Kyrgyz Horse

 

Kyrgyz Horse

The Kyrgyz horse displays great hardiness while working in the ruthless mountainous climate of thin air and lower atmospheric pressure. As the name suggests, this horse has its origin in USSR – Kirgiz and Kazakhstan.

It can be spelt as Kyrgyz or Kirgiz horse. It can handle precipitous mountain climbs or descents above yawning ravines with ease. It is surefooted in tapered mountain trails and crossing the strong torrent rivers and walking over large scattered rocks is not difficult for it. This horse is slow to mature and attains maturity only after 12 years of age.

History of Kyrgyz Horse

It is said that the breeding of the Kyrgyz Horse has taken place in the steppes of Central north Asia and Siberia by the Kyrgyz people for more than 4000 years. These horses differ from Mongolian animals. The reason is that they were tamed before Mongolian civilization. It is also believed that probably these horses carry the influence of Mongolian, Kabarda, and Arabian blood throughout the years.

It was in the year 1879 that a stud farm was created. Here, Russian trotter stallions and local Kyrgyz mares were crossbred. Russian zoologists made an attempt to revive the breed further and improve it in 1950. The attempt was made by crossing the Kyrgyz horse breed with heavier Russian breeds. This new breed was officially registered under the name Novokyrgyz in 1956.

The physique of Kyrgyz Horse

Kyrgyz horse has small head with a slightly convex profile and pricked ears. The neck is muscular, long, and well-set on a strong but upright shoulder. Its body is muscular but rather long with a straight, wide, and short back. The withers and loins it has are good. It possesses a sloping croup. The legs are short and strong with abundant bone. The tendons are dry. Its hooves are solid and hardy. All in all, this is a hardy, free-moving, sure-footed horse with great stamina.

Height of Kyrgyz Horse

On average, the Kyrgyz horse stands between 12.3 – 14 hands high.

Body Color of Kyrgyz Horse

Mostly the Kyrgyz horse is found in the bay, roan, gray, buckskin, or chestnut color.

The temperament of Kyrgyz Horse

Kyrgyz horse is docile, active, tough, and adaptable.

Uses of Kyrgyz Horse

The Kyrgyz horse is mostly used for riding, sometimes racing. It is also used for light draft work. The meat of this horse also enriches the meat markets. The mares are excellent at producing milk. The Kumys is a very nutritious drink and is a favorite of the locals. This drink is made from the milk of Kyrgyz mares. Its milk also carries some medicinal properties.

Care for Kyrgyz Horse

The Kirgiz are an enduring mountain horse. This horse is capable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions that could be grave to other horse breeds. The horse needs some help to sustain itself in the biting cold of their habitat. They need ample body fat for energy and warmth. Hence, it is best to allow a Kirgiz horse to gain weight during summers so that it can be sufficiently prepared to survive well in the long and cold winters ahead.

This horse is greatly enduring and has humble feeding requirements. The Kirgiz are splendid mountain horse, able to fulfill all kinds of functions in harness, and under the saddle in addition, it is fertile, frugal, and a provider of good milk. These horses are renowned for their swiftness and stamina. They can gallop for four to four and a half hours without any exertion.  

See more: Highland Horse