HORSES OF THE WORLD

KABARDIN   Origin: Eurasia - Russia

History:
The Kabardin originated in the 16th century from horses of the steppe tribes of the northern Caucasus who were crossed with Persian, Turkmen and Karabakh horses. They were and are still raised in herds grazing on high pastures during summer and in the foothills during winter and developed into tough, sturdy mountain horses with great endurance, sure footedness and a sense of self-preservation. For centuries the Kabardin carried riders safely over the tough mountain terrain finding its way over rocky, narrow mountain tracks with great assurance, even able to find its way in the mist or in darkness.
            As a result of the Russian revolution the numbers of the Kabardin were seriously reduced. During the 1920's efforts were made to re-establish the breed, with the Malkin Stud and the Malokarachaev Stud producing the best modern Kabardin horses who are slightly bigger than their ancestors and suitable for farm work and as army remounts.  

Characteristics:
sturdy, mountain horse conformation
Head: long head; often Roman-nosed profile; kind, calm expression; sharp mobile ears
Neck: medium length
Shoulders: fairly straight, low withers
Body: strong body; straight back; short, often concave loins
Legs: strong limbs; short, strong cannons; hindlegs tend to be sickle shaped
Feet: good, strong
Mane and Tail: full
Color: predominantly bay, dark bay and black usually without distinguishing markings
Height: 15 to 15.2hh
Temperament: kind, calm
Qualities: tough, great endurance, athletic, well balanced, agile, sure footed, sense of self-preservation

Today:
The Kabardin is a good all-round riding and jumping horse.