- Karabair -

The Karabair breed is a very old breed that is based on ancient stock that has been documented as being in the Uzbekistan area before the Christian era. It is likely that the Karabair developed through a mixture of Arabian and Mongolian blood, and then later influenced by the desert horse breeds from the neighboring countries such as the Turkmene. Late infusions of Arabian blood were introduced as well. Uzbekistan is still populated by a vast number of nomadic people who have been, through the years, the principal breeders of the Karabair. Their lifestyle accounts for the number of different breeds that have influenced the development of the Karabair. They have similarities to the Arabian, especially in their innate toughness and endurance, as well as their speed and agility, although physically they are less than graceful.

The horse is  fairly central life element to the Uzbekistan people, ad is used for riding as driving as well as in the ridden game of Kokpar. Kokpar is a ferocious game which centers over gaining possession of a dead goat carcass. There are few rules and many injuries, and the Karabair is used almost exclusively to play, due to its bravery and speed.

The Karabair had developed in three different types, all of a similar height. The first type is suitable for light draft, pack, and riding, and is a heavier stamp. The second is lighter and is mainly used for riding, and the third has conformation better adapted to draft work. Although there is now less distinction between the three, the heavier type has almost disappeared, and the other two types have more or less converged.

In appearance, they have the conformation of a stocky Arabian, but with considerable less quality. They tend to have a small but attractive head with a straight profile, and a well-muscled neck of good length. They have a wide chest that lacks depth, and sufficiently sloping, muscular shoulders. The body frame is lean and wiry with no fleshiness, and a thin, fine skin. They have a short, compact back, and considerably sloping hindquarters. the legs are fine but strong with very hard feet. Generally they are gray, bay, or chestnut in color, and stand between 14.2 and 15 hh.

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