Indian Country Bred
| Alternative names |
Bhutia Pony Bhotia Pony Bhote ghoda Bhutan Pony Bhutani Bhutua Pony Spiti Pony |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | India |
| Notes | |
| Interbred mixture of Bhutia and Spiti Ponies, with some Tibetan Pony blood. | |
| Equus ferus caballus | |
Indian Country Bred is the common name for the inter-bred mixture of Bhutia Ponies, Spiti Ponies and Tibetan Ponies. These animals have been interbred for years so that many of the individual characteristics of the Bhutia and Spiti have been lost, and they now are categorized as "Indian Country Bred". They originated in the Himalayan region of India, and are now found in the Buhtan, Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India.
Suited to mountainous climate and terrain, they are not as able to endure humidity and heat. Lack of nutritious grasses generally affects the growth and development of the ponies, although they have become incredibly tough and self-sufficient, requiring little fodder. The conformation of these ponies is usually not superior. They have a large head and pronounced jaw, short neck, low withers, sloping quarters, and deep chest. The shoulder is a bit straight and upright, the legs, although short, are very strong.
Bhutia-type ponies range in height from 12-13.2 hh, and are usually gray in color, although a few are chestnut or roan. Spiti-type ponies usually never get taller than 12 hh, and they are usually gray or dun in color, although they may be any solid color.
The ponies are kept mainly for work, mainly as pack ponies and sometimes for riding, to which their stamina and endurance serves them well. They generally have a willing and quiet temperament.
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