Intro
Also called Avarskaya, the Avar Horse can be found in Dagestan and originally comes from the Avar Tribe that migrated from Mongolia 1500 years ago. Not necessarily considered their own breed, they are the smallest variety of Dagestan Pony.
Origins
This is a small, sturdy mountain pony with obvious Mongolian influence and smaller than the other two Dagestan varieties, Kalmyk (the largest) and Lezkin (from the south). Known for their stamina and resilience, these ponies can handle carrying heavy loads on steep paths and are well adapted for the harsh local climate.
Interestingly enough, the migration of the Avar people was one of the fastest long-distance migration in human history at the time. Perhaps it went so quick because they had such great horses. Although the people had no written records, they did bury their important dead with pomp and circumstance. Some of their memorial mounds include armor, horses and riding equipment, indicating the importance of their equestrian traditions.
Features
Average height 12.7 hands
Physique
Head is large with straight profile
Neck is short
Legs are short and sturdy
Hooves are strong
Traditional Colors
Generally chestnut, bay or brown,
Temperament
Willing and capable
Use
Riding
Light agriculture
Pack animal
Milk
Herding sheep