Karachaev breed of horses: history and description, rules of keeping

Ancient aboriginal breed of horses of the North Caucasus - Karachaev, belongs to the riding-draft type. Representatives of this breed are hardy, loyal and smart. Since ancient times, Karachay horses have been used as draft helpers and means of transportation; animals are accustomed to living in the changing climate of the highlands. The breed is not lost and is still in demand in the circles of breeders and horse lovers.

History of the breed

A rock that arose at the headwaters of the Kuban River more than 5 centuries ago. The ancestors of the Karachai horses are oriental horses, which gave offspring together with local species of mares.The first notes about unusual mountain beauties were made in the middle of the 18th century by the German traveler Pallas.

The ability of the Karachais to live, move quickly in mountainous terrain, despite snowdrifts, elevation changes, pressure and rarefied air, was appreciated by the Russian military and the Cossacks. Horses of the Karachay breed were actively used in campaigns on Turkish lands and in battles.

In the Soviet period, Karachay horses were recognized as the main breed for mountain army units. Currently, the number of hardy beauties has decreased significantly, however, the breed remains in demand both among amateurs and professionals.

Description

The constitution of the body of Karachai horses is genetically tailored to the conditions of living in the mountains. A distinctive feature of the breed is the striking difference between the pairs of hind and fore legs. The front legs are powerful and straight, while the hind legs are bent at the knees.This feature of the structure allows animals to move comfortably and quickly over rough terrain and mountainous terrain.

Modern exterior of the Karachay breed

Features of appearance and characteristics of the Karachay breed:

• straight front and hind legs bent at the knees;
• there are three types of structure: riding, massive, characteristic;
• massive, squat torso;
• average height - 145 centimeters;
• head dry, frontal bone pronounced;
• ears are movable and long;
• neck short, powerful, thick;
• croup lowered, muscular relief stands out on the lower back;
• strong hooves that don't need horseshoes.

Horses of the Karachai breed are inquisitive, require minimal care, are devoted to humans, and can be trained.

Note: people who are not familiar with the breed may mistakenly consider Karachays to be vicious, this is not so. At the first meeting with the owner, the animal demonstrates independence and strong character, but with the right approach and education, the horse quickly becomes the most devoted friend of man.

Color

The main and usual color of mountain Karachay horses is black or bay. But in fact, there are many more options for suits. The breed standard includes red, gray and carac varieties. Striping is allowed on the back and shoulder blades.

Temper and learning

Representatives of the breed are active and mobile. The nature of the horses is strong and proud, the owner must make an effort to win the devotion of an artiodactyl friend. At the same time, the horse easily makes contact and, if he trusts a person, he will be devoted to him all his life. The intellect of mountain beauties is at a high level, Karachays are trainable, trainable, often used in the circus arena.

Horse use

The main purpose of the breed is riding and working in a team. The physiology and disposition of horses determine the universal use of animals in various fields:

• equestrian tourism, hunting and sports;
• military service;
• participation in circus performances
• hippotherapy;
• cargo transportation.

Purebred representatives of the breed are used in breeding. Based on the Karachays, many new breeds have been bred.

Advantages and disadvantages of content

The important advantages of the breed include:

• the ability to survive in various conditions;
• strong physique;
• endurance;
• undemanding to care and conditions of detention;
• horses are adapted to the conditions of life in the mountains, in particular to rarefied air;
• hooves are so strong that it is not necessary to shoe Karachays;
• devotion to the owner;
• learning and curiosity.

The disadvantages of the breed include:

• prone to clubfoot;
• running speed below the speed of riding breeds;
• in the conditions of life on the plain, horses begin to get sick more often.

The breeders like the original qualities of the breed. Karachay horses are recognized not only in our country, but also abroad, especially in Germany.

Features of growing and caring for animals

Representatives of the Karachay breed do not have special requirements for keeping, horses can live in the open air and eat a grazing root. But if the owner loves his artiodactyl comrade, then he will take care of creating comfortable conditions for the life of a handsome mountain.

Stable decoration

The basic rule for decorating the space in the stable is to maintain cleanliness, air ventilation, absence of drafts and excessive humidity. Horses must be provided with feeders, drinkers and separate stalls. The space in the stable is calculated based on the proportion: 4 square meters per adult.

Sawdust or straw is used as bedding in the stable. The substrate must be changed several times a week. Animals must have constant access to clean drinking water.

In addition to the ventilation and insulation system, artificial lighting must be installed in the stable.

Competent diet planning

Historically, the Karachais did not eat forage. The basis of the diet is grass, hay, haylage, fresh vegetables and meat and bone meal.Be sure to include table s alt in the daily menu of animals. The amount of feed and the ratio of ingredients depends on the age, mental and physical stress of the animals. In order for pets to reach their full potential and achieve maximum productivity, provide and correctly form a diet for livestock.

Basic feeding

When grazing animals in the menu of artiodactyls include oats, vegetables, legumes and vitamin complexes. When keeping horses in stables, the main diet consists of concentrated feed, hay, fresh vegetables.

To improve the quality and quantity of milk, lactating mares are fed boiled beets and potatoes. For horses doing hard physical work, increase the amount of concentrated feed, add food additives to food.

Food supplements

Currently, ready-made balanced mineral-vitamin complexes for horses can be purchased in stores. At home, as nutritional supplements for horses, use:

• dried seaweed;
• chalk;
• meat and bone meal;
• fish oil;
• cake;
• yeast;
• linseed oil;
• nettle.

Important! When compiling a diet for animals, keep in mind that a horse should drink up to 50 liters of water per day.

Hygiene and horse care

In order for the horse to always look neat and he althy, it is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness and hygiene of the animal. Horses are washed regularly, in the warm season the number of baths is increased. The mane and tail are washed with a shampoo with conditioner, but you should not get carried away with household chemicals, animals may experience allergies or itchy skin. After washing, the animals are wiped and combed with a soft brush. Hooves also need to be cleaned of dirt.

Grazing

Karachai horses are by nature free animals. They need a grazing opportunity. Karachays are taken out for walks no earlier than an hour after eating. When kept in a stable and without physical activity, the walking time is increased.

During grazing, horses get a significant part of the food, which significantly reduces the cost of keeping artiodactyls, the owner only needs to supplement the animals with vitamins and a small amount of fodder. Grazing is carried out both in summer and in winter.

Horseshoe

Strong hooves of mountain horses do not need horseshoes, it is enough to monitor foot hygiene and periodically show the hooves to the veterinarian.

Vaccinations and disease prevention

Strong immunity and the ability to survive in adverse conditions went to the Karachays from their ancestors. But when kept in a stable and in regular contact with other animals, it is necessary to vaccinate horses against a number of dangerous diseases:

• rabies;
• flu;
• anthrax;
• tetanus.

Horses will need to be dewormed regularly and taken to the vet. When signs of disease appear, animals are isolated and placed in quarantine. Disease prevention measures include the following activities:

• routine vaccination;
• immunization;
• selection of a diet with a vitamin complex;
• regular disinfection of stables and dishes;
• veterinary check-ups;
• animal hygiene.

Skin itching, loss of appetite, unmotivated aggression, loose stools, bloating, eye flow and fever - a reason for examining the inhabitants of the stable by a veterinarian. The selection of products for animals must be taken carefully, artiodactyls often suffer from digestive disorders and poisoning due to eating stale, dirty vegetables.

About fertility and breeding

Mares of the Karachay breed are valued by breeders for their high fertility, while the foal is born on its own, the survival rate of the young is 86%. The best age for crossing is 3-4 years, while the mare is able to produce high-quality viable offspring for 20 years.

A male is able to fertilize up to 30 females per year, with a 90% chance of mating a female.

How much?

Stallions and mares of the Karachay breed are in demand in sports competitions, agriculture, breeding, they are easily trained and devoted to humans, they are distinguished by endurance, innate vitality and he alth. For these qualities, representatives of the breed are popular in our country and abroad.

The cost of a breeding horse depends on various factors, mainly on the purity of the line, age and pedigree.The cost of a horse can be affected by the he alth of the animal and the intended use. If a horse is purchased for agricultural work, then its average cost is 75,000 rubles, the cost of a horse for exhibitions will be about 300,000 rubles.

Interesting facts

Interesting facts about the life and breed of horses from the North Caucasus:

1. The breed practically disappeared during the Soviet era, especially during the Stalinist repressions.
2. The clan of Karachay horses includes 8 breeding lines.
3. A horse lost in the pasture is able to find its own way home.
4. Stallions are capable of long journeys through snowdrifts and mountainous terrain.
5. A herd of 30 mares can be controlled by 1 stallion.
6. Grievances and bullying horses of the Karachay breed do not forget, they are able to take revenge.
7. In 1996, Karachai horses, together with people, conquered Elbrus.

Karachai horses amaze with their endurance and strong character. Independence and devotion are combined with intelligence and perseverance. Currently, the number of Karachays has significantly decreased, however, the breed remains in demand, both among amateurs and professionals in our country and abroad.

Recommended