Type IV - the Asian horse
The Asian horse - Equus lybicus
Originated as a subtropical type in
high rainfall areas and is poorly known as fossil. Sometimes called the
Caspian pony, medium-to-small horse, about 12.3hh (130cm). Lived as far
north a the Pontic steppes. In historical times was found in
Mesopotamia, Iraq and North Africa.
Characteristics
Was grey, dun and sorrel of colour.
Had small head, small ears, medium-to-broad forehead, short broad nose,
dished face, round eyes, small muzzle, straight jaw and low crowned
teeth. The short back sometimes had only five lumbar vertebrae instead
of the normal six, withers higher than the croup and a short horizontal
rump with the tail set high, a long slender neck and long shoulders.
The fine legs, with long round cannon bones, ended in small oval hooves
with no feathering; may have lacked chestnuts on the hind legs.
Modern descendants
The most important is the Arabian horse.
