Horse
Pronunciation:
a-buh-SIN-ee-uhn
Breed Description:
The Abyssinian breed of horse comes from Ethiopia; this breed is likely one of the world’s oldest. It is the size of a large pony, but is considered a light horse breed. It was originally bred for strength, so that it could be used as a pack horse and work under harness in the harsh mountain terrain. The Abyssinian breed of horse is sometimes called the "Gala". Through the centuries, this horse appeared on the plains of Ethiopia and along the coast of the Red Sea, where it was used as a work and pleasure horse. The Abyssinian breed of horse arrived in England in 1861. The English, fascinated by the natural rosette pattern and ridges in its hair, worked through breeding programs to popularize the breed and to improve the rosettes and ridges. Today there is much variation in the size, conformation and color in the Abyssinian breed of horse, due to centuries of diluted bloodlines. The coat of this breed is short, with patches of hair laying in many different directions at the same time, forming the curious "rosettes". The coat may be of any color. The eyes of the Abyssinian breed of horse are usually green. This horse is a good all around horse: good in hot weather and in a variety of difficult climates and altitudes. It is used in work, pleasure and show.
Temperament:
The Abyssinian breed of horse can be strong-minded but is very willing.
Height:
Averages 13.0-14.0 hands, or 52"-56" at the withers.
Living Conditions:
The Abyssinian breed of horse can withstand a variety of harsh climates, from the cold, rough, high altitude of mountains to the hot plains of semi-desert.
Grooming:
The unusually harsh coat of the Abyssinian breed of horse is difficult to groom. Because the hair lays in many patterns, time and care must be taken to regularly rid the coat of any dirt and debris which may accumulate.
Origin:
The mountains of Ethiopia. 