Kazakh horses were developed by the Kazakh people, who live
mainly in Kazakhstan, but also in parts of China, Mongolia, Russia, and Uzbekistan.
Kaszakh horses are used mainly for riding and are known for their hardiness and
stamina.
This group of steppe horses was numerous as early as the 5th
century B.C. Since then Kazakh horses were influenced by many breeds -
Mongolian, Karabair, Arabian and Akhal-Teke. In the late 20th century, Kazakh
horses have been improved by the Thoroughbred, Orlov Trotter and Don.
Kazakhstan horses are kept on pastures the year round. They
are concentrated in western Kazakhstan. In this vast territory they have become
differentiated into various ecological types and varieties. The most widespread
are: the Jabe and the Adaev. Jabe horses were formed in southern districts of
Aktubinsk regions and then spread all over Kazakhstan.
Their most important characteristics are: rugged head, thick
neck, wide body and deep chest. The back is straight and the croup well
muscled. Legs are set correctly and are sufficiently strong. The skin is thick
and dense; hair covering is rather good. Color is bay, dark bay or red, occasionally
grayish or grey. The measurements of stallions (in cm) are: height at withers
144, chest girth 180, and cannon bone girth 19; those of mares are lower 142,
178, and 18.8 respectively. Considering their small measurements, Kazakh horses
of the Jabe type have a high live weight - 400-500 kg. Milk and meat
performance of Jabe horses are very high - some mares yield up to 20 kg of milk
at hand-milking and they fatten quickly.
Horses of the Adaev type have a more pronounced saddle
character; they have a more clean-cut conformation, light head, long neck,
well-defined withers, and straight back. However, horses with narrow chest and
too light bone occur because of the primitive management conditions.
About Kazakh Horses
