There are actually two specific types of the Albanian horse, unlike most other breeds where there is only one specific type of body and size allowed. The two types are the Mountain type that is about 4 inches or one hand, shorter than the Plains variety, known as the Myzeqea. Both types have been frequently crossed to produce excellent middle sized all arounders.
The Albanian horse is known for its hardiness and resistance to typical disease that affect other breeds of horses in the area. The Albanian, unlike some of the other Balkan breeds of horses rarely needs additional human care and support to survive and thrive. They do need regular preventative health programs to stay in the best possible shape and have the longest lives.
In the later 1900s a greater emphasis has been placed on increasing the agricultural work ability of the Albanian horse. Therefore the breed is somewhat heavier and stockier than the early Albanian horses that were bred more for speed and endurance.
Haflingers, Nonius, and Arabians are still used in the Albanian breeding programs on state farms throughout the country. The goal is to develop a refined yet substantial horse that is ideal for many different uses. The Haflinger and Nonius breeds are being used to add weight and strength while the addition of Arabian blood adds to the refinement.
Although not considered a true gaited breed, the Albanian, especially the Plains variety, is often known to have an ambling type gait that makes them a very easy type of horse to ride for long distances.
During the Ottoman Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries there were many Arabian stallions bred with the local horses that improved the overall conformation and refinement of the Albanian horse.
The Albanian horse can trace its roots back to the Tarpan wild horses that roamed throughout Europe and Asia. There are also Turkmenian horses that have contributed to the breed.
The largest stud for the Albanian horse is the Zootechnic Station at Shkodra, located in northwestern Albania.
The increasing popularity of endurance type events has lead to the export of many Albanian horses outside of the country, and even outside of Europe. Although not found in large numbers outside of Albania, there are some Albanian horses in the United States.
A newer tourist attraction in Albania is for long or short horseback tours throughout the beautiful countryside. Albanian horses are typically featured on these rides and have helped tourists learn about the performance and personality of the breed. Tours start in many different cities throughout the country and can be individual or for small or large groups.
A British husband and wife completed a trans Albanian horse ride in 2007. Robin and Louella Hanbury-Tenison used Albanian horses to complete the cross-country tour for information for their new book on the trip. The book as well as the accompanying film is designed to promote the country of Albania, the people, and the tourism in the country.
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