Altai horses were developed in the Altai Mountains of Central
Asia and are highly adapted to the severe climates in the region. For many centuries,
they were bred for characteristics most needed by the mountain tribesmen and nomads,
including strong cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and skeletal systems. They
are best known for strong physical attributes, hearty constitutions, and the ability
to adapt to harsh environments.
On average, the Altai stand 13.2 - 13.3 hands high and their
coat colors range from chestnut, bay, black, gray, and sometimes leopard spotted.
Their coats are somewhat coarse and they have an average length head with fleshy
neck and a long and slightly dipped back. They have shorter, but properly set legs.
Recently, Altai Horses have been crossed with pure breeds of
Lithuanian, Russian, and Soviet Heavy Draft horses for a new breed. This has resulted
with good performance records, larger, stronger and healthier horses. They are also
more sure-footed over the harsh, steep mountain trails that they navigate.