A breed population of 4000 was reported in 2004;[2] numbers appeared to be in rapid decline, and the breed to be in urgent need of conservation.[6]: 76 In 2007 itsconservation status was recorded by theFAO as "not at risk";[1]: 61 in 2021 its status was reported toDAD-IS as "at risk".[2]
The Spiti Horse has some similarity toMongolian andTibetan breeds;[8]: 201 genetic diversity analysis shows it to be close to theZanskari, which occupies a similar range in theHimalaya. Some interchange between the two breeds is documented;[9]: 5 the Spiti breed, however, is less well adapted to very high altitudes.[4]
It is a small, sturdy mountain horse, well adapted to the harsh environment of the Himalaya. It is fast and sure-footed on mountain terrain, moves safely on ice, and has good stamina and resistance to cold and to disease.[6]: 76 It is used both as apack animal and forriding.[6]: 76 The usualcoat colours arebay,black,piebald andgrey.[6]: 77
These are thehorse breeds and types considered in India to be wholly or partly of Indian origin. Many have complex or obscure histories, so inclusion here does not necessarily imply that a breed is predominantly or exclusively Indian.
