Kabardian breed of horses: history, description, description of the ex-terrier

Of the many animals that the person managed to tame and domesticate, the horse has long occupied a special place. It was used not only as a vehicle. This intelligent animal has long been one of the best human companions.

The ancestors of modern horses lived practically around the globe, in different climatic conditions, with different reliefs. Today the subject of study in our article will be the Kabardian breed of horses. She is one of the oldest in the world. The Kabardian breed of horses (its review) is included in all modern horse breeding guides.

From the history of the breed

The Caucasus has always been marked by significant differences in altitude, between intermountain hollows, valleys and high ridges. In these conditions, a unique breed of horses was created, which today is known as Kabardian. The mountaineers needed a special horse, on which it was possible to climb mountains or easily overcome considerable distances.

Aboriginal plains completely did not meet these requirements, and over time a new, resulting from refining of local animals, which was interbred with representatives of other breeds, mainly brought from other countries, began to form here.

The Kabardian breed of horses is the result of centuries-old "folk" breeding. Steppe horses were crossed with Arabian, Persian, Karabakh and other eastern specimens. The Kabardian (Circassian) breed of horses from a historical point of view is a general Adygeyan. The word Adyghesh can be translated as "Adyghe horse". It received its current name due to the fact that horse breeding from the Circassian lands only in Kabarda reached its highest development.

Characteristic for this animal quality were determined by the need for equestrian riders. High speed and amazing endurance, courage and yet caution while driving along mountain paths, made this animal ideal for lightning raids and long trips.

The Kabardian breed of horses was formed with year-round maintenance in the herd. In the summer it was mountain pastures. In the winter, the horse was transferred to the foothills and to the plains, feeding up grain and hay at that time.

Kabardian breed of horses: characteristic

This strong and hardy animal feels equally comfortable both in the conditions of the plain and in the highlands. It is surprisingly easy to tolerate changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure. Getting through among steep ascents, mountain descents, rocky ledges and paths, these animals easily maintain their balance.

Natural endurance, as well as remarkable physical strength, allow a loaded herd to cover a distance of one hundred kilometers per day. The Kabardian breed of horses is distinguished by a strong constitution, resistance to many diseases and high fertility. It is interesting that for breeding on farms of pedigree horses of this breed use up to 19-20 years. Although there are cases when in more mature age they have strong and healthy foals.

The strength of this breed is evidenced by convincing wins in the runs, which can last for weeks. The Kabardian breed of horses, a description of the exterior of which we will present below, when kept in a home farmstead very quickly gets used to its owner, it is easy to train (they are often used in circus rooms).

From mothers, foals are robbed in the fall and raised on groups in the yards by groups, feeding the babies with hay and concentrated fodder. In the daytime they are released into pastures. With the best individuals at the age of two, they begin to train, if in the future they plan to use them at the races.

The Kabardian horse moves surprisingly energetically. She does not mind mountain off road. The step of these horses is very smooth, without jerks, and the gallop and lynx are measured. When distilling the herds or riding a horse, the Kabardians easily and confidently walk along deep snow, wading through rivers. They are not confused by difficult weather conditions.

There is another amazing quality that the Kabardian horse possesses. The horse-harness horse of this breed has an unusual intuition that allows her to feel the route. This quality allows you to overtake the herds at night and in thick fog.

Exterior

Experts believe that the "Kabardians" are very harmoniously composed. These horses have a slightly elongated and well-developed body. The head of the animals is small, dry. The neck is strong, muscular and long. The chest is quite wide. The profile has a characteristic hump. The croup is dorsal and broad, the back is straight and short.

The largest plants are selected at the stud farms. In such farms, males have a height of 160 cm, a breast circumference of about 190 cm, and a girth of the pastern not less than 20 cm. The mare's are slightly smaller: 155, 185 and 19 centimeters respectively. The weight of an adult animal is about four hundred kilograms. Hooves are characterized by increased hardness, which in some cases allows you to do without horseshoes.

Suit

The most common in this breed suits are black - black (black), bay (brown), dark bay, and also karak (black with reddish tan). White spots on the legs and head, like other colors, are not characteristic for the Kabardian breed - if They take place, it means that before you is not a thoroughbred "kabardinka".

Varieties

Unfortunately, in recent years there has been a significant decrease in the number of Kabardian horses. This is largely due to their lack of speed on racetracks. A new group of this breed was bred during the crossing of Kabardian individuals with thoroughbred mounts. The group of Anglo-Kabardian horses was gradually separated into Anglo-Kabardian breed, officially approved in 1966.

The Anglo-Kabardian breed of horses combines the best qualities of the raw materials used and differs in its specific form. From purebred breed they got high speed. And from "Kabardians" - endurance, strong and firm horn layer of hoofs, unpretentiousness.

Character

For centuries, these animals were used as battle horses, therefore, they required the ability to participate in battle on an equal footing with the master, fearlessness, the ability to wade through narrow mountain cornices. It is for this reason that the breed has a balanced and benevolent character.

Nevertheless, beginners who do not have much experience with these horses, this breed should not be chosen - animals can sometimes show character, be unnecessarily "strict", do not listen to an inexperienced rider, and even disobey him. In rare cases, they can throw off or bite, if they deem it necessary.

Using

The Kabardian breed is used under the saddle, for the transport of goods, as well as for harness work. These animals are suitable for equestrian runs and transitions, especially over rough terrain over long distances. Kabardian horse can be used in amateur sports - jumping or horse racing. However, for professional sports it is not very suitable - the sharpness indicators are much inferior to other racers.

Interesting Facts

Animals that are able to sleep standing, not so much. A horse is one of them. Only three hours of sleep are enough to make the "kabardinka" feel cheerful. In the afternoon, if they do not do some work, they doze. Deep sleep of these animals lasts only five minutes.

Interesting facts about the Kabardian breed of horses the mountaineers pass from generation to generation. Not everyone knows that the Circassians "brother" and "horse" sound the same. In the Caucasus, horses are brought up with great love. Not only are these animals not beaten, but they are not raised by voices. Moreover, the rider never uses spurs. For riding, use only geldings. This breed is widely used for excursions in the mountains.