Russian horse breed: description and content features

Russian riding - a unique breed of horses. It is difficult to find a more elegant creature. This amazing horse combines power and airy grace. As if in a state of weightlessness, he performs his pirouettes and bravely takes any obstacles. The horse is able to take out his master from the thick of the battle. He carries out his service, despite the heat and frost. At the same time, it is impossible to find a more vulnerable animal that needs love and attention.

Historical data

A unique breed of horses appeared thanks to the efforts of Count Alexei Grigoryevich Orlov. Driven by a passionate desire to breed a reference horse, the count selected the best representatives of Arab and European breeds for breeding.

The strongest and most enduring descendants of these horses were planned to be assigned to serve in the cavalry troops. By a happy coincidence, the Persian Shah presented Empress Catherine with a pair of beautiful stallions. Knowing about the plans of Alexei Grigorievich, the queen immediately transferred them to the ownership of the count. The collection of horses was replenished during the Russian-Turkish battles. The enthusiastic aristocrat was faced with the task of breeding a breed of horses that could easily learn and endure the hardships of a harsh climate.

Special requirements were imposed on the formation of the appearance of animals. Bird horse, dream horse. This is how Count Orlov saw the ideal horse.

The ancestors of the Oryol breed were horses of English, Arabian and Asian origin. In 1770 Alexei Grigorievich's stud farm became the pride of the Russian Empire. The famous hippologist V. I. Koptev noted with admiration the amazing grace of the Oryol horses. “The neck is twisted into a ring, the back is flexible, the mouth is soft.Horses are obedient and smart, "- such a description was given to animals by a specialist.

In 1802, Count Rostopchin became interested in creating a new breed of racehorses. For breeding work, he used the most hardy horses of English and Arabian blood. The count's efforts were not in vain. The breeder showed the world energetic, stocky, short-necked horses. The horses were distinguished by their obstinate disposition. The external appearance of the animals was not as dazzlingly good as that of the pets of the Oryol plant. However, Rastopchin's horses were much more enduring than their competitors.

After the death of Count Orlov, the Khrenovsky stud farm was orphaned. In 1845 the farm was sold to the state. Ironically, the same fate befell the enterprise of Count Rostopchin. The new owners decided to combine the two famous breeds. This is how the Orlovo-Rostopchinskaya horse appeared.

The golden age of Russian horse breeding ended with the outbreak of the First World War.In the conditions of the collapsed economy of the country, breeding horses turned out to be an unaffordable luxury. Most of the horses died during the battles. The surviving handsome men were used to transport goods and field work. Horses unadapted to such activities often died.

The authorities remembered the precious horses only in the 30s of the 20th century. A handful of surviving horses found shelter under the roof of the Derkul stud farm. Breeding work was resumed and even crowned with success. The triumph of the specialists of the Derkul enterprise was the performance at the All-Union exhibition of horses of the Orlovo-Rostopchin breed in 1939. At the same time, the breed received a new name - Russian riding.

Happiness did not last long. During the terrible years of the Great Patriotic War, the number of unique horses was almost completely wiped off the face of the earth. Miraculously, the surviving horses were collected on the territory of the Krasnogvardeisky stud farm. The employees of the farm have made a lot of efforts to restore the former glory of the unique horses.However, during the reign of Khrushchev, the breed was destroyed.

In 1978, through the efforts of the employees of the Starozhilovsky stud farm and the Timiryazev Academy, work began to recreate the breed. Using the old records of selection work, scientists step by step approached the goal. The specialists of the plant were looking for descendants of precious horses. Akhal-Teke horses, as well as Arab, European and domestic breeds were involved in breeding.

In 1999, the Russian riding horse received official recognition.

Description and characteristics of the Russian riding horse breed

The graceful silhouette of a descendant of the Orlov-Rostopchin breed is similar to the outlines of an Arabian horse. Thanks to the flexible joints, the movements of the horse are smooth and graceful.

Exterior and color

Tall representatives of the Russian riding breed are impressive in their size.Stallions reach 172 cm, mares are slightly smaller. Their maximum height is 165 cm. The muscles are well developed, the weight of the animal, on average, reaches 500 kg. A long, curved neck is crowned with a relief head. The ears are small, sensitive, pointed. Large, dark eyes look expressive and wise. Large, quivering nostrils complete the portrait of a handsome man.

Muscular back and wide, sculpted chest are in harmony with the back of the animal. The horse's croup is prominent, with well-developed muscles. Slender, sinewy legs give the horse a sophisticated look. All joints are clearly visible. Hooves of small height. Due to the structure of the legs and soft, elastic pasterns, the animal is distinguished by a unique, soft step. A silky mane and a wavy, long tail complete the portrait of the animal. Russian racehorses can be black or bay.

Temperament and character

The animal is distinguished by aristocratic manners.The horse is patient and easy to train. A pet needs constant contact with a person. Willingly responds to praise. He does not forgive the owner of an aggressive or dismissive attitude. In such cases, the horse becomes stubborn and irritable.

Because of the friendly nature of the animal can be found in the ranks of the mounted police. If a pet becomes attached to a rider, it may not recognize another owner. Due to the peculiar temperament and physical parameters, the animal needs an active lifestyle. Without games and the attention of the owner, the horse can feel homesick. An agile, agile animal made for competition.

Productivity

The horse is for show, dressage and triathlon use only. Treating a horse as a source of meat is blasphemy.

Main pros and cons

Raising a Russian riding horse requires patience, love and tact. To achieve a successful result, it is necessary to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the animal. Positive qualities:

natural curiosity;
friendliness;
high intelligence;
patience;
dexterity and vigor.

Breed faults:

obstinacy;
stubbornness;
quick thinks, but with such a mindset, he instantly grasps both good and bad. Because of this quality, the pet has to be kept under constant control.

Keeping thoroughbred horses

A graceful animal needs special care and close attention. Due to the increased activity and size of the horse, it is necessary to provide the pet with a spacious "living space". At least 5 m is allocated for personal apartments. The stall is thoroughly cleaned daily. Wash the stall twice a week. In the spring, the room is treated with an antiseptic.In warm weather, the pet is allowed to walk. Fresh greens contain vitamins and nutrients.

A sensitive animal cannot stand sharp, loud sounds and bad smells. The horse needs regular walks (at least 3-4 times a week). Without an active lifestyle, horse muscles will quickly atrophy. After walking, the hooves and body of the animal are thoroughly cleaned. During the procedure, you can not approach the horse from the back (the horse may not cope with his emotions and kick the person). The drinking bowl must be constantly filled with fresh water. Dehydration threatens the pet with death. Horseshoes are made individually for a sports horse, according to their own standards.

Feeding the domestic horse

The diet is made up of quality ingredients. It is strictly forbidden to give your pet stale, poorly dried food. The daily diet of a he althy, active horse consists of:

4 kg feed or grain;
1 kg rye or wheat chopped straw (a component necessary for the production of saliva in an animal);
4 kg meadow hay;
2 kg of vegetables or fruits (the horse will be happy with treats in the form of beets, carrots, pumpkins and apples);
vitamins and minerals as a food supplement.

In addition to the listed components, the pet is given bone meal. The substance replenishes the deficiency of calcium in the body of the horse. The lack of this element threatens with problems with the bones and joints of the horse.

Breeding rules

For further breeding, horses that do not have breed defects are allowed. Animals are selected according to the criteria: origin, physique, exterior, performance, quality of offspring.

Separate requirements apply to the color of the horse. The reference horse can only be bay or black, without spots.

Possible diseases

If you follow the rules for keeping horses, the likelihood of a pet getting sick is small. In poor conditions, the horse can be exposed to viral diseases, such as influenza or rhinopneumonia. Manure not removed in time can provoke such a nuisance as washing. This disease is accompanied by cough and loss of appetite. Damp, dirty litter is a sure road to hoof diseases (biting biting, laminitis). The use of food of inadequate quality threatens the pet with painful colic. In all cases, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Application

Russian riding horses are successfully used in spectacular shows, races and exhibitions. Luxurious horses are constant participants in parades and festive events. Horses serve in the ranks of the mounted police. Thanks to the peaceful nature of the horse can become a true friend.