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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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