Bashkir Horse
Intro
Native to the unforgiving climate in the steppe regions south of the Ural Mountains, the Bashkir Horse is by nature a tough animal. Enduring long cold winters and short hot summers.
Origins
This is an ancient breed that has been bred for centuries by the Bashkiri people. Domestic breeding of horses was an established practice long before Mongols appeared in the area. While the blood of the Mongol horses may have been introduced to the Bashkir, it is not the foundation of the breed.
The Bashkir horse bloodline is descendant of the steppe horses from western Asia. The effect of their specific climate created characteristics that differ from other breeds that share the same ancestors, they are much heavier in build.
The mares are used heavily for milk production from April to August every year. During this time the foals are kept from the mares during the day so they can be milked, then allowed to feed at night. This has had an adverse effect on the development of the young animals and the breed in general suffers in quality because of it.
Cross breeding with a number of different breeds has been attempted, however crosses with lighter breeds rarely retain the hardiness of the Bashkir blood.
There are two recognized types
Mountain type – smaller draft-type
Steppe type – tallier and of lighter build saddle- harness-type
Both types of the breed have a very high work tolerance and are known for their hardiness under saddle.
They have an interesting link to the American Bashkir horse which is obviously of the same origin. The American Curlies are thought to have been first noticed in mustangs in the early 19th century, making their feral existence on the North American continent a mystery.
Features
Average height 13.1 – 14 hands
Versitile and useful
Healthy and well adapted for its habitat
Physique
Massive head
Short, fleshy neck
Broad back
Chest is deep and broad
Legs are short and bony
Coat is long and curly
Mane and tail is thick and grows long with winter coat
Traditional Colors
chestnut | bay | grey | dun | roan
Temperament
Strong and sensible with a good disposition
Use
Riding horse
Draft horse
Milk
Meat
Helpful Links
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Swedish Bashkir Horse Association