Horse
Breed Description:
The Hirzai breed of horse, also known as the Hirsai, is a rare breed that is currently under protection by Pakistani officials. Breeding of this horse in its native land is performed only under strict local regimentation. Typically utilized for pleasure and transportation riding purposes, the Hirzai also makes an excellent light draught animal. Prominent physical characteristics of the Hirzai breed of horse include ears that are set far apart on the side of the head, giving the appearance of a large forehead. The withers and are significantly rounded and are quite thick overall. The limbs of the Hirzai are strong, balanced, well-proportioned, and situated squarely underneath the animal, making it capable of a multitude of uses, although numerous enthusiasts report a lack of strength in the rear legs. Shoulders are powerful and slope downward, supporting a medium-sized neck.
Temperament:
Very little information about the Hirzai breed of horse escapes its native land of Baluchistan, Pakistan. The Hirzai is a lively and very willing breed that possesses great stamina, and is sometimes used in endurance races. The Hirzai can reportedly work and survive for long periods of time without water; a necessary feature in the arid land of Pakistan. Due to the high likelihood of theft, the Hirzai has lived in close proximity to people since the breed’s inception, which has created a friendly, lively animal that is accustomed to working closely with both adults and children. As children are often put to work at a young age in Pakistan, the Hirzai breed is accustomed to being worked and ridden by young people, and thus possesses a temperament that is docile and quite willing in nature.
Height:
15 hh to 15.5 hh, with some variations
Health Problems:
The Hirzai breed of horse is a hardy animal that is capable of subsisting on very little feed and water. There are no reported health problems with the breed, but care must be taken not to overwork the breed, as it will continue to work hard long after its health has begun to deteriorate.
Origin:
The origin of the Hirzai breed of horse spans approximately 200 years. Local Baluchistani brood mares were reportedly mated with royal Arabian stallions, creating a hardy breed that was light, fast, and hard-working. Examples of the breed outside of the Baluchistan region of Pakistan are practically non-existent. Today the breed is typically owned by the wealthy and those who are in power in the region. According to the Baluchistan District Gazetteer Series, Volume 3, the Hirzai breed of horse is was owned almost exclusively by the Rind family, and is considered a horse of great fame in the region. For this reason, the Hirzai is a protected and revered animal in its native land. 