Stocky, compact body with a large head, short thick neck, muscular shoulders, straight short back, long sloping croup, very solid legs, and a high-set tail. The winter coat is dense and thick.
The Mongolian horse has a sturdy, compact frame with a noticeably large head and a short, powerful neck. Its shoulders are muscular, its back is straight and short, and its croup slopes gently. The legs are very solid, and the tail is set rather high. In winter the coat becomes exceptionally dense, allowing the horse to endure extreme cold.23
Coloursbaychestnutblackblack/brown dunbay dunpalominocafe au laitcreamspottedpinto2
Personality what they are like
Mongolian horses are semi-wild and not naturally trusting of humans; a rider must earn their cooperation each time they are caught from the herd. Once accustomed to carrying a rider, they become calm, friendly and very reliable. They are tough, independent and possess a strong survival instinct.41
Daily activity how busy a day looks
These horses are adapted to a life of free roaming on the steppe. They need ample space to graze and move daily. In Mongolia they are not stabled but live outdoors year-round, covering several kilometres a day while foraging.15
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Mongolian horses require minimal grooming. Their hooves are left untrimmed and unshod and are naturally hard and strong. They are not bathed or given special feeds. In Mongolia, farriers are essentially non-existent. The horses shed their thick winter coat naturally in spring.5
Home where they are happiest
Mongolian horses are adapted to live outdoors all year in extreme temperatures from 30°C in summer down to -40°C in winter. They need no shelter or stables; they find their own forage beneath snow and break ice to drink. They require very little water, sometimes drinking only once a day. In captivity, a large, natural pasture with access to clean water and shelter from severe storms is ideal.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
They eat only grass and require very little water. In winter they paw through snow to reach grass and eat snow for water. They do not need grain or hay supplements under natural conditions.12
Company who they like around
Mongolian horses are herd animals and must be kept with other horses. In Mongolia they roam in family groups around the nomad's dwelling. They are not naturally trusting of humans and need patient, consistent handling to build a bond.14
The story where it all began
The Mongolian horse is one of the oldest horse breeds, believed to have remained largely unchanged since the time of Genghis Khan. Nomads of the central Asian steppes have ridden horses since around 2000 BC. These horses were a key factor in the 13th-century conquests of the Mongol Empire. Today, more than three million Mongolian horses live in Mongolia, outnumbering the human population. They are still used for riding, transport, racing, milk (for airag), and meat.126
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mongolian Horse. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterHay or grazing most of the day, fresh water alwaysevery day
Pick out hoovesPick out the hooves every dayevery day
GroomingA quick groom also lets you spot cuts and swellingsevery day
TurnoutDaily time out with company, horses are herd animalsevery day
Muck outevery day
Farrier visitTrim or shoes about every 6 to 8 weeks, as your farrier advisesevery 6 weeks
Teeth brushingDental check by a vet or equine dentistevery year
Flea, tick and worm protectionWorming as your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.
You need
4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
2 cups water
2 tsp baking powder
1 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp cinnamon
How
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before feeding.
How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Mongolian Horse, and what should it eat?
Mongolian horses thrive on grass alone and need very little water. They forage naturally, so provide a large pasture with grass. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer fresh grass and water daily, but no grain or hay supplements are needed. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.12Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Mongolian Horse?
Many common foods are dangerous for horses, including chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, and avocado. Also avoid grapes, raisins, and anything with xylitol. For a complete list of dangerous plants and foods, ask your vet or a good breeder.7
How much space and land does a Mongolian Horse need?
These horses need plenty of space to roam and graze, ideally a large natural pasture. They are used to covering several kilometres each day. Furry Diary's plan includes daily turnout. For exact acreage, ask a good breeder or your vet.152Furry Diary plan
What kind of shelter does a Mongolian Horse need?
These tough horses are adapted to extreme weather and need no stable. But a simple shelter like a run-in shed is recommended for protection from severe storms. They thrive outdoors with access to clean water.12
How do I look after a Mongolian Horse's hooves or feet?
Their hooves are naturally tough and often left untrimmed, but daily hoof picking is good practice. Furry Diary's starting plan includes a farrier check every 42 days. For individual hoof care, consult your farrier or vet.5Furry Diary plan
Does a Mongolian Horse need grooming or shearing?
These horses require minimal grooming. They shed their winter coat on their own, so no shearing is necessary. Occasional brushing is enough. They do not need baths.5
Can a Mongolian Horse live alone?
Mongolian horses are herd animals and should never live alone. They need the company of other horses to feel secure and happy. A single horse can become stressed and lonely.14
How long does a Mongolian Horse live?
These hardy horses often live 20 to 40 years. With proper care and a natural lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.14
Is a Mongolian Horse good with children?
With proper training and bonding, Mongolian horses can be calm and reliable around children. They are not naturally trusting, so a patient, experienced handler is important. Always supervise interactions and ask a good breeder for guidance.41
What regular vet care does a Mongolian Horse need?
Furry Diary's starting plan recommends annual teeth check-ups and parasite prevention as your vet suggests. Regular vet visits for vaccinations and health exams are also important. For a tailored schedule, ask your equine vet. Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
en.wikipedia.org: Mongolian horseen.wikipedia.orgused for origin, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
horse.xjau.edu.cn: 256horse.xjau.edu.cnused for origin, weight kg, height cm, coat or body, colours, habitat needs, diet basics, history
Yakutian Horse
Icelandic Horse