Horse breeds / Kundido horse
Photo: Marcoetio (Marco Vigano) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Kundido horse
The Kundido is a horse breed from the Ethiopian highlands, where it has long been used as a working animal for transport, riding and farm tasks. Its exact history is not well documented outside Ethiopia, and breeders there have kept it in local populations rather than a formal registry. Like many regional landrace horses, it was shaped by the demands of rough terrain, limited feed and hardy, practical use.
Kundidos are generally described as sturdy, sure-footed and steady, with a practical, willing nature. They tend to suit experienced riders who appreciate a hardy, no-nonsense mount for trail work and general riding, and they can be a reasonable choice for riders willing to learn the basics of care. Their way of going is typically functional rather than showy, and their size and build make them suitable for a range of adult riders.
Day to day, a Kundido needs regular movement, fresh forage, clean water and routine hoof care. As a companion animal, it does best with turnout and the company of other horses, since isolation can lead to restlessness. Consistent handling and a predictable routine help keep a Kundido calm and content.
Good for: Experienced riders, trail riders, practical farm work
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Ethiopia |
Kundidos are hardy but practical horses, so a first-time owner should plan for consistent handling, careful feed management and access to a knowledgeable vet.
Living with a Kundido horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Kundido generally needs daily movement, ideally a mix of ridden work and turnout time. Insufficient exercise can lead to boredom, excess energy and behavioral problems, as well as weight gain in easy keepers.
Grooming
Kundidos have a fairly low-maintenance coat that needs regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair. Mane and tail can be kept tidy with gentle detangling. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, depending on terrain and workload. Clipping is rarely needed unless the hor
At home
Kundidos are valued for their hardiness and do well with outdoor living and turnout, tolerating variable weather better than many imported breeds. Stabling is less important than access to shelter and a dry, safe paddock. They are generally sociable and do best in a herd, though they can be managed alone with plenty of attention. Most are fairly easy keepers, so feed should be monitored to avoid weight gain.
Training
Kundidos are typically quick to learn when handled patiently and consistently, and they respond well to calm, clear cues. They suit trail riding and general riding best, and many owners use them for practical work rather than specialized disciplines. A green Kundido should be expected to need a steady, unhurried start and regular, short sessions to build confidence and steady work.
Health
Breed-specific health data for Kundidos is limited. Owners should watch for common equine concerns such as laminitis, especially in horses prone to weight gain, and keep up with routine dental and hoof care. Please ask a veterinarian to advise on the health needs of any individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Colic
- Dental problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Kundido horse
Forage and water, adult
16–26 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1213 lb (typical for the type), and 9–17 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,050–$5,200
Hay about $1,840, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Kundido horse is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Kundido horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Kundido horses and Kundido horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Kundido horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Kundido horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a hardy horse for varied outdoor riding.
- Yes if you enjoy a calm, practical mount rather than a showy one.
- Yes if you can keep an eye on feed to prevent weight gain.
- Think twice if you need a specialized competition horse.
- Think twice if you want an easily found, well-documented breed with a large registry.
Questions owners ask
Is the Kundido good for beginners?
Kundidos can suit confident beginners with knowledgeable support, since they are steady and practical. A first-time owner should still take lessons and have an experienced mentor nearby.
How much does a Kundido cost?
Prices vary widely by region, age, training and availability. Because the breed is not widely exported, buyers should expect to search locally or through specialist sellers.
How tall is a Kundido?
Kundidos are generally considered a medium-sized horse, but reliable height data is limited. Ask the breeder or a registry for measurements of the specific horse.
How long do Kundidos live?
Life span is not well documented for this breed. With good care, horses generally live into their twenties, but ask a vet about an individual horse's outlook.
Are Kundidos easy keepers?
Many are considered easy keepers, so feed should be monitored to avoid excess weight. Adjust intake based on body condition and workload with veterinary guidance.
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.