Trotter horses are characterized by a number of features. Therefore, they are very popular among horse breeders. These animals have a calm and easy-going disposition. They have good learning abilities. Therefore, horses of this breed are often used for exhibitions and sporting competitions. In order for animals to develop normally and not get sick, it is recommended that they be provided with high-quality care.
History of the breed
Russian trotters were obtained by crossing American and Oryol trotting horses. They began to be bred at the beginning of the twentieth century to increase the speed of the Oryol variety. The breed was officially recognized in 1949. From their American ancestors the animals received agility, and from the Oryol ancestors they received a powerful body and well-developed muscles.
Description and characteristics of the Russian trotter horse
Russian trotters include breeding animals and sports horses. They are used in sports and are also used to improve the characteristics of draft breeds.
Appearance of the breed
Horses of this breed are distinguished by certain external characteristics:
- strong and powerful body;
- strong hind legs;
- dry and sculpted body;
- muscular head – it is characterized by mobile ears and a wide forehead;
- deep and arched chest;
- long back with a pronounced top line;
- strong neck;
- sloping croup;
- retracted stomach.
The structure of the legs does not affect running speed. On the contrary, a trotting horse can jump quite high. During the selection process, it was possible to obtain a bay or chestnut color. Black horses are also found.
Character and habits
The horses have an energetic character and are considered quite obedient. They are often found in amateur sports. This type of animal is suitable for children. They can be used for walking. Horses are also often used for riding.
Productive qualities
Trotters are used for their intended purpose. They are distinguished by high performance and perform well not only in trotting races. Horses often take part in combined competitions. They are also indispensable in driving and Russian triples.
Main pros and cons
Keeping this breed of horse has the following advantages:
- multifunctionality - animals can be used for races, exhibitions, hippotherapy;
- possibility of use for breeding new breeds;
- moderately calm disposition;
- endurance;
- the ability to get used to different climatic zones;
- unpretentiousness.
The disadvantages include the following:
- underdeveloped muscle tissue of the lower leg and forearm;
- concave forelimbs;
- late period of maturation.
Maintenance and care
Trotters are easy to care for. At the same time, they are recommended to ensure high-quality cleaning of the coat, organize a comfortable stable, and maintain the normal condition of the hooves. An excellent option for trotters would be a stable with a separate stall, an arena and an open area. All rooms in which horses are located must be well ventilated. In winter it is worth maintaining the temperature at +8-11 degrees, in summer – +23-25.
In the process of caring for animals, you will have to monitor the condition of the fur, ears, hooves, and teeth. After a walk, it is recommended to clean the coat of dirt and sweat. After an intense run, the animal needs a contrast shower. It is better to clean horses using special products - shampoos and conditioners. It is also worth using brushes and scrapers for this purpose.
During brushing and bathing, it is important to check the condition of the horse's skin to identify wounds, parasites, and damage.
It is definitely recommended to clean the hooves and monitor the condition of the animal’s teeth. Hooves should be systematically cleaned using a special hook. You need to take your animal to the veterinarian every year. The doctor must examine the oral cavity. Filing of pointed teeth is of no small importance.
Diet
Taking into account the seasonal factor, the diet should be enriched with special vitamin and mineral complexes. The menu depends on the age category and gender. It is also worth considering physical activity.
For the normal functioning of the digestive system, it is recommended to use hay, cereals, and vegetables. It is better to discuss the amount of components in the diet with your veterinarian.
The diet is based on bran, legumes, fruits and vegetables. It is especially useful to give these animals beets, carrots and cabbage. It is also worth using hay to feed horses. A little premix is added to the total amount. It is recommended to give water twice a day. It is better to do this in the morning and evening. It is recommended to ensure that the liquid is warm. In summer it is acceptable to give horses fresh grass. It’s good to use all kinds of sweets as encouragement. After accurately completing the assigned tasks, you are allowed to give the horse a piece of carrot or sugar.
Reproduction
Only healthy horses without behavioral problems are suitable for breeding. In this case, the pair should be selected so that the mare is larger than the stallion. Animals over 3 years old are allowed. At this stage, their body is fully formed. Mating can be carried out naturally or artificially. It is recommended to carry it out from mid-March to July. Thanks to this, the foal will be born next spring or summer. During this period it is warm and there is a lot of grass.
Diseases
Horses often suffer from various pathologies. However, it is not recommended to carry out treatment on your own. Veterinarians should be involved in therapy. At the same time, every horse breeder should have information about the symptoms. This will make it possible to help the animal and not cause the disease.
Pathologies can be infectious or non-infectious. Common diseases include the following:
- flu;
- tetanus;
- cataract;
- mastitis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- rabies;
- arthritis;
- anemia.
This is not a complete list of possible problems. Therefore, the health of animals should be treated very carefully. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to fever and loss of appetite. These symptoms should be grounds for urgent medical attention. Many diseases can spread among people. In addition, there are incurable pathologies.
The use of Russian trotters
Trotters over 4 years old can participate in the races. At the same time, horses acquire maximum agility only at 6 years of age. Most often, horses are used for racing. It is also permissible to subject trotters to serious loads. They are suitable for agricultural work. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their calm nature. Therefore, they can be used for horse riding training. Such animals are perfect for horseback riding. They are often used for hippotherapy.
Horses participate in driving. This term refers to competitions between teams. The fastest representatives of the breed are used to improve the characteristics of other draft varieties.
What is the price
On average, representatives of this breed will cost 150,000 rubles. Trotters are considered a popular type of horse. They are characterized by agility and attractive appearance. In order for these animals to develop normally and not get sick, they require full care.
