- Bhutia -

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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