Intro
The Zabaykalskaya or Zabaikalsky Horse is bred in the Trans-Baikal Territory of Russia. They are among the few breeds in the country that can have white patterns.
Origins
This breed comes from the steppes originally and started with a foundation of Mongolian animals crossed with harness horses imported by Russians during development of the Transbaikal. Breeding was not centralized until the 20th century when they were intensively crossbred. This resulted in a dilution of their bloodlines and they came close to extinction in several regions.
Notable for their coat, which can grow curly, there has been a renewed effort to preserve their important genetics. In 2018 the Russian Horse Breeding Institute began a collaboration with Texas A&M University. Both countries working together to understand the genetics of curly horse populations. It was determined that that Zabaikalsky Horses did not posses the known Cook mutation which cause curly coats in American animals.
Within the Zabaikalsky breed there are seven living strains, the four most numerous are Argali, Kagor, Chetky and Premiere. Of these three, the Argali is the most populous, Chetky is the next most populous and this line is the one that possesses the curly gene. The Premier strain is third, distinguished by their long body and taller height. Kagor is the last most populous, a smaller more compact animal with good conformation. The Kagor is generally dun, often with primitive markings.
Features
Average height 13.5-14 hands
Physique
Head is large
Neck is short and thick
Withers are low and muscular
Chest is deep
Back is straight
Croup is sloped
Legs are straight, sometimes with calf knees
Traditional Colors
All colors
Temperament
Calm and intelligent
Use
Riding
Transportation