Russian Don

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The Russian Don is a breed of horse named after the steppes region of Russia where the Don River flows.

[edit] Breed characteristics

The horses have an Eastern-type, medium-sized head with wide forehead, and a broad, straight back and loins. The horses have muscular forearms and gaskins, but also have a tendency to have calf knees, sickle hocks, and upright pasterns. The shoulders are usually quite upright, leading to choppy strides. The Don's quarters can be weak, with a rather straight croup.

The Don is usually chestnut or brown with a golden metallic sheen reminiscent of their Akhal-Teke ancestry. They stand 15.3-16.2 hh.

The horses evolved in harsh conditions with severe weather, so the Don is naturally extremely hardy and tough. They have a quiet, yet energetic, temperament.

[edit] Breed history

The Don probably originated in the 18th and 19th centuries from crosses between the Mongolian horses and the Turkoman Horse, Karabakh, Akhal-Teke and Orlov Trotter stallions. The breed is well-known for their hardiness from the military campaigns of 1812-1814, when the Cossacks drove Napoleon's troops from Russia. The Don survived the extreme cold and harsh winters.

Selective breeding for the Don began in the 1830s. They were primarily bred for cavalry mounts and for use in harness. Thoroughbred and Arabian blood was added in the 20th century, but since then the breed has remained relatively untouched. Breeders are currently trying to get rid of the major conformational faults common in the Don, including sickle hocks and calf knees.

The Don is introduced to other Russian breeds, the most notable being the Budyonny. The horses are used for riding and light draft work. It is also used for endurance riding.