Other names Spiti Pony Higher classification Horse | Country of origin India Rank Breed | |
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Distinguishing features Male height: 125 cmFemale height: 100 cmMale weight: 185 kgFemale weight: 160 kg Similar | ||
The Spiti Horse is a breed of small mountain horse or pony from Himachal Pradesh in northern India. It takes its name from the Spiti River, and is found mainly in the Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts of the state.
Contents
The population of the Spiti breed was reported in 2004 as 4000; the population was thought to be in rapid decline, and in urgent need of conservation.:76 In 2007 its conservation status was recorded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as "not at risk".
Breeding
In the Spiti region the traditional method of management of breeding is for a group of villages to use only one stallion to cover all the mares; a different stallion is used each year.:7
Characteristics
The Spiti Horse has some similarity to Mongolian and Tibetan breeds;:201 genetic diversity analysis shows it to be close to the Zanskari, which occupies a similar range in the Himalaya. Some interchange between the two breeds is documented.:5 The Spiti breed, however, is less well adapted to very high altitudes.
It is a small, sturdy mountain horse, well adapted to the harsh environment of the Himalaya. It is fast and sure-footed on mountain terrain, moves safely on ice, and has good stamina and resistance to cold and to disease.:76 It is used both as a pack animal and for riding.:76 The usual coat colours are bay, black, piebald and grey.:77