There is only one breed of horse native to Albania and it is a country bred type. They are simply called Comune or Common horses. There are obviously other breeds found in the country, but they are international types.
A Little Backstory
While there aren’t many ‘official’ breeds, horses are common in Albania. Comune types are generally purpose bred by private breeders, so reliable records don’t seem to exist in a central location. Because of the varied terrain found in the country there are two main types, mountain and plains.
The mountain type tends to be smaller, very agile and more spirited, bred for work on steep mountain paths. The plains type (called Myzequea) is larger and more robust, with a comfortable ambling gait. Perfect for long distance travel over flat land.
What Makes Them Special
This is a country bred type, which tend to be common in countries where people rely on horses for work or transport. That paired with less governmental control over animal populations creates the perfect environment for backyard breeders. This type of breeding is usually to meet specific needs, whether it’s carrying heavy loads up steep mountain passes or covering long distances comfortably. In many ways places that still possess a daily reliance on horses have a deep love for their equestrian traditions, which is in itself pretty special. To learn more about the breed, be sure to check out the Albanian Horse breed page.
Quick Facts
Native to Albania.
There doesn’t appear to be an official studbook.
Listed in the DAD-IS, their most recent population data was in 1994 when there were 41761 animals.