\n<\/p>\n
Origins<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Modern Astrakhan<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Features<\/h3>\n
Average height 14.2 – 15 hands
\nCan be pacers<\/p>\n
Physique<\/h3>\n
Firm constitution
\nRoman profile
\nSmall neck
\nShort, strong back
\nWell-developed legs
\nStrong, sound feet<\/p>\n
Temperament<\/h3>\n
These animals are slow to mature, taking 6 years to reach full development.
\nCalm & docile by nature<\/p>\n
Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n
black<\/a> | chestnut<\/a> | bay<\/a> | grey<\/a><\/p>\n RidingUse<\/h3>\n
\nTransportation
\nHarness horse<\/p>\nMore Images<\/h3>\n
![\"Astrakhan](\"\/images\/astrakhan-horse-2.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n![\"Astrakhan](\"\/images\/astrakhan.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nVideo<\/h3>\n