Horse
Pronunciation:
ahl-TAY
Breed Description:
The Altai breed of horse comes from the southern Siberian area of Asia. The Altai region lies where China Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan come together. The Altai breed of horse is short of stature but strong and hardy. It has a rather dished face, large head, and a thick neck. The Altai breed of horse has short cannon bones, which give it the overall appearance of being short-legged. The coat may be black, bay, chestnut, gray, or a striking leopard Appaloosa. The Altai breed of horse was bred for life out in the elements of a harsh climate, and for travel over rough mountain terrain; consequently it is sure-footed, and has generally good health. Its feet tend to be naturally strong, hard and healthy. After generations of being bred for mountain life, the Altai breed of horse has unusually strong lungs, heart, and leg tendons and muscles.
Height:
Averages 13.2 to 14.0 hands, or 54" to 56" at the withers.
Health Problems:
Management of the Altai breed of horse is generally quite easy. Occasionally conformation defects occur in the form of sloping pasterns or bowed hocks.
Living Conditions:
The Altai breed of horse was originally bred to live a life of outdoor grazing year round in a harsh climate. This breed adapts well to pasture life.
Origin:
The Altai breed of horse comes from the central mountainous region of Asia, where it was bred by nomads to be used for travel over harsh terrain, and to live comfortably out in pasture all year round. 