The Abyssinian horse breed is typically found along the Semien Mountains in northern Ethiopia, however this is an old breed and they have been in the region for a very long time.
A Little Backstory
This tough little animal has roamed the plains of Ethiopia for centuries, making their way up the coast of the Red Sea. They are likely among the foundations for other breeds found in the area. Not particularly large animals, the Abyssinian does tend to be bulkier than other desert types. While official records are not kept for most of them, even informal breeding was aimed at a strong, adaptable, even-tempered work animal. This is one of the few places in the world where horses are still heavily relied upon for agricultural work and transportation.
The Ethiopians have a strong equestrian history and even today more than half of the horse population on the African continent can be found in Ethiopia. The Abyssinian is not known for their extreme beauty, but they seem to make up for it with their sheer usefulness to the people who rely on them.
What Makes Them Special
It is one of the few official breeds of the country and traditionally the Ethiopian government only reported numbers for the Abyssinian breed. Today, there are a number of recognized types, including an endangered feral herd. With their high per capita population of horses, it is likely there are even more types and breeds to be discovered. To learn more about the breed, be sure to visit the Abyssinian horse page.
Quick Facts
Native to Ethiopia.
There does not appear to be an official studbook.
Listed as at risk in the DAD-IS, however they do not provide any population data.