Horse trotter: description of the breed, rules of keeping and application, cost

Trotter horses are characterized by a number of features. Therefore, they are very popular with horse breeders. These animals have a calm and docile disposition. They have good learning abilities. Therefore, horses of this breed are often used for exhibitions and sports competitions. In order for animals to develop normally and not get sick, they are recommended to provide quality care.

History of the breed

Russian trotters were obtained by crossing American and Oryol trotter horses. They began to be bred at the beginning of the twentieth century to increase the speed of the Oryol variety.The breed was officially recognized in 1949. From American ancestors, animals received agility, and from Oryol - a powerful body and well-developed muscles.

Description and characteristics of the horse Russian trotter

Russian trotters include breeding individuals and sports horses. They are used in sports and are also used to improve the performance of draft breeds.

Appearance of the breed

Horses of this breed are distinguished by certain external characteristics:

• strong and powerful body;
• strong hind legs;
• dry and sculpted torso;
• muscular head - it is characterized by moving ears and a wide forehead;
• deep and arched chest;
• long back with pronounced top line;
• strong neck;
• sloping croup;
• indrawn abdomen.

The structure of the legs does not affect the speed of running. Conversely, a trotting horse can jump quite high. In the process of selection, it was possible to obtain a bay or chestnut color. There are also black horses.

Character and habits

Horses are distinguished by their energetic nature and are considered quite obedient. They are often found in amateur sports. This kind of animal is suitable for children. They can be used for walking. Horses are also often used for riding.

Productivity

Trotters are used for their intended purpose. They are highly efficient and show themselves well not only in trotting races. Horses often take part in combined competitions. They are also indispensable in driving and Russian troikas.

Main pros and cons

Keeping this horse breed has the following advantages:

• multifunctionality - animals are allowed to be used for races, exhibitions, hippotherapy;
• possibility of use for breeding new breeds;
• moderately calm disposition;
• endurance;
• possibility of getting used to different climatic zones;
• unpretentiousness.

The disadvantages include the following:

• underdeveloped muscle tissue of the lower leg and upper arm;
• concave forelimbs;
• late ripening period.

Maintenance and Care

Rotters are distinguished by unpretentious care. At the same time, they are recommended to ensure high-quality cleaning of wool, organize a comfortable stable, and maintain normal hoof condition.An excellent option for trotters would be a stable with a separate stall, an arena and an open area. All rooms in which horses are located must be well ventilated. In winter, it is worth maintaining the temperature + 8-11 degrees, in summer - + 23-25.

In the process of caring for animals, you will have to control the condition of the coat, ears, hooves, teeth. After a walk, it is recommended to clean the coat from dirt and sweat. After an intense run, the animal needs a contrast shower. It is better to clean horses with the help of special products - shampoos and conditioners. Also for this purpose it is worth using brushes and scrapers.

When brushing and bathing, it is important to check the condition of the horse's skin to identify wounds, parasites, damage.

It is definitely recommended to clean the hooves and monitor the condition of the animal's teeth. Hooves should be cleaned systematically using a special hook. Every year you need to show the animal to the veterinarian. The doctor must examine the oral cavity.The filing of pointed teeth is also important.

Diet

Taking into account the seasonal factor, the diet should be enriched with special vitamin and mineral complexes. The menu depends on the age category and gender. Physical activity should also be taken into account.

For the normal functioning of the digestive system, it is recommended to use hay, cereals, vegetables. The number of components in the diet is best discussed with the veterinarian.

The diet is based on bran, legumes, fruits and vegetables. It is especially useful to give these animals beets, carrots and cabbage. It is also worth using hay to feed horses. A little premix is introduced into the total amount. It is recommended to give water twice a day. This is best done in the morning and evening. It is recommended to keep the liquid warm. In summer, it is permissible to give horses fresh grass.As a reward, it is good to use all kinds of sweets. After the exact completion of the assigned tasks, it is allowed to give the horse a piece of carrot or sugar.

Reproduction

Exclusively he althy horses with no behavioral problems are suitable for breeding. In this case, the pair should be selected so that the mare is larger than the stallion. Pets over 3 years old are allowed. At this stage, their body is fully formed. Mating is permissible to carry out in a natural or artificial way. It is recommended to spend it from mid-March to July. Thanks to this, the foal will be born next spring or summer. During this period, it is warm and there is a lot of grass.

Diseases

Horses often suffer from various pathologies. In this case, treatment is not recommended to be carried out independently. Veterinarians should be involved in therapy. At the same time, every horse breeder should have information about the symptoms. This will make it possible to help the animal and not start the disease.

Pathologies are infectious and non-infectious. Common illnesses include the following:

• flu;
• tetanus;
• cataract;
• mastitis;
• toxoplasmosis;
• rabies;
• arthritis;
• anemia.

This is not a complete list of possible problems. Therefore, the he alth of animals should be treated very carefully. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to fever and loss of appetite. These symptoms should be the basis for urgent medical attention. Many diseases can spread among people. In addition, there are incurable pathologies.

The use of Russian trotters

Trotters over 4 years old are able to participate in the races. At the same time, horses acquire maximum agility only by 6 years.Most often, horses are used for racing. Also, trotters can be subjected to serious stress. They are suitable for agricultural work. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by a calm character. Therefore, they can be used for learning to ride. Such animals are perfect for horseback riding. They are often used for hippotherapy.

Horses participate in driving. This term refers to the competition between teams. The fastest representatives of the breed are used to improve the performance of other draft varieties.

How much does it cost

On average, representatives of this breed will cost 150,000 rubles. Trotters are considered a popular variety of horses. They are characterized by agility and attractive appearance. In order for these animals to develop normally and not get sick, they need proper care.

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