Intro
Also called Kustanair and Kustanaiskaya, the Kustanai breed was developed on the steppes of western Kazakhstan.
Origins
The breed began in 1887 upon establishment of the Turgai stud and was officially recognized in 1951. There native steppe horses were crossed with Don, Astrakhan, Strelets and half Thoroughbred animals.
In the 1920’s two different systems of management were established to develop two distinct types of the Kustanai breed, a saddle type and a steppe type. The saddle type possesses Thoroughbred blood, while the steppe type encompasses most of the other breed mixes.
The Kustanai of today is a massive breed that skillfully combines the saddle horse characteristics with pronounced steppe lineage.
Features
Average height 15 – 15.2 hands
Physique
Head is medium in size
Neck is long, straight and low set
Back is wide and short
Chest is wide and deep
Legs are well set with developed joints
Hooves are hard
Traditional Colors
Solid colors
Temperament
Spirited and intelligent
Use
Riding horse