The hardy Adaev Horse breed is a small strain of the Kazakh family, found specifically in the Caspian depression.
A Little Backstory
Historically, the Kazakh type has been around a while, dating back to roughly the 5th century BC. Dispite the extreme weather, the area is clearly one that suits horses and this type is known for their extreme hardiness. The Adaev specifically has been bred for many needs, creating several types based on local needs over the centuries.
At the end of the 20th century there was a resurgence of interest in preserving the genetics of this robust breed. A number of animals were collected as a foundation for breeding stock until they had a herd of sufficient size to maintain itself. Unfortunately once they had numbers, they began an attempt to refine the type using Don, Orlov Trotter and other lighter types. Not only did this dilute original genetics, the resulting crosses were not as well suited for the harsh environment as other Kazakh types.
What Makes Them Special
Seeing a real one. Considered more of a type than a breed, the crossbreeding programs clearly bred out some of their defining characteristics. The elements that set them apart from the rest of the Kazakh family were probably small, but well-defined over years of breeding for purpose. Although it’s likely there are breeders out there who are dedicated enough to ensure a future for the pure strain that worked side by side with their ancestors. It is difficult to know for sure, as their ‘official’ data has not been updated in a while. To learn more about the breed, be sure to check out the Adaev breed page.
Quick Facts
Locally adapted in Kazakhstan and regional in Uzbekistan.
There does not appear to be official studbooks in either country.
Listed in the DAD-IS for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The most recent population data is from 1990, when there were 28949 across both countries.