Zaniskari

The Zaniskari, also spelled Zanskari or Zanskar pony, is a small horse from the Zanskar and Ladakh region of northern India. It is adapted to high altitude, intense cold, rocky tracks, and sparse forage, making it a practical pack and riding animal in Himalayan conditions. The type is compact and sure-footed, with strong legs and enough body to carry loads despite modest height. Grey is often associated with the breed, though bay, black, and chestnut individuals may also be seen.

Local people, trekking operators, and mountain services have used Zaniskari horses for transport where vehicles are limited by terrain and weather. Conservation work is important because crossing with larger horses can improve size in the short term while eroding the hardiness that defines the breed. Good management respects its mountain background: loads must be reasonable, feet need attention on abrasive ground, and feed changes should be gradual when animals move to richer lowland settings. For buyers, a calm temperament and proven soundness over difficult trails are more meaningful than height alone.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grey, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White