think equine history is such a big part of what the horse community is like today and it's only fair to take a moment and appreciate the prehistoric horses.
The Przewalski's horse, scientific name being Equus caballus przewalskii, also known as the takhi meaning "spirit" or "worthy of worship", was long believed to be the only remaining genetically wild horse. However, the last completely untamed exemplar was last seen in 1968. The breed was conserved in specialized centers which struggled to keep the species prosperous due to the breed's increased number of chromosomes (strands of DNA). Because of this centers were forced to only breed within their captive exemplars, which rapidly shrunk their numbers. The population's numbers shrank to nine exemplars but it was saved by the finding of one last wild mare. Now there are around 1,200 exemplars who have been reintroduced to the wild lands of Mongolia where they first originated. Tests have been run on the current takhi horses and results have shown that they are, in fact, extremely similar to a domesticated horse breed known as the Botai which indicates they are not entirely pure takhi.
Przewalski horses stand at 12-14 hands high. Their coat is dun with panagré features and primitive horse markings. Their hooves have adapted to Mongolia's rough terrain accommodating thicker soles and sharper hooves to dig for water. Their tail has a longer dock and these horses have no forelock. They mainly feed on grass, like modern horses, but they will also enjoy bark, leaves, and buds. Although the Przewalski's horse has a complicated history, they are very special and smart! I definitely have a soft spot for them 😊
I give a shout out to the ebay seller who shipped this model to me well packaged, and who kept her in such a good condition. She is new with tag. I'm going to let you watch her unboxing video and will then come back with more details about my impression, her photoshoot, and her new name, as I'm trying to keep the video short. Credit for the book in the thumbnail and backdrop of the video goes to The Horse Encyclopedia by DK. Such an amazing book, full of must know information about horse history, an extensive breed catalog, and horse care.
I am honestly impressed. Schleich has done an amazing job with her shading, her pose, and all her details. She is a great representation of the Przewalski's horse. I think the more detailed eyes and fluffy mane really suit her. Although she is new with tag, she was touched in a couple spots. Especially on her nose. That does not bother me, however, as it's straight on the muzzle and it looks kind of like a snip.
I decided to name this sweet girl Italy! I've been waiting to name a horse Italy and how can I deny an opportunity ❤
I hope you enjoyed the unboxing and Italy's first photoshoot! Maybe you learned something new about the Przewalski's horse. You will definitely be seeing Italy again. I'm so happy to have her in my collection!
