Horse breeds / Žemaitukas
Photo: Tocekas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Žemaitukas
The Žemaitukas is a small, hardy horse from the Samogitia region of western Lithuania, developed from the native horses of the Baltic lands. Over centuries it was valued as a practical working animal on farms and for light draft, pack, and riding work in a harsh northern climate.
These horses are known for being sturdy, sensible, and surefooted, with a calm and willing nature. They tend to be steady rather than flashy, and many are kind enough for novice riders, though a good first ride still benefits from an experienced eye. Their way of going is practical and economical, well suited to trail work and countryside riding.
Day to day, a Žemaitukas does best with regular turnout, time to move, and a companion of its own kind. They are happiest with consistent handling and a routine, and they need daily attention to hooves, coat, and general condition like any horse, but they are generally low-fuss in the barn.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, and hobby farmers
| Size | small |
| Weight | 772–992 lb |
| Height | 51–57 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | Lithuania |
Watch body condition closely, since hardy horses can gain weight easily on good forage and too little movement.
Living with a Žemaitukas
Exercise
A healthy adult Žemaitukas typically needs regular riding or in-hand work most days, along with daily turnout to move freely. Too little work can lead to weight gain, stiffness, and boredom that shows up as pushiness or restlessness under saddle.
Grooming
The coat is dense and weather-resistant, and it sheds heavily in spring. Mane and tail are usually full and need regular detangling. Feathering is not a feature of this breed. Hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule, and clipping is seldom needed unless the horse is in heavy work.
At home
Žemaitukas handle cold weather well thanks to a dense winter coat, so they can live outdoors with a shelter that breaks the wind and offers dry footing. Turnout is ideal, with stabling used for extreme weather or when recovering from injury. They do well in a herd and become unsettled when isolated. As a generally easy keeper, most do well on good pasture plus a measured forage and feed plan, though individual needs vary and should be checked with a vet or nutritionist.
Training
Žemaitukas are generally willing and quick to learn when training is consistent, calm, and fair. They suit trail riding, light driving, and everyday ranch or farm tasks, and can progress into dressage or show classes with patient work. Expect a green horse to be steady and forgiving, with a reasonable attention span, but to need time to build strength and confidence before taking on longer or more demanding work.
Health
Like many small, hardy horses, Žemaitukas can be prone to metabolic issues linked to weight, and owners should monitor body condition and diet closely. Hoof problems such as laminitis can occur, so ask a vet about breed-specific risks and an appropriate management plan for your horse.
- Metabolic issues
- Laminitis
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Žemaitukas
Forage and water, adult
13–22 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 772–992 lb, and 8–14 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,750–$4,750
Hay about $1,533, 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 Žemaitukas 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.
Recent research
Assessment of Native Lithuanian Horses for Therapeutic Riding Purposes
Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS · 2025
Veterinary papers that mention the breed, from PubMed.
Rescue a Žemaitukas
Shelters and breed rescues list Žemaitukass and Žemaitukas mixes every week. Search adoptable Žemaitukass on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Žemaitukas right for you?
- Yes if you want a hardy horse for cold-climate turnout
- Yes if you ride trails and want a surefooted, steady partner
- Yes if you can provide daily movement and herd companionship
- Think twice if you want a fast, flashy show horse
- Think twice if you cannot manage its weight through diet and exercise
Questions owners ask
Is the Žemaitukas good for beginners?
Many are steady and forgiving, making them a reasonable choice for calm novices. Get an experienced evaluation before buying, and ride under guidance until you are confident.
How much does a Žemaitukas cost?
Prices vary widely by region, age, training, and bloodlines. Availability outside Lithuania may be limited, so check local listings and breeders carefully.
How tall do Žemaitukas get?
They are a small horse, typically around 130 to 145 centimetres at the withers. Individual horses can vary somewhat.
How long do Žemaitukas live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid-to-late twenties, and some live longer. Regular veterinary care helps them reach that age.
Are Žemaitukas easy keepers?
Generally yes, as they thrive on modest feed and handle cold well. Monitor weight closely, since easy keeping can turn into obesity.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.