Albanian

Reviewed for accuracy November 11, 2022.

The Albanian breed is named after its place of origin—Albania. A common horse breed, the Albanian is ideal for riding detail but is also useful in light draft work.

Physical Characteristics

There were originally two types of the Albanian breed: the "Mountain Albanian" and the "Myzeqea,” or “Plains Albanian," a designation which came from the horses’ breeding grounds. The Mountain Albanian measures from 12.2 to 12.3 hands (around 49 inches, 125 centimeters) high, while the Plain Albanian is taller at around 13.2 hands (53 inches, 134 centimeters) high. Due to crossbreeding, however, the differences between the Mountain and the Plains types have blurred through the years and are no longer clearly apparent. Though smaller and lighter, the Mountain Albanian was also slightly more agile and spirited than the Plains Albanian. For this reason, the Mountain Albanian was preferred for riding.

The Plains Albanian, meanwhile, was heavier and taller. Due to its slightly larger form, it was mainly used for draft work like pulling carriages and light loads. The Albanian’s  gait is easy and natural, and it is quite strong for its size. Generally, the Albanian horse is chunky and stocky; it appears in common colors like chestnut, black, or gray.

History and Background

The Albanian breed is part of the Balkan group. Their look and form are like those of the horses found in the mountains of Bosnia Herzegovina and the Rodope Mountain Range. During the Ottoman Empire, the native Albanian horses were crossbred with Arab stock.

While the Albanian was mainly bred in the past for riding and transport, it is now often used for agricultural work. Recent crossbreeding efforts have focused on increasing the size of the Albanian to make it even more suitable as a farm horse. In the past few decades, other breeds such as the Halflinger, Nonius, and Arabian have been incorporated into the lineage to promote a larger animal better suited for agricultural work.

Temperament

The Albanian is a lively breed with high endurance and great agility. This makes it well-suited for riding and transport. More recently with its improved size, these characteristics have adapted well for farm life.

Health and Care

The Albanian is well-known for its resistance to disease and hardiness. This makes it an easy horse to care for. As long as they are not overfed and in work, they should maintain a healthy body condition.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Scott Biales