Horse
Pronunciation:
Mon-goal-ee-an
Breed Description:
The Mongolian breed of horse (or pony) still roams in the wild. However the Mongolians use domesticated horses for general riding, and for racing competitions. Nomadic Mongolians use them to carry their goods and as a means of transport in the Himalayas.
Horses in general are greatly cherished in Mongolian culture, especially by the nomads, as they are used for their daily livelihood. Nomads are considered wealthy if they have many horses.
The breed has a primitive genetic background and it is known for its stamina and hardiness.
The mane and tails of these horses are very long, and often the strands are used for violin bows and rope braiding. They are short legged horses, but very stocky in build. They have very strong and hardy feet, and usually go barefoot, not needing horse shoes.
The milk of Mongolian mares' is processed and used in the national beverage Airag. Sometimes the animals are slaughtered for meat, if cattle, sheep or any other source of food is available.
Temperament:
The Mongolian breed of horse is normally a free roaming horse with a typically primitive herd temperament. Those used for riding are generally calm, friendly and reliable. They are also energetic and responsive.
Height:
The Mongolian breed of horse is small and grows to between 12 and 14 hands, which makes it between 48 and 56 inches at the wither.
Weight:
The Mongolian breed of horse weighs in at around 800 pounds, according to its height.
Health Problems:
The Mongolian breed of horse has no specific health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Mongolian breed of horse is used to roaming free and will happily live outdoors all year round. They can handle harsh conditions, for instance in summer when temperatures get to 86°F (30°C) and in winter when it is well below freezing.
Exercise:
The Mongolian breed of horse gets plenty of exercise in the wild. When domesticated and used for racing they need to be kept fit.
Life Expectancy:
The Mongolian breed of horse normally lives to around 20 to 25 years.
Grooming:
The Mongolian breed of horse is mainly a wild horse, living outdoors and has no special grooming requirements.
Origin:
The Mongolian breed of horse is thought to be descended from the Asiatic Wild Horse. However its exact origins are difficult to determine. The nomads of Mongolia and central Asia have been riding on horseback since 2000 BC, so it is very likely that they are descended from ancient breeds. 