The Don horse
The traditional mount of the Cossacks, this saddle horse from Russia’s Don basin is the result of crossing a native horse with various Asian (Turkmen, Karabakh, Karabair) and Oriental (Persian Arabian) breeds. Later, infusions of Orlov Trotter, Thoroughbred and Anglo-Arabian blood improved the breed. In 1812, this extremely hardy horse helped defeat Napoleon’s army during the retreat from Russia.
After the October Revolution, it contributed to the creation of the Boudienny.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
Peaceful and docile, this rustic, robust and energetic horse shows great resistance and endurance. A good jumper, its gaits are regular but not always elegant.
Utilisations du cheval
Appreciated in all riding disciplines, this horse is a top performer in long-distance races and endurance raids.
Morphologie du cheval
Thoroughbred-like head, with straight profile and broad forehead. Open nostrils. Small ears. Large eyes. Medium-long body. Neck of good length. Prominent withers. Sloping shoulder. Deep chest. Long, straight back. Strong loins. Powerful hindquarters. Elongated croup. Long, robust limbs. Wide, dry joints. Resistant tendons. Wide foot, hard horn. Coat: chestnut with the possibility of a golden sheen, bay, gray. Size: 1.58 to 1.62 m.
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