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Horseman Pouters

A true Scottish breed of Thief Pouter

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Original article on Horseman Counterfeits in the US

The origin of the Horseman Thief Pouter is a mystery but many believe the breed was originally created as a cross between a Continental type Pouter and the now extinct breed known as the Horseman. The ancient Horseman is said to have looked somewhere between a Carrier and a Dragoon. It was a swift flying breed. The original cross was called the "Powting Horseman" which is how the name "Horseman Pouter" began. It is very possible that the birds came through Spain to Scotland in the 17th or 18th Century. But it is also possible that the breed was created in Scotland by crossing the Norwich Cropper with the Racing Pigeon. The earliest reference that can be found is from Thomas Moore when he refers to the breed in 1735 when he says, “The Norwich Cropper appears to be a derivative of the Powting Horseman.” The actual word Horseman is the Scottish word for Highway Robber and the birds were originally used to catch food (in the form of other pigeons) for the table. 

Countless Fanciers in Scotland today fly Horseman Pouters in competition, with the aim of capturing other Flyers' birds. This has been common practice in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh for many years. The sport has it's origins in Spain and different versions with, essentially, the same basic principles being practiced in cities around the world. The sport consists of the the cock or hen enticing by a variety of strategies, a rival bird back to its home loft. Upon entering the loft, it is captured and becomes the property of the capturer. Seduction is the most common method. A hen in a particularly attractive condition seduces another person's amorous cock back to her loft or to his, depending on which one wins. 

A quote from Jimmy Dolier's book, "Horseman Pouters," on page 80 says the Horseman is made up of one part Racing Homer with three parts Pouter. Horseman should not only have the abilities to seduce other Pigeons and bring them back to their home loft without being lured away them selves, but be strong fliers and have a great Homing instinct.

The breed has an upright stance, upright and round crop and relatively long legs. They are not as extreme as some of the Pouter breeds i.e. Norwich and Brunners, which gives them the streamlined look of the flying breed that they are. The main focus in breeding is put on drive, intent, and ability to seduce and thieve other pigeons, which results in a great temperament in the loft, show pen and in flying and clapping around outside in the yard. The Pouter breeds in general are very promiscuous birds and the Horseman Pouter is even more so. They have been selected for flying stamina, brains and the urge to mate, which makes them real characters in the loft, show pen and outside. There's never a dull moment with a Horseman around.

Today working and exhibition birds are probably Scotland’s national breed, with their popularity constantly growing with entries of 200-300 Horseman at some of the larger shows. 

The standard calls for self colored and Grizzles for exhibition, the Pied pattern is a fault. I try and breed all of my Horseman to the standard and they must have a working temperament. The Horseman is truly a great breed of pigeon with an outstanding personality that results from the selective breeding of these working abilities. Even if you have no desire to work this breed, they make fabulous pets and show birds because of this built in temperament.

The Horseman has been introduced into North America a few years back and is growing in popularity with some being exhibited at all the major shows. 

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