 | |
| Other names | Kazakh |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Kazakhstan |
| Traits | |
| Distinguishing features | Easy keeper, great endurance and stamina |
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]
The Kazakh horse averages 144 centimetres (14.0+1⁄2 hands; 56+1⁄2 in) for stallions and mares average 142 centimetres (14.0 hands; 56 in). They weigh between 400 and 500 kilograms (880 and 1,100 lb). 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, chestnutorgray. 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]
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]
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]
|
| |
|---|---|
These are the horse breeds considered to originate wholly or partly in the Central Asian countries of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Inclusion here does not necessarily imply that a breed is predominantly or exclusively from those countries. | |
| |
|
| |
|---|---|
These are the horse breeds considered in the Russian Federation to be wholly or partly of Russian origin. Inclusion here does not necessarily imply that a breed originates predominantly or exclusively within the Russian Federation. | |
| Contemporary |
|
| Extinct |
|
