History and description of Karachay breed horses, maintenance rules and cost

The ancient indigenous breed of horses of the North Caucasus is the Karachay, which belongs to the horse-drawn type. Representatives of this breed are hardy, loyal and intelligent. Since ancient times, Karachay horses have been used as draft helpers and means of transportation; the animals are accustomed to living in the changeable climate of mountainous areas. The breed has not been lost and is still in demand among breeders and horse lovers.

History of the breed

Mountain breed, which arose at the sources of the Kuban River more than 5 centuries ago. The ancestors of Karachay horses are eastern horses, which gave birth together with local species of mares. The first notes about unusual mountain beauties were made in the mid-18th century by the German traveler Pallas.

The ability of the Karachays to live and move quickly in mountainous terrain, despite snowdrifts, changes in altitude, pressure and rarefied air, was appreciated by the Russian military and Cossacks. Horses of the Karachay breed were actively used in campaigns on Turkish lands and in battles.

During the Soviet period, Karachay horses were recognized as the main breed for mountain army units. Currently, the number of hardy beauties has decreased significantly, however, the breed remains in demand among both amateurs and professionals.

Description

The body constitution of Karachay horses is genetically tailored to living conditions in mountainous areas. A distinctive feature of the breed is the clear difference between the pairs of hind and front legs. The front legs are powerful and straight, and the hind legs are bent at the knees. This structural feature allows animals to move comfortably and quickly over rough terrain and mountainous terrain.

Modern exterior of the Karachay breed

Features of appearance and characteristics of the Karachay breed:

• front legs straight and hind legs bent at the knees;
• There are three types of structure: high, massive, characteristic;
• massive, squat body;
• average height - 145 centimeters;
• the head is dry, the frontal bone is pronounced;
• ears are mobile and long;
• the neck is short, powerful, thick;
• the croup is lowered, a muscular relief stands out on the lower back;
• strong hooves that do not need horseshoes.

Horses of the Karachay breed are inquisitive, require minimal care, are devoted to humans, and can be trained.

Note: people who are not familiar with the breed may mistakenly consider Karachais to be evil, this is not so. When first meeting its owner, the animal demonstrates independence and strong character, but with the right approach and upbringing, the horse quickly becomes man's most devoted friend.

Color

The main and usual color of Karachay mountain horses is black or bay. But in reality there are many more options for suits. The breed standard includes red, gray and karak varieties. Stripes on the back and shoulder blades are allowed.

Temperament and learning ability

Representatives of the breed are active and mobile. Horses have a strong and proud character; the owner must make an effort to win the loyalty of his cloven-hoofed friend. At the same time, the horse easily makes contact and, if it trusts a person, will be devoted to him all his life. The intelligence of mountain beauties is at a high level, Karachais are trainable, teachable, and are often used in the circus arena.

Horse Application

The main purpose of the breed is horse riding and harness work. The physiology and temperament of horses determine the universal use of animals in various fields:

• equestrian tourism, hunting and sports;
• military service;
• participation in circus performances
• hippotherapy;
• transportation of goods.

Purebred representatives of the breed are used in breeding. Many new breeds have been developed based on the Karachais.

Advantages and disadvantages of content

The important advantages of the breed include:

• ability to survive in various conditions;
• strong physique;
• endurance;
• undemanding to care and living conditions;
• horses are adapted to living conditions in the mountains, in particular to thin air;
• the hooves are so strong that it is not necessary to shoe the Karachais;
• devotion to the owner;
• learning ability and curiosity.

The disadvantages of the breed include:

• tendency to clubfoot;
• running speed is lower than that of riding breeds;
• When living on the plains, horses begin to get sick more often.

Breeders like the original qualities of the breed. Karachay horses are recognized not only in our country, but also abroad, especially in Germany.

Features of raising and caring for animals

Representatives of the Karachay breed do not have any special requirements for maintenance; horses can live in the open air and eat grass. But if the owner loves his cloven-hoofed comrade, he will take care of creating comfortable living conditions for the mountain beauty.

Stable decoration

The basic rule for designing a space in a stable is to maintain cleanliness, air ventilation, and the absence of drafts and excess humidity. Horses must be provided with feeders, waterers and separate stalls. The space in the stable is calculated based on the proportion: 4 square meters per adult.

Wood sawdust or straw is used as bedding in the stable. The substrate must be changed several times a week. Animals must have constant access to clean drinking water.

In addition to the ventilation and insulation systems, it is necessary to install artificial lighting in the stable.

Competent diet planning

Historically, the Karachais did not eat forage. The basis of the diet is grass, hay, haylage, fresh vegetables and meat and bone meal.Be sure to include table salt in your pet's daily menu. The amount of feed and the ratio of ingredients depends on the age, mental and physical stress of the animals. To ensure your pets reach their full potential and achieve maximum productivity, provide and properly formulate a diet for livestock.

Main feeding

When keeping animals on pasture, the menu of artiodactyls includes oats, vegetables, legumes and vitamin complexes. When keeping horses in stables, the main diet consists of concentrated feed, hay, and fresh vegetables.

To improve the quality and quantity of milk, lactating mares are fed boiled beets and potatoes. For horses performing heavy physical work, the amount of concentrated feed is increased and nutritional supplements are added to the food.

Nutritional supplements

Currently, you can purchase ready-made balanced mineral-vitamin complexes for horses in stores. At home, the following are used as nutritional supplements for horses:

• dried seaweed;
• chalk;
• meat and bone meal;
• fish fat;
• cake;
• yeast;
• linseed oil;
• nettle

Important! When preparing a diet for animals, keep in mind that a horse should drink up to 50 liters of water per day.

Hygiene and horse care

In order for the horse to always look neat and healthy, it is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness and hygiene of the animal. Horses are washed regularly; in the warm season the number of baths is increased. The mane and tail are washed with shampoo and conditioner, but you should not get carried away with household chemicals; the animals may develop allergies or itchy skin. After washing, the animals are dried and combed with a soft brush. The hooves also need to be cleaned of dirt.

Grazing

Karachay horses are free-spirited animals by nature.They need the opportunity to graze. Karachais are taken out for walks no earlier than an hour after eating. When kept in a stable and without physical activity, the walking time is increased.

During grazing, horses obtain a significant portion of the food, which significantly reduces the cost of keeping artiodactyls; the owner can only supplement the animals with vitamins and a small amount of fodder. Grazing is carried out both in summer and winter.

Horseshoe

Strong hooves of mountain horses do not require horseshoes; it is enough to maintain foot hygiene and periodically show the hooves to a veterinarian.

Vaccinations and disease prevention

The Karachais inherited strong immunity and the ability to survive in unfavorable conditions from their ancestors. But when kept in a stable and in regular contact with other animals, it is necessary to vaccinate horses against a number of dangerous diseases:

• rabies;
• flu;
• anthrax;
• tetanus.

Horses will need to be dewormed regularly and taken to a veterinarian. If signs of disease appear, animals are isolated and quarantined. Disease prevention measures include the following:

• routine vaccination;
• immunization;
• selection of a diet with a vitamin complex;
• regular disinfection of stables and utensils;
• examinations by a veterinarian;
• animal hygiene.

Skin itching, loss of appetite, unmotivated aggression, loose stools, bloating, drainage from the eyes and increased body temperature are reasons for examining the stable's inhabitants by a veterinarian. Care must be taken when selecting products for animals; artiodactyls often suffer from digestive disorders and poisoning due to eating stale, dirty vegetables.

About fertility and breeding

Mares of the Karachay breed are valued by breeders for their high fertility, while the foal is born independently, the survival rate of young stock is 86%. The best age for crossing is 3-4 years, while the mare is capable of producing high-quality viable offspring for 20 years.

A male is capable of fertilizing up to 30 females per year, with a 90% chance of covering a female.

What is the price?

Stallions and mares of the Karachay breed are in demand in sports competitions, agriculture, and breeding; they are easy to train and devoted to humans; they are distinguished by endurance, innate vitality and health. For these qualities, representatives of the breed are popular in our country and abroad.

The cost of a breeding horse depends on various factors, mainly the purity of the line, age and pedigree. The cost of a horse can be affected by the health of the animal and its intended purpose. If a horse is purchased for agricultural work, then its average cost is 75,000 rubles; the cost of a horse for exhibitions will be about 300,000 rubles.

Interesting Facts

Interesting facts about the life and breed of horses from the North Caucasus:

1. The breed practically disappeared during Soviet times, especially during the Stalinist repressions.
2. The Karachay horse clan includes 8 breeding lines.
3. A horse that gets lost while grazing is able to find its way home on its own.
4. Stallions are capable of long treks through snowdrifts and mountainous terrain.
5. A herd of 30 mares can be managed by 1 stallion.
6. Horses of the Karachai breed do not forget insults and bullying and are capable of taking revenge.
7. In 1996, Karachay horses, together with people, conquered Elbrus.

Karachay horses amaze with their endurance and strong character. Independence and devotion are combined with intelligence and tenacity. Currently, the number of Karachais has decreased significantly, however, the breed remains in demand among both amateurs and professionals in our country and abroad.