The Spiti Horse is a breed of small mountain horse or pony from Himachal Pradesh in northern India.[4] It takes its name from the Spiti River, and is found mainly in the Kullu,[5] Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts of the state.[6]
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Country of origin | India |
Distribution | Himachal Pradesh |
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The origins of the Spiti Horse are unknown.[7] It takes its name from the Spiti River, and is found mainly in the Kullu,[5] Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts of the state.[6]
A breed population of 4000 was reported in 2004;[2] numbers appeared to be in rapid decline, and the breed to be in urgent need of conservation.[6]: 76 In 2007 its conservation status was recorded by the FAO as "not at risk";[1]: 61 in 2021 its status was reported to DAD-IS as "at risk".[2]
The Spiti Horse has some similarity to Mongolian and Tibetan breeds;[8]: 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;[9]: 5 the Spiti breed, however, is less well adapted to very high altitudes.[4]
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.[6]: 76 It is used both as a pack animal and for riding.[6]: 76 The usual coat colours are bay, black, piebald and grey.[6]: 77