Horse
Breed Description:
The Lokai breed of horse is a mountainous breed that is extremely versatile. The Lokai horse is handsome and has a thick but symmetrical face, and a mane of moderate length. The neck is medium in length, but is compact and well muscled; terminating in a chest that is deep and wide. The Lokai is small and square in overall appearance, with very strong hindquarters and legs. The withers are moderate and slope down to a back that is short but compact. The front legs of the Lokai breed of horse are strong, straight, and have plenty of bone as required by the breed standard. The Lokai has a fine, wiry tail that is set and carried high, giving it a proud and active appearance. The Lokai’s coat is often textured, and may be any solid color, especially bay, chestnut, gray, and rarely, black or dun.
Temperament:
The Lokai is late to mature and therefore requires patience with training and development in its early years. However, upon maturity the Lokai breed of horse is exceptionally intelligent and can be easily adapted to a great multitude of uses. The Lokai excels in team events and sports, indicating a strong but cooperative herd attitude. The Lokai is a willing and able worker, can be used in light draught and pack work, and also makes an excellent saddle horse.
Height:
14 hh to 14.2 hh, with some specimens as tall as 15 hh
Health Problems:
The Lokai breed of horse is an exceptionally hardy animal and experiences few natural health problems. The Lokai has been bred for more than four hundred years to perform work in the mountainous regions of Tajikistan, and was specifically bred to be free from disease. However, the breed was later refined using Arabian, Tersk, and Thoroughbred blood. Because of these later introductions of imported horse breeds, the Lokai may be susceptible to diseases and conditions common to those specific breeds and their ancestors.
Origin:
In the sixteenth century, local tribesmen in the region that is now Tajikistan sought a horse that was hardy, sure footed, and suitable for a great many purposes. Local stock was bred with horses such as the Akhal-Teke, Karabair, Iomud, and others, creating a hardy pack and light draught animal that served the local farmers and tribesmen well for hundreds of years. Refinement of the breed occurred later, when more athleticism and endurance was sought in the breed. Today the Lokai is used predominantly under the saddle and in the dangerous game of koki-par. Despite the great differences in appearance and conformation between specimens, the Lokai is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, as it is being used to develop new horse breeds in its native homeland of Tajikistan. 