Zemaituka (Zhumd)

Basic Info

The Zemaituka has a fairly bulky frame. They have a broad, muscular neck set into a deep chest. The back is short and compact, the croup sloping, and the tail low-set. The shoulder is fairly upright. The legs are short and muscular with tough hooves, and the breed commonly has poor hocks. The ponies are usually a mouse-dun color with primitive markings, including a dorsal stripe. They may also be brown, bay, black, or palomino. The Zemaituka usually stands between 13.2 and 14.2 hh.

Health

N/A

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

During the 19th century, Arabian blood was added, giving the horse an Arab-type head. The infusion of Arabian blood created two types of Zhumd: one with Arabian ancestry of a fine, saddle-type quality, the other, with less Arabian blood, more suited toward draft work. Hawever, since World War II, there has become less of a distinction between the two types, as a conscious effort was made to increase the size and bulk of the animals so that they would be well-suited for riding and draft work. Due to the harsh climate they must endure, Zhumds are frugal feeders and can survive with meager forage and freezing temperatures. The ponies are extremely tough with seemingly endless stamina and endurance. The breed usually has a good temperament, and the animals are used for riding, light draft, and farm work. They are quite agile and athletic, and produce great sport horses when crossed with lighter, larger breeds.

Origin

Lithuania

History

The Zemaitukas or the Zhumd is a pony breed originally from Lithuania. The origin is not exactly known, but most believe the Zhimd to be related to the Konik from Poland, most probably descended from the Tarpan. Most recently, Russian breeds have influenced the Zemaituka, as well as the light Polish breeds.

Common Foods

grass