The Karachaev horse is one of the most ancient horse-drawn breeds. For centuries, these strong and hardy animals helped the mountaineers graze cattle, transport goods, and move between villages. Due to its unique qualities, today the Karachai breed is gaining a second wind - it is still appreciated, bred, and actively used in various fields of activity.
Historical excursion
The Karachaevskaya breed was formed about half a millennium ago. Its homeland is the territory to the northwest of Elbrus. The first mention of the breed dates back to the 17th century. A detail about the breed was first written by the German P.S. Pallas traveling the Caucasus in 1793
In the Caucasus, horse breeding studs have long existed. Since tsarist times, the Malkinsky stud farm has been working here - this is in Kabardino-Balkaria, and later two more stud farms were built, but already in Karachay - Cherkessia. Between the breeders there was competition, which was unofficial in the days of the USSR.
Breed characteristics
Adapting to the peculiarities of mountain life, the rock formed a special biomechanics of the body. So, the front and hind legs of the Karachais are different - the first are straight, like ordinary horses, and the second is bent. Due to the special structure of the legs, the horses move briskly along the rocky mountainous terrain. The breed is beautiful in appearance.
Benefits
Compared to other breeds, Karachai horses have such advantages:
- Suitable for living in high altitude conditions, in particular for rarefied air.
- Unique endurance - they can easily tolerate long loads and long transitions over a mountainous landscape.
- Incredible survivability. The breed repeatedly stood on the verge of destruction, but, despite the preconditions for extinction, it was restored again and again.
- Undemanding to the conditions of existence. These horses, cruising along mountain trails, never lived in stables and did not receive grain fodder. But they are used to while away the nights under the stars and live on the pasture.
- Adaptation to the mountains. The special structure and biomechanics of the body make this breed the best for life in the mountains.
- Strong hooves of Karachais do not need horseshoes.
The amazing endurance of the Karachai breed is confirmed by the famous run of 1936. The route passed along the Caucasian ridge. The participants of the race - Karachai horses, not only showed unprecedented endurance, but also served as a kind of "bulldozers" for horses of other breeds. The Karachays were always ahead, paving the road for those walking in the snow.
Disadvantages
This breed has few disadvantages, and even then they are not critical for the highlands:
- Lose in speed to the horse breeds. But the main purpose of the Karachais is mountain crossings, therefore, minus is logical.
- Aesthetics. This is also a subjective aspect - Karachai horses do not have any flaws in appearance, it just does not have anything remarkable, no special grace, no obvious nobility of lines.
Natural conditions in Karachay-Cherkessia are a separate issue. In the area where the horses live, the climate is so healthy, the air is great and the water is clean, that once in the city, in civilization, these horses begin to hurt. Their body cannot adapt to polluted air - respiratory diseases begin.
Scope of application
The Karachaevskaya breed is indispensable in mountainous areas, it also finds application in:
- tribal breeding;
- equestrian sport;
- equestrian tourism and hunting;
- Hypotherapy
- transportation of goods;
- military service;
- circus programs;
- hire.
Exterior of Karachaevsky horses
Features of the exterior of the Karachay breed:
- squat and lean body;
- muscular body;
- medium-sized head, slightly elongated;
- in profile - a characteristic hump;
- ears are small, pointed;
- long mane - often wavy;
- wide and strong chest;
- the color is often black and brownish, but there are others - the Karachai breed has about 40 shades, and each has its own name;
- growth at the withers - 142 cm;
- pronounced bony fronto-facial lobe;
- neck of moderate length and moderate muscularity;
- straight neck smoothly goes into a straight line of the back;
- the loin is strong, and the wide croup is slightly lowered;
- legs of medium length, with the correct setting, sometimes slight clubfoot is observed;
- the mane and tail are moderately fluffy.
In the old days, when horse breeders belonged to different clans, several families were identified in the breed, which were determined by color:
- Kubanovsky - red;
- Boycharovsky - bay;
- bayramukovskie - gray.
The breed is popular not only in the Caucasus, but also in Europe. She is bred in particular in Czech and German stud farms.
Genealogical lines of stallions
Eight tribal male lines are distinguished in the breed, six of which are bred by private horse breeders. The laying of genealogical lines occurred at the end of the 20s. last century. Among the most notable is the Dausus line. This is a black stallion, from which the following attributes and qualities were transmitted to descendants:
- massive body;
- strong constitution;
- fertility;
- working capacity.
On the basis of the Dausuz line, a separate branch appeared, started by the Karachai stallion Dar, and after him the baton was taken by Dubochok, after which the horses got taller and got riding form. Another famous tribal line was founded by the Karachai Borei - its representatives were especially large. The horses on the line of Kobchik are dry and frisky, work well under the saddle.
The Karachayev stallions transmit their characters well along the line, so the descendants of Orlik have a strong physique and endurance. The stallion Argamak conveyed along its line the horse signs - large growth and long legs. One of the most valuable lines of the Karachai breed came from a stallion named the Louvre. This line - large, efficient and prolific, completed the genealogy of the breed.
Karachaev horses are excellent breeding material. They are fertile, and their offspring are characterized by good survival. Features of tribal lines are in table 1.
Table 1
Tribal line | Features |
Dausuz | The most common line. Distinctive features:
The most common color is black. |
Northwind |
Descendants easily convey the characteristic features of the line when crossed. |
Kobchik |
|
Eagle |
|
Argamak |
The most common color is bay. They have many sports awards. |
Pledge |
More common bay suit. |
Arsenal | The group is bred, combining with the descendants of the Dausuz line. |
The percentage of breeding lines in the total number of livestock for 1993 is in table 2.
table 2
Tribal line | mares | stallions | number of goals | % | ||
number of goals | % | number of goals | % | |||
Argamak | 11 | 8,5 | 41 | 8,3 | 52 | 8,3 |
Atlas | 7 | 5,4 | 35 | 7,1 | 42 | 6,7 |
Northwind | 15 | 11,5 | 74 | 14,9 | 89 | 14,2 |
Daususa | 21 | 16,2 | 54 | 10,9 | 75 | 12 |
Oak | 32 | 24,6 | 92 | 18,6 | 124 | 19,8 |
Zurab | 14 | 10,8 | 61 | 12,3 | 75 | 12 |
Kobchik | 10 | 7,7 | 53 | 10,7 | 63 | 10,1 |
Orlik | 8 | 6,2 | 22 | 4,4 | 30 | 4,8 |
Lock Sen | 7 | 5,4 | 38 | 7,7 | 45 | 1,6 |
Historian | 5 | 3,8 | 5 | 1,0 | 10 | 1,6 |
Other | — | — | 20 | 4,0 | 20 | 3,2 |
Total | 130 | 100 | 495 | 100 | 625 | 100 |
Representatives of different lines are frequent participants and laureates of various exhibitions. Breeding work continues - horse breeders seek to get horses for sports and agricultural work.
Karachays walk well in herds. They are long-lived and almost do not get sick. The breed is actively used in military service, in hunting and tourism, in agriculture and sports.
Intra breed types
In the old days, Karachai horses were small, lean, very mobile and hardy. Over time - after long breeding breeds, representatives of the breed became larger and more efficient, retaining all the valuable qualities of mountain horses. In the Karachay breed there are three inbreed types, their characteristics are shown in table 3.
Table 3
A type | Height at the withers | Body length | Metacarpal circumference | Chest circumference |
Horse | 152 | 154 | 19 | 180 |
Massive | 148 | 154 | 19 | 185 |
Characteristic | 150 | 156 | 19,1 | 183 |
Features of intra-breed types:
- Characteristic horses. They have a horse harness. Such specimens more than others correspond to the breed standard. They are used under saddle and harness.
- Horseback. Typically, such individuals have only 1/8 of the blood of purebred riding horses. The Karachay horsemen are distinguished by height and a dry constitution. They are valued for traveling qualities and are widely used for tourism purposes, as well as in sports competitions.
- Massive. They are characterized by short stature. These individuals have a wide body, stretched and bony. They are usually operated in a team - for transport purposes. They are good pack horses, and shepherds often use them. Very unpretentious and resistant to any weather conditions.
Popular suits
The main suit of the Karachai breed is dark. The most common horses are the black and bay colors, the latter having many flavors. Less often come across gray, red and bulan specimens. There are practically no white inclusions among Karachais. The share of popular suits among horses of the Karachay breed is in table 4.
Table 4
Suit | Stallions | Mares | ||
number of goals | % | number of goals | % | |
Gray | — | — | 4 | 0,8 |
Redhead | — | — | 3 | 0,6 |
Crow | 36 | 27,7 | 141 | 28,5 |
Karakova | 4 | 3,1 | 16 | 3,2 |
Bay-roan | 1 | 0,8 | 11 | 2,2 |
Dark bay | 35 | 26,9 | 94 | 19 |
Light bay | 1 | 0,8 | 9 | 1,8 |
Bay | 53 | 40,8 | 217 | 43,9 |
Total: | 130 | 100 | 495 | 100 |
Care and maintenance of the breed
Karachay-Cherkessia is a mountainous republic in which there are not many pasture lands at all. In the summer, horses are grazed on mountain pastures, in winter - they are taken to the foothills. Agriculture is not developed here and feed feeding has never been practiced here. The only horse feed is grass.
Severe conditions have tempered local horse breeds. Thanks to the natural selection, the Karachai horses are extremely hardy. The modern content of the Karachais is close to the historical ones. Horses in the Caucasus are not spoiled. It is this tactic that allows you to save the best characteristics of the breed - unpretentiousness and endurance.
Feeding
Horse breeders note that the Karachay breed is very responsive to the conditions of detention and the high quality of feed. Each breeder or owner selects the ration himself - you can keep the animal on a pasture, or you can feed it with nutritious feed. But it is recommended that those horses that feed on pastures also be given:
- vegetables;
- legumes;
- oats;
- millet straw.
When kept in stables, Karachais recommend a balanced diet:
- meadow hay - 60%;
- fresh vegetables - 30%;
- concentrates - 10%.
In order for the animal to better absorb food, it is recommended:
- mix crushed grain with chopped straw;
- give vegetables chopped into large pieces.
Boiled beets and potatoes are given to nursing mares in stalls to improve lactation. Stallions used for the carriage of goods or for endurance and speed competitions are given daily:
- grassy hay - 50%;
- beets, carrots and sliced potatoes - 10%;
- concentrates - 40%.
In order for horses to form complete musculoskeletal tissue, they are fed with fish oil, oilcake and bone meal. What else to look for when feeding:
- a horse should get 50 liters of water per day;
- juicy feed supplement with vitamin supplements and concentrates;
- the feed must be of high quality; it must not contain mold or insects.
Stable
Rules for organizing a stable:
- To make the animal feel comfortable in the stall, he needs 4 square meters. m
- Sawdust is scattered on the floor. Litter replacement - daily.
- Full cleaning of the stable - once a week.
- Drafts, pungent odors, changes in temperature and humidity are excluded in the room.
- The stable should be disinfected from time to time to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria.
Vaccinations
Karachaevs need winter and summer pastures, which should be located near villages, in places protected from the winds. Veterinarian inspects and vaccinates animals twice a year:
- After returning from summer pastures.
- Before going to spring pasture.
Recommended vaccinations:
- from anthrax;
- from dermatophytosis;
- against flu;
- against leptospirosis;
- from rabies;
- from tetanus.
Breeding Stages
This breed of horses in Russia began to be actively bred in the 18th century. Then there were recessions and again attempts at active breeding, which are described below.
Breeding until the 20th century
Karachay entered the Russian Empire in 1828. In those days, the livestock of the Karachai breed was numerous. Horses were actively involved by Cossack troops - it was the Karachais who formed the backbone of combat horses.
Breeders bred horses specifically "under the Cossack saddle" - they were intended for the Kuban Cossacks. Such horses had a height of 151 cm - this was their main distinguishing feature. Due to the high demand, the Karachai horses cost 150 rubles. - a considerable amount for that time.
Karachaevtsev also used as mountain pack horses. They were used by travelers and the military to transport goods along mountain trails.
Due to the decrease in pasture land, horse breeding gradually died out. Instead, horse-breeding of the mowing type came - the herds were divided into smaller groups.
For Karachais, horse breeding was one of the main occupations. Local breeders sold horses to different provinces, supplied them with Cossack waxes. Every year, Karachai breeders sold almost 10,000 horses.
Breeding in the Soviet Union
After the Civil War, horse breeding in Karachai was almost destroyed. In the conflict unleashed by the opposing sides, thousands of horses were killed. From 1917 to 1926 the number of horses in this area decreased three times.
Valuable breed had to be restored. What the local people did. For a long time, the Karachais were not used in harnesses, they were groomed and guarded, restoring the livestock. In order to raise horse breeding in the republic, several Karachai breeding enterprises were opened here - a stud farm, a pedigree state farm and a state stable.
As the stock increased, horses began to be sold to collective farms - here they were used to work in the field and to transport goods. And soon the breed was distributed throughout the Soviet Union.
Since 1930, at the Karachaevsky stud farm, they set about restoring and improving the breed. The original appearance of the breed had some aesthetic omissions - the horses were low and lean. Thanks to selection, modern Karachais look much better than their ancestors.
Organization of the Karachayevsky GPR
GPR - the state breeding nursery, was organized in accordance with the decree of 09/01/1937. The resolution provided for the introduction of regionalization by breed. The breeds included in the Karachayevsky geological survey are shown in table 5.
Table 5
Breed | Stallions | Mares | ||
absolutely | % | absolutely | % | |
Karachaevskaya | 132 | 66,4 | 2742 | 79,2 |
Improved Karachay | 28 | 14,1 | 367 | 10,6 |
Kabardian and improved Kabardian | 17 | 8,5 | 69 | 1,9 |
Anglo-and Anglo-Arab-Karachai | 10 | 5 | 125 | 3,6 |
Other | 12 | 6 | 161 | 4,7 |
Total: | 199 | 100 | 3464 | 100 |
GPR worked on improving the characteristics of the rock in two ways:
- They improved the breed within themselves by selecting mares and stallions with suitable qualities.
- Running the blood of English horses in the breed. For this, both purebred and half-blood stallions were involved.
By the beginning of World War II, there were almost 20 thousand heads at the horse farms of the region. As breeding, the growth parameters of the horses changed. An example of the correction of measurements of Karachai horses from 1930 to 1963 is shown in table 6.
Table 6
Years | Stallions | Mares | ||||
height at the withers | metacarpal circumference | chest girth | height at the withers | metacarpal circumference | chest girth | |
1930 | 149 | 18,7 | 171,2 | 140,5 | 17,6 | 168,8 |
1946 | 157,6 | 20,2 | 188 | 152,4 | 18,4 | 183,4 |
1953 | 158,2 | 20,4 | 188,4 | 154 | 18,8 | 186 |
1963 | 158,5 | 20,3 | 185,4 | 153,3 | 19,3 | 185,6 |
Karachaevsky geospatial survey in the 30s. occupied one of the forefront in the livestock complex of the USSR. The livestock in the Karachayev region, which is territorially many times smaller than Georgia, outnumbered its population. The Karachai horses were evacuated to Georgia during the Second World War. Decline began in 1943 - during the repressions against the Karachay people.
Deprivation of breed status and restoration of the breed
During WWII, the breed again suffered greatly. In 1943, repressions against the people of Karachai began - he was accused of complicity with the Nazis. Karachayevsky horses were evicted to Asia - this negatively affected the breed. They began to confuse her with Kabardian. But they did not stop breeding the breed. Horses continued to be involved in sports, at exhibitions and in breeding. The breed regained its official status only in the 80s. last century.
When the Karachai people were repressed, the Karachai breed was also persecuted. They simply “forgot” it, equating it to Kabardian. Since 1943 it was recorded in any literature as Kabardian.
After the 90th year, when the “parade of sovereignty” began, the inhabitants of the two republics were again unable to share the breed - the stallions and mares of the neighboring stud farms mated safely and gave offspring. There are practically no visual differences between the Kabardian and Karachai breeds. The difference is only on paper - in the column "breed".
Nevertheless, in the late 80's. the decision on the identity of the Karachai and Kabardian breeds was disqualified, and both breeds began to exist in parallel. The Karachaevsky breed was entered in the fifth volume of the state studbook - 130 stallions and 495 mares were brought here.
To stop the debate on the topic - whose breed is "more thoroughbred" - Karachai or Kabardian, some experts advise that Caucasian horses return their original name - "Adygea".
Nowadays
Currently, the Karachai breed has been appreciated by professionals and amateurs of horse riding. These horses are ideal for long hiking, hiking or hunting trips. This breed is more suitable than others for serving at the borders in the mountains.
Since 2008, the breed has about 20 thousand horses. Three thousand - breed elite, individuals with a proven pedigree. It was decided to control thoroughbred using special markers of genetic recognition.
In 2009, the Regulation on the state book of Karachayev horses was approved, and all won regalia and awards were returned to the breed.
In 2014, the Russian Association of Horse Breeders and Lovers of the Karachaevskaya breed appeared, which all owners of these wonderful horses can easily contact. So, thanks to the work of the association, the breed was represented at many exhibitions in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Europe.
About the fertility of the breed
It is not for nothing that Karachayevsky mares are actively used for breeding - they are very prolific. According to statistics, their fertility is about 89%, and survival rate among young animals is 86%. Horses of this breed, differing somewhat late puberty, are considered long-livers. They can be used for breeding up to 25 years or more. 92% of mares regularly bring offspring.
The launch of stallions for mares begins in late April and lasts until September. Then only one stallion remains with the uterus - to maintain order. One adult stallion usually controls a herd of 30 queens; 10-15 mares trust a three-year-old stallion.
Usually, the foal is born without human help. Newborns remain with their uterus until they enter the spring pasture.
One adult stallion can fertilize up to 30 mares per year. For mating, mares who have reached the age of three are suitable.
Character Features
In appearance, the Karachai horses seem almost ominous - a dark color, angular forms of a bony head, a waving mane. In fact, they have a character that is quite adequate for native breeds, which is formed under conditions in which one has to survive without human help. They themselves seek food, and make their own decisions.
However, in the mountains the horse is glad to cooperate with man. True, they do not always understand why he is chasing cows or riding around a enclosed enclosure. But why you need to go along the mountain trails with the rider, the horse understands - to get to the pasture or mountain village.
Such character traits allow many to consider Karachai horses as stubborn. And it is true. They can not even be compared in obedience to well-trained sporting breeds that obey a person unquestioningly.
Karachay horses are not evil, they are smart and make contact with a person. Connoisseurs of the breed note that Karachai horses prefer, choosing one person, to obey it. But he will not immediately become a friend either - indigenous horses are extremely distrustful, they still need to prove their right to any requirements.
Breeding prospects
Today in Russia there are 20 thousand representatives of the Karachai breed. And this is a very good result for a world in which a horse has long lost its position. This breed has always been valued as a transport-pack and military service force.
Areas of use of Karachai horses:
- The Karachaev horses are still helping out the local population on the issue of crossing the highlands. A horse of this breed is able to walk along paths that are not accessible to any vehicle.
- On horseback shepherds moving, watching herds of sheep. Sheep breeding is the most important industry in Karachay-Cherkessia.
- Participation in tourist activities. Organization of walks in the mountains. Tourism is one of the main sources of filling the budget of the republic.
- Service in paramilitary units. The breed is ideally suited for borderline service in mountainous areas.
- Participation in sporting events. Karachaevtsi cannot defeat horse breeds in short runs, but at long distances they can demonstrate unprecedented endurance.
Given the variety of fields of application, we can state that the Karachai horses are universal, and in some matters they have no equal. It is not surprising that this breed is in demand and finds sales in different regions of Russia.
Along with the breeding of purebred representatives of the breed, today work is underway to improve it. As the demand for sports trotters is growing, breeders want to bring a new line with improved riding characteristics. For this, Karachais are crossed with stallions of high breeds.
As a result of systematic selection, horses are created that, while maintaining the valuable qualities of the breed, look more presentable. Today, on one of the most successful stud farms in Karachevo-Cherkessia, mares are bred up to 156 cm tall, stallions grow even taller.
The nuances of sports life
Representatives of the Anglo-Karachai breed won many times in eventing, at obstacle distances, as well as in competitions in the style of cesu. The breed is used for long-distance races, but for races of 100 kilometers or more, purebred Karachais (except for a cross with a horse, they are more frisky) can not compete with Arabian horses.
According to the rules of the competition, participants in the races must not only overcome the distance, but also quickly recover after the runs. Each stage of the race ends with a veterinary examination. The Caucasian breeds cannot withstand the loads that horse horses can handle. The Karachais have too long a recovery, so they can not beat the rivals. Moreover, as a result of overloads, Karachai horses may become lame.
Karachaevtsy, having small growth and low speed, lose the show jumping. And because of the nature of their structure, they cannot win dressage competitions. But the Karachai horses are ideal for the amateur level. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive.
Important breed notes by researchers
Researchers, scientists and just travelers who visited the Caucasus, certainly noted in their notes the features of local horses. Parameters and capabilities of horses in Karachai could not but admire.
In 1973, the geographer and zoologist P.S. Pallas, who described the Karachay horses. He especially noted their endurance and energy, calling their temper "hot." The researcher considered that local horses possess simply “outstanding” abilities.
In the 20s. 19th century, writer S.M. Bronevsky made a description of the North Caucasus, in which he noted unique horses. The writer noted that the highlanders have an unusually strong and strong breed of horses. It was Bronevsky who first called these horses "Karachai."
In 1829, the Hungarian researcher J.-S. de Bess described the highlanders' horses, calling them "beautiful." He noticed that these animals have no equal in traveling in the mountains. Bess also pointed to the exceptional suitability of this breed for cavalry.
Highland breed
Horses, now called Karachays, appeared in the North Caucasus in the 14-15 centuries. In the Caucasus they say that "a horse is the wings of a man." Here, horses were always treated with special trepidation and honor. It is not surprising that the breed grown by the mountaineers themselves is characterized by unsurpassed strength and grace. Each of its qualities is the result of many years of natural selection. Life in harsh conditions became the best breeder, who managed to create a unique breed adapted for specific mountain conditions.
Unlike cars, a horse was not just a vehicle. For highlanders, a horse is a friend and helper who can help out in the most difficult situation. Each young mountaineer took a kind of “course” of horseback riding. Today, the tradition of organizing competitions in horseback riding has been preserved; riders on graceful black horses are a magnificent sight.
Records and ascents
The maximum speed to which the Karachai horses are able to accelerate is 50 km / h. In the Caucasus in 1936, a winter race was organized. Distance - 300 km. The route passed along a mountain range. On the track were the most difficult conditions - the horses had to climb, descend, overcome passes and dense thickets. Karachaevsky horses confidently won this race. Beating all competitors, they were the first to finish, not showing much fatigue.
The Karachai breed also has fertility records. Mare Sad, within 24 years of her life managed to produce 21 foals.
The speed record among the Karachai breed was set in 1974. Then the steed managed to pass 3 km in 3 minutes 44 seconds.
In 1996, the Karachai horses set another "record" by taking part in climbing Mount Elbrus. The stallions Khurzuk, Daur and Ginger participated in the ascent. Taking the horses with them, climbers proved that the possibilities of the Karachai breed are inexhaustible. Horses climbed the eastern peak of Elbrus, overcoming steep slopes and a glacier. At the same time, the animals were loaded - transporting people and goods.
Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe. Its height above sea level is 5642 m.
In 1999, the continuation record was continued - the horses climbed the western peak of Elbrus. The composition was almost the same, only Khurzuk did not participate - he was replaced by the stallion Igilik.
Karachaev horses are real friends of the highlanders. Thanks to their unique abilities, a person can feel in the mountains as comfortable and safe as possible. This hardy breed is the real property of the entire horse breeding complex in Russia.
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