Intro

A type of Peruvian national horse, the Andean habitat is found above 9,000 feet in the Andes mountains. The great altitude has created an animal with amazing lung capacity and a thick, dense coat of fur.

Origins

The breed developed in the harsh environment of the Andes mountains and displays characteristics reminiscent of the Tibetan breed.

Physical Characteristics

Stading at about 12 to 13.2 hands tall (48-53 inches, 122-135 centimeters), the Andean is smaller than most full-size horse breeds and yet it has excellent musculature. Typical of small horses, the Andean has short and straight pasterns with compact and tough hooves. Its profile is slightly convex with a short neck, heavy-looking head, and broad forehead. Additionally, its ears are also short and small, which is probably due to the Andalusian influence.

The Andean, with its strength, great stamina, and well-developed sense of balance and agility, is capable of climbing up mountains at medium speeds with ease. In fact, the Andean can carry a 200-pound pack up steep slopes to 16,000 feet above sea level without becoming overly tired. It also has well-formed lungs and a thick coat to protect it from the cold.

The typical color for the Andean is chestnut. When compared with its South American Criollo cousins, the Andean looks rather angular, ccentuated by its broad, muscular back, rounded rump, and low-set tail. Nevertheless, its gait is typical of horses in the region.