Karabakh horses: history and description of the breed (photo)

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Karabakh horses are famous for their appearance, correct physique and complaisant disposition. In this review, we will consider in detail the history of this breed, its features and characteristics. The Karabakh breed of horses was bred on the mountain plateau of present-day Karabakh, in the interfluve of the Kura and Araks. This species is one of the oldest representatives of riding horses. Individuals are very obedient, overcome all obstacles and barriers with special zeal. Animals are used for riding with a rider in the uplands and mountain plains.

History

Karabagh horses have been known for a long time. The oldest discovered remains of these individuals date back to 2000 BC. e. Between 1900 and 1700 B. C. e. they were massively used as a draft pack animal. A little later, these horses began to be used in army cavalry. There is an opinion that the Hyksos conquered Egypt with the help of Karabakh horses. In the 1st millennium BC. e. breeding of this breed has become the main occupation of the Armenians. Also, these animals were bred in the territories where todayAzerbaijan.

In the 17-18th century, Karabakh horses became widespread. Individuals from the Azerbaijan Stud Farm were distinguished by their excellent exterior, high growth rates and user abilities. The suit, with the help of local Caucasian stallions, was constantly being improved and improved. Over time, she even became the predeterminant of the species for the Don horses. In the 19th century, the breed fell into decline as taller horses were needed for cavalry. As a result, a new type of animals began to be bred in Azerbaijan, with an admixture of Arabian horses.

Distribution

The official stud book of the breed appeared only in 1971. By 1980, the popularity of Karabakh horses increased, as the material and technical base was significantly improved at the Aghdam horse breeding. This made it possible to hold a number of exhibitions and auctions in Moscow. Everyone wanted to see what the Karabakh breed of horses is like. Photos, description of the breed and its characteristics aroused great interest. Ultimately, countries such as Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy and Holland began to request horses of this species in large numbers.

Decay

So let's find out what caused it. The protracted conflict and hostilities in Karabakh led to the fact that the number of horses of the Karabakh breed began to decline. The he alth status of adults was also adversely affected by constant movement. To restore the breed, the government imposed a ban on the export of horses. Todayabout 20 enterprises are engaged in the restoration of the species. The total number of purebred Karabakh people on them is approximately 200 individuals.

Let's consider in more detail what the Karabakh horses are. The characteristics of the breed under discussion are quite high and have always aroused interest among breeders. An experienced horse breeder should be well versed in the nature and habits of animals, as well as be aware of the conditions of his keeping and the required care.

Exterior

Let's take a closer look at this. What do Karabakh horses look like? Their exterior is distinguished by elegance and dryness. It is worth emphasizing that the current type of the breed line is inferior to the original standard in terms of showiness. Animals are very graceful, but rather low. On average, the height of a horse can be from 138 to 154 cm. The weight of an adult horse does not exceed 350 kg. Body features include:

• Small rectangular body with powerful chest and arched back;
• graceful curved neck;
• head with a wide bulging forehead and expressive eyes;
• developed straight legs with strong hooves;
• tail carried down to hock level.

Today, all representatives of the Karabakh breed can be conditionally divided into two types:

1. Massive - such animals are distinguished by strong short limbs and a squat body. They have a fairly dense physique.
2. Light - for horses of this species, a light exterior and dry long legs are characteristic. usetheir usually just for riding.

As for the suit, the most common are three of them: golden-bay, golden-red and completely golden with a brown tail and mane.

Lifestyle and behavior

So what do you need to know about this? Karabakh horses are distinguished by courage and energy. They have always demonstrated incredible hard work and dedication, as well as optimism and agility. Representatives of this breed treat a person warmly and kindly. You can even ride children on them without fear.

A distinctive feature of this breed is the competitive spirit. They love to compete with worthy opponents. Karabakh horses demonstrate excellent results in jumping at the competition.

Habitat conditions

This aspect should be given special attention. We have already analyzed what the Karabakh horses are, the description and history of the breed. As for living conditions, representatives of this breed lead a herd lifestyle.

This suggests the following features:

1. All mares are free-range almost all year round.
2. The herd includes not only purebred Karabakh females, but also crossbreeds.
3. The stallions were kept separately. They were given meticulous care. There were a number of criteria for selecting individuals. Only the best representatives of the breed were used for mating.
4. The foals grew up in natural conditions also in the herd.

For breeding Karabakh horses was usedseveral kinds of animals. The basis of the breed was the best representatives of aboriginal representatives. To improve the exterior and physical characteristics of horses, Iranian, Arab and Turkmen horses were also used. As a result of centuries-old selection work, it was possible to breed individuals with a bold and obedient character, refined forms. Since the development of the breed took place in mountainous conditions, it easily coped even with extreme mountainous areas.

They cope well with winter frosts, because they have very strong immunity. However, despite this, experts still recommend providing horses with a warm stable, protected from drafts. During the growth period, it is extremely important to monitor how the skeleton and muscles of the animal develop. Veterinarian checkups should be done at least twice a year. To protect the animal from infections and viruses, it is vaccinated.

Care

What do you need to know about this? Are Karabakh horses difficult to care for? Reviews of experienced breeders confirm that this breed has its own characteristics. After long walks and a long day of work, a contrast shower should be performed on the limbs of animals. Such a procedure will not only invigorate the horses, but also help to remove the remnants of pollution. It is also important to regularly wash and dry the hooves and nostrils. Residual moisture in these areas can lead to infections. The mane and tail are washed a couple of times a week using special products. Brushes made from natural materials are best suited for combing hair. Usually the mane is braided into a tail.

Feeding

The daily diet for horses can be selected individually. If the animal is actively working or participating in sports competitions, it needs an enhanced feeding regimen. It usually consists of herbal ingredients, hay, concentrates, cereals and vegetables, vitamin complexes.

Pregnant mares and young animals require enhanced nutrition. Horses can be rewarded for good behavior with apples, carrots and sugar.

Application of breed

Let's take a closer look at this aspect. What can Karabakh horses be used for? The history of the breed confirms that most often these animals were used to quickly overcome mountain irregularities. In addition, these horses are hardworking and efficient. According to these indicators, animals are comparable with such breeds as Akhal-Teke and Arabs. These conclusions are based on the results of many competitions and tests.

What is unique about the Karabakh breed of horses? In overcoming mountain distances, these horses have no equal. Today, the Azerbaijani government is directly involved in the protection of the breed. However, despite this, Karabakh stallions continue to be used in crossbreeding to produce new unique breeds.

The Karabakh people have made their contribution to such breeds as Streltsy, Delibozskaya, Oryol riding and Trakehner. Plus, with the help of the Karabakh breed, it was possible to improve the Don breed. Now, thanks to oriental notes, Russian Donchaks look like purebred breeds. Photo of East Karabakh type of Don horsebreeds only confirm this.

Sports achievements

What are individuals of this species famous for? Many are interested in Karabakh horses, the history of the breed, photos and descriptions because of the outstanding results in sports competitions. In modern equestrian sport, Caucasian horses often demonstrate excellent abilities and skills. Karabakh people do an excellent job with jumping and often become winners of competitions. Plus, the noble nature of horses allows them to compete with opponents with special zeal and pleasure.

Interesting facts

Why is the Karabakh horse breed so valued? Photos of representatives clearly demonstrate the excellent shape and external characteristics of individuals. Numerous exhibitions and competitions, in which horses of this breed performed, ended in their victories. Karabakh received gold medals several times:

• in 1866-1867;
• in 1869;
• in 1897;
• in 1982.

The breed of Karabakh horses was on the verge of extinction several times. Individuals were constantly transported through the territory of Azerbaijan. For a long time they were forbidden to be exported abroad. Today, in Azerbaijan, all forces are devoted to the restoration of the breed, because it is considered the national treasure of the whole country. Today the Karabakh horse is compared with the best European breeds. Thanks to the oriental flavor and beauty of the exterior, today it is in demand all over the world. However, the main task continues to be the preservation of the best qualities anddevelopment of the population of Karabakh people. The whole world is counting on the restoration of the population of representatives of this breed.

Cost

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with this aspect in the very first place. No one can accurately determine the value of a Karabakh horse. It is quite difficult for representatives of this breed today, because after the occupation of Karabakh, the population of these horses was seriously damaged. Today, the authorities of Azerbaijan are making great efforts to maintain the population of the breed and preserve its purebred and integrity. It is almost impossible to export horses from the country. At the beginning of the 20th century, Karabakh horses were sold abroad at prices ranging from 2 to 14 thousand dollars. The cost depends on the location of the supplier, the gender and age of the horse, as well as the number of awards and he alth status. It is also important that the animal has everything in order with the documents.

Conclusion

In this review, we examined in detail what the Karabakh breed of horses is. Individuals of the species under discussion are highly valued due to their excellent physical characteristics, complaisant disposition and endurance. The breed has a fairly rich history. Karabakh horses have received many awards and prizes at international competitions. They are highly valued all over the world. Unfortunately, today this breed is not so widespread. Breeders are making every effort to preserve the population.