Keeping an Isabella horse in a private stable confirms the impeccable taste and wealth of the owner, and gives him significance. Animals with excellent pedigree are graceful, intelligent and willful. Legends were made about the endurance and devotion of horses to their owners. Over the 5 centuries of existence, horses not only have not changed in appearance, but also passed on their genes to other breeds.
A little history
On the territory of Akhal-Teke, one of the oases of modern Turkmenistan, pedigree work on breeding Akhal-Teke horses began in the 16th century.Unlike other riding breeds, Akhalketian horses stood out for their graceful lines, smartness, and slenderness. They also became the first bearers of the unique Isabella color. For 500 centuries, the Turkmens kept light horses in their households, providing them with food, care, and comfortable living conditions.
The owners of the Akhal-Teke took care of preserving the purity of the genotype, not allowing strangers to reproduce. They tamed their obstinate temperament, developing obedience, and used them for movement and protection from enemies. Nowadays, sophisticated, elegant horses of the Isabella color are considered the standard of exterior appearance. Americans call this color cremello, or cream. Animals with coats of this color are classified as genetically red horses.
Preservation of the purity of the genotype of Isabella horses over the centuries became possible due to the isolation of the territory and the attitude of the local population towards horses as members of their families.
origin of name
The popularity of Isabella horses came during the reign of Queen Isabella Clara Eugenie of the Netherlands. According to legend, the young royal lady promised herself not to take off her nightgown until the capture of the Belgian port of Ostend by King Albrecht of Austria.
Three long years passed before the siege of the city was crowned with victory. During this time, the undershirt changed color from snow-white to cream. It is not known for certain whether these events are true or fictitious, but since then the cream color of graceful horses has been called Isabella.
Appearance
If the skin of most colors is gray, that of Isabella horses is pale pink, without pigmentation. Other exterior features:
- height of stallions – 160-165 cm, mare – 157-160;
- weight - up to 470 kg;
- eyes - pale blue, blue, sometimes green;
- ears - mobile, regular shape;
- wool - cream, white;
- neck - long, with a beautiful curve;
- legs - muscular, dry;
- tucked stomach, sloping croup;
- tail - medium length, low set.
In natural light, the well-groomed coat of an Isabella horse is shiny. Depending on the angle of refraction of the sun's rays and the time of day, the skin shimmers with silver, milky highlights, and at sunset acquires a pink glow. Let's say the color of the tail and mane is 2 shades darker than the main color.
Isabella animals attract photographers, naturalists, and breeders. The latter do not always achieve results when crossing animals of light colors.
Features, disposition and behavior
Outwardly fragile, graceful horse has remarkable strength and capricious character. Horses of the Isabella color do not take prizes in races, as they are smart, careful and do not overcome obstacles if they are not confident in themselves.
Temperamental Akhal-Teke horses love movement, catch the mood of the rider, and do not allow strangers to approach them. Loyal and obedient to the owner, touchy when treated inappropriately.
The horse's distrust creates a problem when there is a change of ownership. It takes a long and difficult journey for an animal to recognize a stranger as its owner. Horses show obstinacy during training. If they don’t want to follow a command, force will not help, only love, affection and patience. Despite their external fragility and thin skin, Isabella horses tolerate temperature changes and are able to carry two uniformed riders.
Breeds among which the isabella color is found
Scientists have identified the Cream gene for Isabella color, the mechanism of its manifestation, and the formation of other colors.In the course of scientific research, it turned out that for the formation of bay, black and red colors, a combination of two genes is required - Extention, Agouti. If the dominant Cream acts, an isabella coloration is formed. To make this happen, they select a couple with exactly the same red genes. A cream colored foal is born from golden, dun and tan parents.
Due to the fact that inheritance occurs only in animals homozygous for the Cremello gene, there are few cream horses, although they are also found among other breeds. Among the same Akhal-Teke horses, the isabella color is formed in 2.5%. A DNA test is used to confirm color.
Breeds with representatives of the Cremello color, except Akhal-Teke:
- American cream. The only draft heavy trucks bred in America and surviving to this day. Application: agricultural work. White spots are allowed in the color. A characteristic feature is an amber iris and pink skin.
- Kinsky. Czech tall (160-170 cm) breed of golden color, known since the 12th century, named after the ancient princely family involved in horse breeding. Used for amateur and sport riding. The horses are distinguished by their good-natured disposition, agility, and jumping ability.
- Welsh pony. A small horse (120-137 cm), originally from the British Isles, there are several colors, among which there is a light cream color. Used for horse riding and sledding.
- Orlovskaya. The breed was bred by Russian Count Alexei Orlov to solve a transport problem. Light-harness Oryol trotters are distinguished by their fast pace, endurance, and resistance to adverse weather conditions. Today horses are used for walking and sports.
Interesting Facts
Features of Isabella horses:
- the shine of the wool is noticeable even in photographs without applying effects;
- horses are able to move through quicksand thanks to unusual gaits;
- the animal is hurt by the indifference and neglect of the owner;
- cream Akhal-Teke is an expensive and rare breed, whose price reaches 1-2 million dollars;
- In another way, horses are called cream - based on the color of their coat;
- the smooth movements of the animal are not tiring for the rider;
- Thin skin and sparse hair do not prevent the Isabella horse from withstanding temperatures from -30 to +50 °C.
