Herati Horse

Intro

A light riding horse from Afghanistan, the Herati is more of a type than a breed and are known for being mounts for the Afghan resistance during the border crisis in the late 19th century.

Origins

Unfortunately there are no official studbooks or centralized breeding programs in Afghanistan. While the country cherishes a long and distinguished equine culture, information about the animals is difficult to find. There are not specific breeds in the country, but more types that all fall under the broad category of Afghan horses. This type is generally found in the Province of Herat, in west Afghanistan, from which it takes its name.

Features

Average height 12.7-14.7 hands
Mane and tail hair is fine

Physique

Head has straight profile
Neck is fine and curved
Shoulders are sloping
Chest is narrow
Back is short
Legs are long and strong
Hooves are hard

Traditional Colors

Generally chestnut, black, bay, brown or grey

Temperament

Good natured
fast and strong

Use

Transportation
Riding
Cavalry
Light draft

Video

Top image from Ard Hesselink under the CC BY-NC 2.0 license