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HORSES OF THE WORLD
KABARDIN
Origin:
Eurasia - Russia
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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.
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