Altai
Intro
One of most ancient breeds of Siberia, the Altai has been raised for centuries and has always been indispensable to the nomads and tribesmen of the area.
Origins
This breed takes it’s name from the Altai mountains in Southern Siberia and like many breeds in unforgiving climates, they are built solid and surefooted. These animals have always been relied on to carry people and other precious cargo over mountainous terrain and through fast moving rivers.
Early in the 20th century different bloodlines were introduced to the altai stock, which resulted in larger animals with more capacity for work.
Through the years there has been a constant introduction of new blood into the Altai bloodlines, however a portion of the breed is always bred pure to maintain their ancient gene pool.
In fact, there are still small bands of aboriginal horses in some regions of the Upper Altai and their physical charactoristcs retain many of the qualities of their ancestors.
Features
Average height 13.2 – 13.3 hands
Perform well under adverse conditions
Surefooted and tough
Hardy and undemanding animals
Physique
Large, coarse head with small eyes
Short, fleshy neck and
long, dipped back
Legs are short and well-set
Feet and strong and sound
Traditional Colors
black | chestnut | grey | bay
Leopard pattern is rare
Temperament
Stable & sensible animals
Strong & true
Hard workers
Easy to care for
Use
Trekking animals
Beasts of burden
Riding horses
Meat
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