Kazakh horse explained

Kazakh Horse
Features:Easy keeper, great endurance and stamina
Also Known As:Kazakh
Country:Kazakhstan

The Kazakh Horse (Kazakh: Қазақ жылқысы) is a horse breed of the Kazakh people, who live mainly in Kazakhstan, but also in parts of China, Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan. It is used mainly as a riding horse, and is known for its hardiness and stamina.[1]

Characteristics

The Kazakh horse averages 144cm (57inches) for stallions and mares average 142cm (56inches). They weigh between 400and. The breed is criticized for a short stride and a jolting trot. However, they are also very hardy and able to cover long distances.[1]

The breed consists of two subtypes, the Adaev and the Dzhab or Jabe. The Dzhabe developed in the southern districts of Aktubinsk. They have a heavy head, thick, short neck, and deep chest. They have a straight back, strong legs and a well-muscled croup. They are usually bay, dark bay, chestnut or gray. The Adaevs are more refined with lighter heads, longer necks, and well-defined withers. Due to the primitive conditions in which they live, this strain is more susceptible to developing narrow chests and light bone structure.[1]

History

Horses in the region of Kazakhstan date to the 5th century B.C. Early influences on what today is the Kazakh horse include the Akhal-Teke, Arabian, Karabair, and Mongolian horse. Beginning in the 20th century, the breed had additional infusions of blood from the Russian Don, Orlov Trotter and the Thoroughbred.[1]

The Kazakh today resembles a more elegant version of the Mongolian horse. The breed is still bred by once-nomadic Kazakh tribesmen, although cross-breeding has somewhat diluted the traditional bloodlines.[2]

Uses

Today, the Kazakh horses are seen mostly in western Kazakhstan, where there are over 300,000.[1] The main use of the Kazakh is for riding,[3] although they are also bred for horsemeat.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Staff. Kazakh. Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University. 15 November 2014.
  2. http://www.hri.org/news/balkans/rferl/1999/99-04-01.rferl.html "The Sports of Presidents and the 'Sport of Kings'
  3. Book: Bongianni, Maurizio . Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies . Simon & Schuster, Inc. . 1988 . 0-671-66068-3 . 164 . registration .