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The Bhutia originates in the Himalaya region of India. The
native Tibetan pony shares similar characteristics with the Bhutia, which is
probably a result of interbreeding between these breeds over the years, and
it is not uncommon for these Indian breeds to be referred to simply as
'Indian Country Bred'. This is an umbrella name to cover the various breeds
in India, many of which have interbred so extensively that some of the
individual breed characteristics have been lost.
The Bhutia
is basically suited to mountainous regions, both in terrain and climate,
finding the humidity and warmer temperature of the flats hard to endure.
India is not a wonderful horse breeding country- the climate is not
suitable for many breeds and there is always a shortage of good fodder,
which affects their growth and development.
The horses therefore have
naturally become extremely tough and self-sufficient, and are, by necessity,
frugal feeders and very economical to keep. The Bhutia is a working pony and
is largely kept in the mountainous regions for purely functional reasons.
They are not widely used for leisure, although they have great stamina and
endurance and are very willing and quiet to be around. They make very good
pack ponies, as well as being suitable for riding, although the occasional
one can have an unreliable measurement.
Their
conformation is not always very god and they often exhibit some faults. They
have a large head with a pronounced jaw and a straight profile. They tend to
have a short neck, with low withers, sloping quarters, a straight back, deep
chest, straight shoulders, and a well-set tail. Their legs are short but
very strong, and they vary in height from between 12 and 13.2 hh. They are
mostly gray, but can also be chestnut and roan.
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