Bhutia Horse
The Bhutia Horse, found in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, India, and Bhutan, is a breed of small and compact horses bearing resemblance with the Tibetan and Mongolian equine breeds. It is suited to the rough terrain and cold climate of the mountains, where it is useful for transportation work.
Bhutia Horse Pictures
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- Bhotia Pony
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- Bhutia Horse
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- Bhutia Horses
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- Bhutia Horse Images
Quick Information
| Alternative Names | Bhotia Pony, Bhutan Pony, Bhutani, Bhote Ghoda |
| Temperament/ Personality | Willing, quiet, strong character |
| Physical Characteristics | Large head, pronounced jaw, straight profile, short neck, low withers, straight back, sloping quarters, straight shoulders, deep chest, well-set tail, short, and strong legs |
| Colors | Bay, gray, chestnut, roan |
| Height (size) | Male: Approximately 14.3 hands (145 cm, 57 inches) Female: Approximately 12.3 hands (125 cm, 49.2 inches) |
| Weight | Male: Average of 761 lb (345 kg) Female: Average of 573 lb (260 kg) |
| Common Uses | Light agriculture work, carrying loads, transporting people; occasionally for riding in equestrian sports |
| Health | No known specific health conditions related to the breed |
| Feeding/Diet | Good quality hay and grass; legume hays including alfalfa, clover, and peanut; 5-15 gallons of water a day depending on activity level and temperature |
| Distinguishing Traits | Self-sufficient, extremely resilient, eats sparingly, economical to keep |
| Country of Origin | India |
History and Development
The ancestry of these horses is unclear, though today’s Bhutia Horses are believed to have evolved because of extensive interbreeding between local horses and ponies. Cross breeding among Bhutia, Spiti, and Tibetan ponies for many years have led to the loss of their individual characteristics. Therefore, these breeds are often collectively named as Indian-Country-Bred ponies. Furthermore, lack of organized breeding programs and shortage of fodder have affected the size and strength of Bhutia Horses.
I have silver cups of Alexander Shannon my grandfather’s won by showing his bhutia ponies in darjeeling in the early 1900’s.