The beautiful little Caspian horse is a rarity with an intriguing history. These elegant animals may appear small, or even fragile, but they are remarkably tough, having learned to survive the harsh conditions of the mountains of Iran and Turkmenistan. Outside their homeland, they are usually raised in small herds by specialist breeders, who are the main source for equestrians who want to buy a Caspian horse. Caspian horses are athletic, good-tempered and easy to train. These are some of the reasons that people often sell a Caspian horse to families looking for a mount with competitive potential for their children.
Use and characteristics of the Caspian Horse
In their home range, most Caspian horses are between 9 hands (36 inches/91 cm) and 11.2 hands (46 inches/117 cm) high. Those raised on better grazing are typically a hand or so higher (up to 4 inches/10 cm). Despite its small size, the conformation and character of the Caspian horses mean it is considered as a horse, and breeders always sell a Caspian horse, not a pony. They are slim yet strong, with a long stride, and some have a single-foot ambling gait. When it comes to jumping, they have plenty of scope, so families frequently buy a Caspian horse as a junior show jumper for young riders.
Origin and history of breeding Caspian Horses
Caspian horses have only been recognised since the 1960s, but their origin undoubtedly lies much further back in time. Their modern story began in 1965 when an American resident in Iran, Louise Firouz, was looking for suitable animals for her riding school, the Norouzabad Equestrian Center in Tehran. The only horses available for both, adults and children, were Arabians and Turkomans, both of which were too tall for some of her smaller students. Word came to her of some small equines that were very horse-like in appearance, but pony-sized.
The Caspian horse is an ancient breed of horse that originated in the region around the Caspian Sea. The breed is believed to be one of the oldest and most pure breeds in the world, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. Caspian horses were used by the ancient Persians and were highly prized for their beauty, strength, and endurance.
In the 20th century, the population of the Caspian horse decreased dramatically due to the loss of their natural habitats and the increasing use of mechanized farming equipment. In the 1970s, a group of enthusiasts in Iran and the United States began to work to preserve the breed. Today, the Caspian horse is considered a rare breed and is protected by several breeding programs and organizations.s.
Caspian Horses in equestrianism
Caspian horses are very comfortable for young riders, being narrower than the typical riding school pony. Their outstanding good nature is one of their sterling qualities. They are willing and quick learners. They can be ridden or driven and they make excellent therapy ponies, too.
