Intro
Also called Kalmykskaya & Kalmyk, the Astrakhan is a member of the Mongolian equine group, they are bred in the territory along the Volga & Ural rivers. Sadly, this breed is in danger of becoming extinct. They look similar to the Kirgiz horse, but tend to be coarser with longer legs.
Origins
The Kalmyk people came to Russia in the 17th century and were of Mongolian origin, bringing livestock & horses with them. The horse earned a reputation for being hardy & possessing notable endurance, even if they were not especially beautiful to look at.
Once agriculture became more mechanized the need for these horses declined & by 1943 selective breeding came to a halt. Later in 1986 the Kalmyk University of Cattle Breeding went on a mission to locate and count animals of the ancient Kalmyk breed (although purebred animals were considered all but gone). The goal was to establish the purest animals and set up a stud program to save the breed. The best specimens were found in the eastern regions where the animals were more physically isolated.
Modern Astrakhan
In 1986 the local University of Cattle Breeding attempted to determine their numbers & located an isolated heard in the eastern regions that seemed to be of purer blood. Of around 2000 animals, only about 500 were considered suitable to develop a breeding farm in an attempt to preserve the breed.
Features
Average height 14.2 – 15 hands
Can be pacers
Physique
Firm constitution
Roman profile
Small neck
Short, strong back
Well-developed legs
Strong, sound feet
Temperament
These animals are slow to mature, taking 6 years to reach full development.
Calm & docile by nature
Traditional Colors
Use
Riding
Transportation
Harness horse
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