Kazakh Pony

Infobox Horse
name= Kazakh Pony


image_caption=
features = Easy keeper, great endurance and stamina
altname= Kazakh
nickname=
country= Kazakhstan
group1=
std1=

The Kazakh is an ancient breed of pony believed to be a descendant of the Asiatic Wild Horse and originating in Kazakhstan of the former USSR. They are used mainly as a riding pony, and are known for their hardiness and stamina.

Physical Appearance

The Kazakh generally stands 12.1 to 13.1 hands high. The breed consists of two subtypes, the Adaev and the Dzhab or Jabe.

*The Dzhabe (also known as the Jabe) was formed in the southern districts of the Aktubinsk regions, and spread from there to the rest of Kazakhstan. They are the larger type, with a heavy head, thick, short neck, and deep chest. The body is wide, the back straight, and the croup well-muscled. Dzhabes are usually bay or liver chestnut, but sometimes may also be brown or grulla.

*The Adaevs are smaller, and are of a more pronounced saddle type. They have lighter heads, long necks and compact bodies with pronounced withers and straight backs. Common coat colors for Adaevs are bay, gray, palomino or chestnut. Adaevs have been infused with more light horse blood than the Dzhabe, and this, combined with primitive management conditions, has made them less hardy, and more susceptible to narrow chests and light bone structures not amenable to their rough habitats. "Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies". Bongianni, Maurizio. Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1988, pg. 164. ISBN 0671660683] [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/kazakh/ "Kazakh"] . "Oklahoma State University". Referenced January 16, 2008.]

The breed is known to have somewhat poor gaits, with a short stride and a jolting, weak trot. However, this has not prevented them from being used for centuries by native tribesmen, and they are a hardy, enduring breed.

History

The Kazakh is believed to descend from the Asiatic Wild Horse, and the original steppe version of the breed has existed since at least the 5th century BCE. Since then, the breed has been influenced by Arabian, Karabair, Akhal-Teke and Mongolian horse blood. During the later part of the 20th century, Thoroughbred, Orlov Trotter and Russian Don blood has also been added. The Kazakh today resembles a more elegant version of the Mongolian horse. The breed is still bred today by formerly nomadic Kazakh tribesmen, although cross-breeding has somewhat diluted the traditional bloodlines of the breed. [ [http://www.hri.org/news/balkans/rferl/1999/99-04-01.rferl.html "The Sports of Presidents and the 'Sport of Kings'] . "Hellenic Resources Network". Referenced January 16, 2008.]

Modern Usage

The main use of the Kazakh is in riding, although they are also bred for meat and milk.

References