- Kabardin -

The Kabardin developed during the 16th century in the mountainous regions of Northern Caucasus in the former U.S.S.R. It developed through crosses between the Turkmenian, Arabian, Persian, and breeds of the south Russian steppes, but perhaps one of the biggest early influences in the breed's development was the environment in which they dwelt.

The Kabardin is commonly described as the most elite of the mountain horses. They are very surefooted over rugged terrain, and can easily cross the treacherous steep mountain passes, negotiating river crossings and deep mountain snow. They are frequently used without shoes, due to the extreme toughness of their feet. They have incredible stamina and endurance. A group of Kabardins, in 1935, became famous for traveling 1,860 miles through the Caucasian mountains, in bad weather, in just 37 days. They have an extraordinary built-in homing device and are able to find their way both in the dark and in bad weather. During the Russian Revolution of 1917, numbers were drastically reduced and by the 1920s, efforts were being made to re=establish this valuable breed.

Initial breeding programs took place at the studs at Kabardin-Blakar and Karachaev-Cerkess, and now the best Kabardins are bred at the Malokarachaev and Malkin studs. The Kabardin had always been a fairly small, wiry-framed horse, and after the Revolution, there were infusions of Turkmene, Karabakh, Persian, and Arabian blood to improve the breed and to increase their size. They are agile, frugal, long-lived and enduring, with a calm but lively temperament, This makes them highly versatile as a riding horse, as well as being suitable for harness work.

They often have an oriental appearance, with an attractive head, often with a Roman nose. The neck can be short and muscular, and the shoulders are straight and powerful. The straightness of the shoulder creates quite a high action, but this is adequate for their mountainous terrain. They have good smooth paces in the walk, trot, and canter, and some pace naturally, but they are unable to gallop or extend. The frame of the horse is extremely strong, although not classically well put together. The legs are usually quite short, very strong but fine, and exhibit sickle hocks behind. Usually they are bay or black and stand between 15 and 15.2 hh.

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