https://sputniknews.in/20240401/indian-army-praises-strong-and-resilient-zanskari-ponies-in-ladakh-7002413.html
Indian Army Praises 'Strong and Resilient' Zanskari Ponies in Ladakh
Indian Army Praises 'Strong and Resilient' Zanskari Ponies in Ladakh
Sputnik India
The future of the vanishing breed of Zanskari ponies is secure in the hands of the Indian Army, which is making every effort to preserve them.
2024-04-01T15:04+0530
2024-04-01T15:04+0530
2024-04-01T15:06+0530
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Zanskari ponies, a species found in the high altitude Zanskar region of Ladakh, are "strong and resilient", according to the Indian Army, which uses the horses to transport supplies and logistics in difficult terrain.Body TypeTheir physique bears a striking resemblance to that of the Spiti pony, yet they demonstrate enhanced adaptability to higher altitudes. Standing at 120-140 cm tall and weighing 320-450 kg, this endangered species typically displays hues of grey and black, although occasional variants sport reddish or coppery tones.The ability of Zanskari ponies' proficiency in carrying heavy loads at elevated heights renders them invaluable for numerous tasks. Sporting a robust build, they feature long, lustrous hair and a substantial, elongated tail.FutureCurrently, only a few hundred horses inhabit the Zanskar and other valleys of the Ladakh region. The widespread breeding with nondescript ponies has placed this breed at risk of endangerment.The Animal Husbandry Department of Jammu and Kashmir has recently established a Zanskari Horse Breeding Farm at Padum, Zanskar, in the Kargil district of Ladakh. The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance the breed and ensure its conservation through selective breeding practices.Distinguishing featuresThey feature a series of small strips along the spine. Some exhibit a slightly concave face, suggesting probable Arabian influence. Remarkably, the breed is one of the world's few natural pacers, as the pony trots on its laterals rather than diagonals. This unique gait allows the rider to sit comfortably, enabling the horse to trot for two or three hours at a time.
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Indian Army Praises 'Strong and Resilient' Zanskari Ponies in Ladakh
15:04 01.04.2024 (Updated: 15:06 01.04.2024) The future of the vanishing breed of Zanskari ponies is secure in the hands of the Indian Army, which is making every effort to preserve them.
Zanskari ponies, a species found in the high altitude Zanskar region of Ladakh, are "strong and resilient", according to the Indian Army, which uses the horses to transport supplies and logistics in difficult terrain.
"Strong and resilient, these native breeds thrive in extreme climates with minimal sickness. Zanskar Pony Breeding and Training Centre has been utilizing their potential, conserving the breed, and boosting local employment," the Northern Command of the Indian Army posted on X.
Their physique bears a striking resemblance to that of the Spiti pony, yet they demonstrate enhanced adaptability to higher altitudes. Standing at 120-140 cm tall and weighing 320-450 kg, this endangered species typically displays hues of grey and black, although occasional variants sport reddish or coppery tones.
The ability of
Zanskari ponies' proficiency in carrying
heavy loads at elevated heights renders them invaluable for numerous tasks. Sporting a robust build, they feature long, lustrous hair and a substantial, elongated tail.
Currently, only a few hundred horses inhabit the Zanskar and other valleys of the Ladakh region. The widespread breeding with nondescript ponies has placed this breed at risk of endangerment.
The Animal Husbandry Department of Jammu and Kashmir has recently established a Zanskari Horse Breeding Farm at Padum, Zanskar, in the Kargil district of Ladakh. The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance the breed and ensure its conservation through selective breeding practices.
They feature a series of small strips along the spine. Some exhibit a slightly concave face, suggesting probable Arabian influence. Remarkably, the breed is one of the world's few natural pacers, as the pony trots on its laterals rather than diagonals. This unique gait allows the rider to sit comfortably, enabling the horse to trot for two or three hours at a time.
