| Distinguishing features | Easy keeper, great endurance and stamina |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | Kazakh |
| Country of origin | Kazakhstan |
| Horse (Equus ferus caballus) | |
The Kazakh is an ancient breed of horse believed to be a descendant of the Asiatic Wild Horse and originating in Kazakhstan of the former USSR. They are used mainly as a riding horse, and are known for their hardiness and stamina.[1]
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The Kazakh generally stands 12.1 to 14 hands high. The breed consists of two subtypes, the Adaev and the Dzhab or Jabe.
The breed is said to have a short stride and a jolting, weak trot. However, this has not prevented them from being used for centuries by native tribesmen, and they are a hardy, enduring breed.[3]
The Kazakh is believed to descend from the Asiatic Wild Horse,[2] and the original steppe version of the breed has existed since at least the 5th century BCE. Since then, the breed has been influenced by Arabian, Karabair, Akhal-Teke and Mongolian horse blood. During the later part of the 20th century, Thoroughbred, Orlov Trotter and Russian Don blood has also been added.[3] The Kazakh today resembles a more elegant version of the Mongolian horse. The breed is still bred today by formerly nomadic Kazakh tribesmen, although cross-breeding has somewhat diluted the traditional bloodlines of the breed.[4]
The main use of the Kazakh is in riding,[2] although they are also bred for meat and milk.[3]
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