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The Albanian is a small Balkan horse. There are two
types of Albanian, the Mountain and the Myzagea (plains). In recent years
interbreeding between the two has made the distinction much less clear. Usually
the Myzegea is larger, standing around 13.2 hh, and the mountain type averages
12.2 to 13.2 hh. The Illyrians, Indo Europeans who overran the northwest part of
the Balkan peninsula around the fifth century BC, were the ancient inhabitants
of this region. The Serbians settled there during the seventy century AD and
were overpowered by the Turks in 1386. During the Ottoman empire, a lot of
Arabian blood was introduced to the local horses, which were most likely various
combinations of Tarpan, Turkmenian, and Mongolian stock.
The Albanian is well known for its free movement, agility
over difficult terrain, disease resistance, and incredible endurance. In the
past, these horses were used more for transport and riding uses than for
agricultural purposes. Early in the 1990s, measures were taken to promote and
increase the number of Albanian horses and improve them so they'd be suitable
for agricultural work. The improved Albanians are concentrated in large breeding
centers such as Zootechnic Station in Shkodra and at some specialized farms
where stallions are produced for improving local horses. Since the year 1980
there has been an incredible increase in the number of horses in Albania. The
plains Albanian is good for long distance use and is exceptionally strong for
its size. Many of them have an easily ridden ambling gait. They are very hardy,
efficient horses and are often used for carriage riding in addition to riding
and light draft work.
The Albanian breeders' goals today are concentrated on
increasing the Albanian horse's numbers and improving the breed. Purebred Arab,
Nonius, and Haflinger horses are crossed with the native Albanian and several
improved types are emerging. The native horse from Albania has few disadvantages
of quality, their main need being for increased size for better agricultural
work. The Haflinger breed is being used to help improve the working abilities of
horses in the hilly regions of the country.
The local name for the Albanian horse is the Race Locale
Albanaise. Their coats can be Black, bay, gray, or chestnut, and they stand
around 15 to 15.3 hh. They are similar to the Hucul pony.
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