Zanskari Horse
Found in Ladakh and Leh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Zanskari or Zaniskari is a breed of mountain ponies or small-sized horses that are known for their sturdiness and the ability to work tirelessly at high altitudes. They exhibit similarities to the Spiti ponies and some Tibetan equine breeds.
Zanskari Horse Pictures
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- Zanskari Horse Foal
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- Zanskari Horse Pictures
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- Zanskari Horse
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- Zanskari Horses
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- Zanskari Horse Images
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- Zanskari Horses Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Zaskari, Jhanskar, Zanaskari |
| Temperament/Personality | Obedient, intelligent, willing to work |
| Physical Characteristics | Well-built, compact body, predominant eyes, erect ears, deep chest, long and heavy tail, long manes |
| Colors | Gray is most common; brown, bay, chestnut and black are also seen |
| Height (size) | 11.8-13.8 hands (120-140 cm, 48-55 inch) at the shoulders, girth is 55-60 inch (140-150 cm), body length is 38-45 inch (95-115 cm) |
| Weight | 705-992 lbs (320-450 kg) |
| Common Uses | Pleasure riding, showing; also as workhorses for carrying heavy loads |
| Health | No known breed-specific health issues |
| Gaited | Yes; uniform movement |
| Feeding/Diet | Forages such as grasses and legumes, small amounts of cereal grains including corn and oats; clean, fresh water |
| Distinguishing Traits | Strength, resilience, runs swiftly; can survive in extreme cold |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Ancestors | Tibetan pony |
| Breed Information | Indigenous Horse Society of India |
Video: Zanskari Horses at a Breeding Farm
History and Development
Scientific research was conducted in 2007 to study the genetic variation among Indian equine breeds, including the Zanskari horses. DNA analysis showed that there is a great genetic divergence between the Zanskari and the Marwari horses whereas other equine breeds including the Bhutia, Spiti, and Manipuri are closely related to the Zanskaris. The difference in physical as well as genetic traits between the breeds was ascribed to their differing ancestral lineages. While the Marwaris are the descendants of the Arabian horses, the Zanskaris are believed to have been influenced by the Tibetan pony.
Back in 1977, around 15,000-20,000 Zanskari horses were estimated to live in Leh and Ladakh. Although the FAO categorized the breed as “not at risk” in 2007, indiscriminate crossbreeding with unidentified ponies has reduced their numbers. Today, merely a few hundred Zanskaris are found in the valleys. A stud farm has been established at Padum, Zanskar in order to improve and conserve the breed through a selective breeding program and artificial insemination technique.
Interesting Facts
- The breed is named after the Zanskar valley in Kargil district.
