Horse Search
Navigation
Popular Breeds
More About ...
Altais
Altai Horses
The Altai Horse
Among the various mountainous breeds of horses that have survived over
the years, Altai is one of the most commonly seen horses. The horse
breed gets its name from the region of its origin, these horses
originated in the Altai Mountains of central Asia. Due to the influence
of the surroundings on them, the Altais can survive on a year round
pasture grazing. Initially, it was the tribesmen and the nomads who
bred these horses for the various uniquely gifted characteristics that
this breed of horses possesses. It is one of the best breeds of horses
when it comes to climbing steep mountains.
The Altai horses are medium sized horses and do not have a lot of
distinctive physical characteristics either. If observed closely it can
be seen that the Altais have a comparatively fatter and shorter neck
and a long but dipped back. Their short legs are a feature that helps
them climb mountains and cover rocky terrains with great ease and
balance. They are known to have a great cardiovascular, respiratory,
skeletal and muscular system. The most common Altai horses have skin
colors like chestnut, bay, black and grey. Some of them also have spots
on their skin. These horses are about 13.2-13.3 tall and have a very
well built structure.
A lot of nomads and tribal communities in the mountainous regions of
central Asia depend on these horses for various tasks to be performed.
In order to increase the strength and the abilities of the horse they
have been known to be cross bred with a variety of other breeds. The
crosses with pure breeds have led to the upcoming of bigger and better
Altai breeds; these prove to be more efficient as they still retain the
best of health in the harsh conditions, a characteristic that is
peculiar to the Altai horses. These varieties are also bred by many for
the increased mass of meat and flesh that they supply.
The Altais have also been a breed that has been of great importance to
the development of civilization in the areas around central Asian
region. More importantly they have served as the most reliable and
efficient source of transportation in a region that is full of
mountains, fast flowing rivers and streams.
Looking at the other breeds and comparing them with the Altai horses it
would be difficult to find another breed that has been able to help men
as well as has possessed an identity for its own for so long. Nor are
there many horses that can stand the amount of harsh climatic
conditions as the Altais. It might be one of the commonly found horses
or can be widely seen but the characteristics of the breed that
separate it from many others, are its enormous grit and ability to
survive and grow in conditions that are unfavorable. It is probably a
one of its kind and it would be very difficult to find a horse breed
that can match up with the qualities of an Altai.
Follow Us
