Žemaitukas

The Žemaitukas is a small Lithuanian horse from Žemaitija, or Samogitia, and is among the best-known native horse breeds of the Baltic region. Historical references link it to Lithuanian farm, riding, and military use, and the modern breed still shows the qualities expected of a hardy multipurpose horse. It is usually pony to small-horse sized, compact, energetic, and strong for its height, with sound legs and a willing way of going. Bay, black, brown, chestnut, and dun shades may occur depending on the line.

Žemaitukas horses are used for riding, driving, youth sport, light farm work, and breed preservation. Because numbers have been limited at times, Lithuanian breeders and conservation programs pay attention to pedigree, type, and avoiding excessive loss of genetic diversity. The breed is generally an efficient keeper, so rich pasture and grain-heavy diets can be a problem if work is light. Regular exercise, turnout, hoof care, and thoughtful training bring out its usefulness. For families or small farms, the appeal is not size or flash but a tough native horse that can do several jobs.

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