- Altai (horse)
The Altai is a
horse breed developed in theAltai Mountains of Central Asia.Characteristics
The Altai has a head with a slightly dished profile , set on a relatively short neck. They have a strong back , a well-developed croup, and short cannon bones. They stand an average of 13.2 - 13.3 hands high, and their coat colors are chestnut, bay, black, gray, and sometimes leopard
Appaloosa .Crossing Altais with other breeds usually results in larger, stronger horses that still retain the healthiness and easy management of the Altai. In the past, the Altai has been crossed with Lithuanian, Russian, and
Soviet Heavy Draft horses to produce a new breed for meat productioncite web
title = Altai
url = http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/altai
work = Oklahoma State University
accessmonthday=December 20 | accessyear=2007] .Breed history
The Altai has been influenced significantly by the harsh climate in which it was developed and the need for survival on only year-round pasture grazing. They were bred for the characteristics most needed by the mountain tribesmen and nomads, including strong cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems. They are also surefooted over steep mountain trails.
References
* http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/altai/
* "International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" - written by Bonnie Hendricks - page 13
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