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The Spiti originates in the Himalaya region of India. The
native Tibetan pony shares similar characteristics with the Spiti, 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 Spiti 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 Spiti 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 good 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 rarely stand higher than 12 hh. They are
mostly gray, but can also be chestnut and roan.
Check out the following links for more information about
the Spiti pony!
http://www.paralumun.com/ponyspiti.htm
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