The Don
Don horses – a breed of horses bred in the 18th – 19th century in Russia (Rostov region). It is considered, along with the Oryol Rysk, one of the original factory breeds of horses in Russia.
In the photo: the Don mare Litsedeyka. Photo: wikipedia.org
Contents
The history of the Don horse breed
The Don horse breed was bred on the basis of horses of the steppe type (according to A.F. Grushetsky, these were Kalmyk or Mongolian horses), which were improved by eastern stallions for a long time, and then -. Horses of oriental breeds were captured as trophies during the Turkish Wars.
In the dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron there is a description of the type of Don horses of the 19th century: a humpbacked head, a long and thin neck, a strong and straight back, dry and long legs, and at the same time small stature. The suits are mainly red, caracal or brown, less often – bay or gray. The Don horses of that time were distinguished by tirelessness, endurance, unpretentiousness, wildness of temper and high speed.
However, since then, the Don horses have been improved by infusing oriental blood, including with the help of Karabakh and Persian horses. And when the Russian-Persian wars stopped, expeditions were organized to buy Turkmen producers (Yomud and horses).
It is to the influence of oriental horses that the Don breed owes its peculiar exterior and golden-red color.
The needs of the cavalry dictated the demand for strong and large horses, so later the blood of thoroughbred riding horses began to flow more and more actively.
Today, the Don horse breed is considered quite rare.
In the photo: a herd of Don horses. Photo: wikipedia.org
Description and characteristics of horses of the Don breed
The Don breed of horses in the 19th century was divided into two types. Old-type horses, more reminiscent of steppe horses, were distinguished by a dry, humpbacked head, long back and neck, relatively short stature (146–155 cm at the withers) and predominantly dark color. Although these horses were not the standard of beauty, they moved quickly and were very hardy. But later these horses were crossed with other breeds, mostly thoroughbreds, so that they gradually became more and more rare, and they were replaced by a new type of Don horse breed: these horses were taller and more stately.
According to the characteristics, the Don breed of horses is distinguished by its rather large size (the height at the withers of the Don horses is 160 – 165 cm), unpretentiousness and elegance. These horses are well adapted to the herd.
In the description and characteristics of the Don horses, one can still find the features of universal cavalry horses: the Don horse is more massive and stretched than many riding horses. The head of the Don horse is broad-browed, beautiful, the eyes are expressive, the long neck has a developed crest, the withers are wide and protruding, the body is deep and wide, the croup is slightly sloping. The legs are strong and long, the hooves are wide.
Don horses, as a rule, are red or brown in various shades. The golden color is characteristic of the Don horses, and the tail and mane are often darker. Less common are Don horses of black, dark bay, bay or gray color. There are white markings on the head and legs.
In the photo: the golden-red color of the Don horse. Photo: wikimedia.org
Don horses are distinguished by good health.
The character of the Don horses is calm, so they are often used to teach beginners to ride.
The use of horses of the Don breed
Don horses have proven themselves well in equestrian sports (triathlon, show jumping, runs), as training horses, as well as companions. They can be used both under the top and in a light harness. Don horses also “work” in the mounted police.
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