The Altai is a Russian breed of a small horse, that is named after the Altai Mountains where it originated centuries ago. It is unknown when or how this breed was developed, but its ancestors were probably Mongolian horses.

Development:
For centuries, Altai horses were bred for their hardiness and ability to travel and survive in the local mountains. As such, they are locally known for their endurance, surefootedness, and their ability to live outdoors all-year-round. Altai horses serve as pack and riding horses.

Starting from the 20th century, breeders crossed Altai horses with larger Russian breeds, in order to increase the height of the Altai horse. Nevertheless, the Altai remains smaller in today's terms, averaging at 13.2-13.3hh. Today, many Altai horses are still being crossed with larger breeds, but some are bred in a strictly pure manner, which is why in Horse Isle this breed has a closed studbook.

Conformation:
When it comes to their conformation, Altai horses have a large yet light head with small eyes and a straight or slightly dished profile, a short and thick neck, a long back which can be concave, a muscular sloping croup, and short legs. The combination of long back with short legs can give the Altai a noticeably long, rectangular frame.

Performance metrics:
The following are the: range, average, (SD), and MOE of performance metrics of ordered Altais in Horse Isle (not bred ones). In rare cases, horses might have metrics outside of the range. Breeders can produce horses that are beyond this range.

Speed: 13.7-15.2, 14.5 (0.30), 0.06.
Sprint: 45-57, 50 (3), 0.51.

Accel: 0.85-1.06, 0.96 (0.04), 0.01.
Decel: 0.8-0.94, 0.86 (0.03), 0.01.

Jump: 4.64-4.92, 4.8 (0.05), 0.01.
Pull: 1.6-2.12, 1.8 (0.11), 0.02.

Turning: 46.08-59.42, 52.1 (3.25), 0.64.
Reverse: 2.2-2.8, 2.6 (0.1), 0.03.

Stamina: 45.93-51.32, 49.18 (1.2), 0.24.
Reaction: 0.74-0.83, 0.79 (0.02), 0.00.

Coats & Height:
Colors: bay, black, brown, chestnut, and grey.

Additionals: linebacked, flaxen, minimal-mealy, sooty, dark mane & tail. The coat is either solid, leopard, or few-spot leopard.

Height: 12.3hh to 14.1hh.