Transbaikal curly horse: breed description, diet and breeding

Transbaikal curly horses are an aboriginal breed. It was cultivated by nomads as early as the 1st millennium BC. Animals are characterized by small stature and amazing endurance. They are undemanding to nutrition and do not get tired when working under the saddle. In order for animals to develop normally and not get sick, they need to be properly looked after.

Origin of the breed

The breed standard was developed in 1940. At the same time, its formation took place at the end of the nineteenth, beginning of the twentieth century. Transbaikal curly horses come from Mongolia. Until the 17th century, they almost did not differ from their ancestors.

The main breeding work was carried out in Transbaikalia - on the territory of the Chita region. There, the animals acquired unique qualities that distinguished them from their Mongolian ancestors.

Today such horses are quite rare. They are bred in Transbaikalia. Also representatives of the breed can be seen in Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan. Several dozen animals ended up in Canada and the USA.

Characteristics and description of the Trans-Baikal curly hair

This breed is characterized by an unusual appearance. The body of horses is covered with curly wool, which resembles sheep. Transbaikal horses are characterized by a calm disposition. They are flexible and do not need specific care. Horses are people oriented. They go great under the saddle. If necessary, horses can be used as pack animals.

Horses of this breed are considered quite squat. The growth of stallions at the withers does not exceed 1.4 meters.A distinctive feature is considered to be curly wool, reminiscent of astrakhan fur. The suit may be different. At the same time, selection work is aimed at restoring natural colors. They imply the presence of spots and stripes on the body.

Transbaikalian horses have a large head with a wide forehead. They are characterized by a short and massive neck. It is complemented by a moderately wide chest and an elongated torso. Representatives of the Trans-Baikal breed are distinguished by short legs with wide hooves.

Good and bad sides

The main advantages of the breed include:

• capacity for work, regardless of the scope of use;
• easy care;
• calm disposition;
• endurance for long trips;
• frost resistance - horses quickly adapt to climatic conditions.

There are no significant disadvantages of the breed. The only drawback is the need for regular brushing.

Scope of application

This breed is versatile. Animals are considered very hardy. Therefore, they are used for agricultural work in villages located closer to Siberia. Horses tolerate harsh winters well. In addition, not too hot summer weather suits them.

Animals can pull plows or carts for hours. Moreover, they are able to work even when the temperature drops to -40 degrees.

Horses walk well under the saddle. They are characterized by soft gaits. Trans-Baikal curly horses can be used for initial training in horse riding.Animals do not drop riders and quickly become accustomed. At the same time, it is not recommended to use horses for big sports. They are able to jump no more than 1 meter. When dressage, only transitions from a canter to a walk or vice versa are possible. Therefore, representatives of this breed are practically never found in the stables of equestrian clubs.

Maintenance and care requirements

Transbaikal curly horses are small in stature. Therefore, they do not need large stalls. For 1 individual, a room of 2x3 square meters is enough. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the horse can turn freely.

Many stables are equipped with so-called balconies. They are exits to the street. There should be a plot with hay and a garden, which consists of fruit trees.Shoe the hooves of these horses is not required. It should be done at will. It is important to take into account the conditions in which the horse lives. With constant training, horseshoes are needed. In such a situation, it is important to clean them from dirt 2-3 times a week.

If the horse lives in the village, horseshoes are not required. To prevent inflammatory processes, it is enough to wash the lower part of the limbs once a month. For this, it is recommended to use a soda or saline solution.

Transbaikalian horses have curly hair. However, it is quite short. Therefore, it is recommended to comb only the tail and mane. At the same time, thorns and other vegetation that animals collect when walking or working in the field should be systematically removed from the body. It is recommended to wash wool with an interval of 1-2 months. In this case, it is recommended to use special shampoos.

Meeting plan

The basis of the diet of animals is hay, oats, straw.They should also be given supplements. These include muesli and common table s alt. It is worth distributing feed taking into account the age category, loads, scope of animals. Adults require 8-10 kilograms of hay per day.

Muesli is recommended to be used only in winter. During this period, animals experience a lack of vitamins. Of no small importance is the availability of free water. It is recommended to water the horses at least 3-5 times a day. This should be done after meals.

Animal breeding

The mating season for these animals begins in the spring. At the same time, they are able to breed throughout the year. Mating is herd character. It should be done for several days in a row. Pregnancy lasts 11 months. In this case, a maximum of 2 cubs are born. In 95% of cases, 1 foal is born. The female feeds him with milk for six months. After that, the animals are placed in different stalls.

Frequent illnesses

Weak lungs are considered a characteristic feature of Transbaikal curly horses. Therefore, they can not be drunk after training or competition. In addition, animals can suffer from tuberculosis, eczema, leptospirosis, anthrax and other pathologies characteristic of horses. Timely vaccination and proper care helps to avoid problems.

The Trans-Baikal curly horse breed has many advantages. These animals are distinguished by a high degree of endurance and have an unusual appearance. To successfully raise these horses, they need quality care.

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