Altai breed of horses: description and characteristics, rules of keeping

As you might guess from the name, the Altai horse breed was bred in the vastness of the Altai Territory. This hardy animal has been helping humans to perform agricultural and other tasks since ancient times. Such horses are especially valued for their ability to adapt even to the most severe climate. Why else do owners love these pets and how to properly care for them?

History

For many centuries the Altai breed of horses was formed in the highlands. These animals lived in Altai as early as the 7th-3rd century BC. BC e. True, they were larger in size than the current Altai horses.All year round, these animals spent on pasture, eating pasture. Such horses amazed with their strength and endurance.

The improvement of the breed began in the XVIII-XIX centuries. Over the next centuries, people laid in these animals endurance, the ability to work in a team, obedience and other working qualities. In the 30-40s of the XX century, there was a surge in the activation of breeding work. Altai horses were crossed with other breeds. From "marriages" with Arab residents, larger horses were born, but no less hardy than Altai. To increase the meat and dairy production, the Altaians were paired with Russian heavy trucks.

At the beginning of the new millennium, the Novo altai or, as it is also called, the Chumysh breed was bred.

Description and characteristics

What is the difference between Altaians and representatives of other breeds? And what are their main working qualities?

Exterior Features

Initially, nature decreed that the Altai horses were forced to live in mountainous conditions and harsh climates. Therefore, these horses are undersized - their height at the withers is only 148 cm. Mares are 5 cm smaller than stallions. But the chest volume of horses is approximately the same, regardless of gender - 165 cm. Altai horses, on average, weigh 300-350 kg. The weight of meat individuals can reach 630 kg.

These horses are distinguished by a strong loin, long back, slender but short legs with strong hooves. So strong that they don't need horseshoes. Their natural "shoes" were developed over the years of existence on rocky mountain slopes. The long tail and magnificent mane make these horses recognizable.

As for the colors, the suits of the Altaians are as follows:

• speckled;
• redhead;
• bay;
• boiled;
• black.

With regards to the new offshoot of the breed - the Novo altai horse - it appeared when true Altaians were crossed with Russian heavy trucks and Lithuanian horses. Novo altaians inherited impressive growth from heavy trucks. From the Altai animals they got a meek disposition and amazing endurance. The Novo altaians have a long body and a large body, a slightly forked croup and a wide chest. Under the skin, muscle bumps are easily guessed.

Specific character

Altai horse is recognized as the representative of the best working breeds. Firstly, because of the minimal need for care and unpretentiousness. Such animals can work well and for a long time in the most severe conditions. Secondly, Altai horses are real brave men. The wolves, who decided to attack the herd of the Altaians, have a hard time.These courageous creatures are able to fend off toothy predators without the help of guard dogs.

At the same time, these horses are calm, kind and hardworking. They are easy to get along with: they are attached to a person, predictable and not capricious. With pleasure, adults and small people ride on their backs. These animals are easy to train.

Productivity

Altai horses are extremely hardy and hardworking creatures. They are able to carry heavy loads over long distances and even make their way through mountain passes. This breed is also good in terms of milk production - a mare can give it up to 10 liters per day. By the way, milk yield increases in summer.

Altaians are also suitable for agricultural work, for example, plowing the land. They walk well under the saddle, so a person can ride this horse for long distances.

Pros and cons of the breed

Altai horses are popular due to a number of qualities:

• good he alth;
• endurance, performance;
• unpretentiousness;
• milky;
• ability to carry heavy loads;
• friendly, trusting, calm disposition.

Compared to the pros, this breed has few disadvantages:

• risk of diseases of the skeleton, heart, joints.
• short stature (can be eliminated by crossing with other breeds).

Subtleties of content

And although the Altai horse is distinguished by vitality and strong immunity, even these animals can be susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, hardy Altaians also need human attention and care:

1. When deciding to purchase such a pet, you should take care of the stable in advance. It should be well heated (8-12 C°), dry and not drafty. You can regulate the microclimate with a good exhaust system.
2. The horse's bedding is changed as it gets dirty, the manure is removed daily.
3. The owner must take care of the coat and mane of the pet. They should be trimmed, otherwise harmful insects will start in the hairs. In addition, a shorn horse looks neater.
4. Pay attention to the musculoskeletal system of animals. The joints and skeleton of the horse should be periodically inspected, looking for asymmetry or damage, if any.

An experienced veterinarian should examine the animal's teeth once every six months to a year and carry out the necessary vaccinations and deworming.

Animal Diet

One of the reasons why the owners love Altaians so much is their ability to endure tebenevka well - staying on pasture in the winter. Here the horses get their food from under the snow. Some owners even keep their pets on pastures all year round, without caring about top dressing.

The diet of horses should be supplemented with concentrates (muesli, bran, oats) and hay. You need to feed a pet that is not on the pasture 3-4 times a day.

Note. It is important to include s alt in the diet of Altaians. It is permissible to enter it into the menu as an independent product during each meal, correctly calculating the dose. An alternative option is to buy licks. A smart animal will consume its own s alt norm. These horses quickly become accustomed to the regime, and therefore systematic feeding should be provided on a schedule. Deviations from the usual regimen can cause stress for Altaians.

Features of breed breeding

In Altai, vast areas of pastures allow you to keep horses in herds. Farms are engaged in crossing breeds. Females become mature at 1.5 years, males later. The mating process begins when the mare is 3 years old, the stallion is 4. The mare carries the foal for 11 months. Her body during this period is very sensitive. Violation of the diet and regimen can provoke a miscarriage.

By the way. Until the 7th month of pregnancy, the mare can work in the usual mode, but from the 9th month she should be provided with peace.

During the breeding process, foals with defects may appear, which, as a rule, do not affect the condition and working qualities of animals. A defect is, for example, a curvature of the back, which resembles small humps on both sides of the spine.

Use area

If there is a horse that is universal in use, then this is a representative of the Altai breed. This animal will become an excellent companion for a person in almost any situation. Here are a few "specializations" of these horses:

• meat and dairy;
• pack (can carry loads weighing up to 160 kg over long distances);
• working (helps with agricultural work);
• breeding.

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