Plateau Persian Horse

Plateau Persian Horse

Iran has been producing exquisite small riding horses for more than 2,500 years. The animals are akin to the desert Arabian, and how much the same elegance and fire and air — hardly surprising, since they were produced by the same ruthless natural selection, nurtured in the same inhospitable climate, fed a diet that was often meager, and conditioned in tough and harsh terrain.

On the central Persian plateau, a rough mountain country inhabited by nomadic tribes, several similar strains of the horse have come into being over the centuries. Among them are the Shirazi, Qashqai, Basseri, Bakhtiari, and some Persian Arab types. Very recently these horses have been grouped by the Royal Horse Society of Iran under the single heading Plateau Persian. Two of the most popular of the Plateau Persian strains are the Darashouri and the Jaf, but before these are described mention must be made of a horse that is not a Plateau Persian at all but a new breed created from it the Pahlavan.

The Pahlavan, bred primarily by the Shah, is a thoroughbred- Plateau Persian-Arab cross standing 15.2-16hh and possessing strength, elegance, and great beauty. Also in the Imperial stables is another tall, strong horse that is gaining popularity in Iran the Anglo-Persian, whose bloodlines need no explaining.

Persian horses are famous across the world for their qualities. Over the centuries Persia has gained acknowledgment for producing small-sized horse varieties. Plateau Persian horse is one such kind of horse breed that is similar to the desert Arabian horse.

Inhabited by nomadic tribes in the plateau region of Persia, the Persian horse is an elegant strain. This horse breed is cultivated in harsh climatic conditions and born out of natural selection. Breeds like Shirazi, Qashqai, Basseri, and Bakhtiari are also nurtured similarly. Of late, these strains were grouped under Plateau Persian horses by the Royal Horse Society of Iran.

Besides the varieties mentioned above, Darashouri and the Jaf horse breed are popular breeds. The Anglo-Persian variety is also famous in Iran. On the whole, plateau Persian horses have earned recognition in Iran due to the traits like enduring strength, grace, and good looks.

Characteristics of Plateau Persian horse:

• Superior looks
• Typical head of the Arabian horse
• Compact and muscular body
• Arched neck, broad and deep chest
• Rounded quarters and high tail
• Fast responsiveness and enormous strength
• Good behavior and natural carriage
• Good for riding and pleasure activities
• Comes in colors gray, chestnut, and bay
• Appears in height 14.2 to 15.2hh

Persian horses have always maintained the tradition of being the most useful horse breed that is usually cheap. The name Persian Arab covers different regional strains. These varieties are spanned across Iran and named after the families that bred them. Some people describe this breed as Asil, Tazi, or Arab Horse which has two different meanings. These are Arab and Galloping.

Persian horses were the primary means of transportation until the invention of motor vehicles. Later on, the horses were used for sports like Arab racing and other pleasure activities. This way, the breed remained a favorite for a long time due to its utility. But still, it observed a considerable decrease in numbers. The major reason behind this was the African horse sickness that affected Iran in the 1950s. Apart from this, the Iran-Iraq war also caused a great loss to the Persian Arab horses in Khuzestan and its sub-strains. Khuzestan is a land of pure-breed horse varieties where set rules on the selective breeding process are practiced.

The fascination for Persian horses is a never-ending passion. Their role in the development of the world’s horse breeds is significant as Iranians are believed to be the first to begin the domestication of horses. Modern horse breeds owe a lot to them as Persian horses have inspired their breeding. Plateau Persian horses are surely going to remain the preferred horse breed for a longer period.

See more: Poltevin Horse