The Lokai originated from Asia in the mountains of Tajikistan. The Lokai people, a subtribe of the Uzbeck, initially bred the Lokai in the 16th century. The Lokai were mostly of Central Asian influence, but was then enhanced by crossbreeding with the Iomud, Karabair, Arabian, Turkmene, and the Uzbek breeds. Later the Lokai was further improved with the influence of Thoroughbred, Tersk, and more Arabian.The Lokai stands on average 15 hh and is a lighter weight horse. The Lokai area a great multi-purpose horse and have been ridden up to 50 miles a day over mountainous tracks. These horses are also used in kopkar, a national game involving a fight over goat carcass. The Lokai are also used in races and as a pack horse.