Ardahan (also known as Malakin) horses are the only heavy
breed of horse native to Turkey. They are a between Ardennes, Percheron, Shire,
Clydesdale, Orlov horse with native Russian horses. About 150 years ago they
were brought to the eastern parts of Turkey by immigrant Turks from the
Caucasus. When they reached eastern Turkey, the resulting crosses were then
crossed with Anadolu horses.
They have a short muscular neck, stand at around 13-14
hands, and are generally black or gray. They are a willing working horse and
mostly used for draft work or farm animal.