Caspian horse
Ancient Iranian pony breed, critically endangered and genetically unique.
The Caspian is an Iranian breed of pony or small horse of Oriental type. It was rediscovered in 1965 by an Iranian aristocrat and his American-born wife from a small number of horses found in the Elburz Mountains. The breed is critically endangered and considered one of the rarest horse breeds.
Quick Facts
- Country
- Iran
- Group
- Breed Standard
Facts from the source article.
History
The Caspian originates from the mountainous regions of northern Iran, contributing to its tough, athletic, and nimble nature. The oldest known specimen of a Caspian-like horse was found in a cemetery dating to 3400 B.C.E. at Gohar Tappeh in Mazandaran province. Small horses pulling chariots appear in ancient art. The Persian Empire required large-scale land transport, and Persians were the first to breed horses for strength and speed. A miniature golden chariot from the Oxus Treasure, made in central Persia, shows horses smaller than the passengers, built for speed. King Darius the Great trusted these small horses during lion hunts and honored them on his Trilingual Seal. Tributes of only first-class animals were demanded, as seen on bas-reliefs at Persepolis.
Characteristics
The Caspian stands about 120 cm at the withers, with a concave profile, vaulted forehead, straight short back, level croup, and high-set tail. It is extremely hardy, with strong hooves rarely needing shoeing except on very hard or stony ground. Base coat colors are bay, chestnut, and black; modifiers include grey and dun. White markings on head and legs are usually minimal or absent. Some individuals lack chestnuts or ergots. Experts classify the Caspian outside the four ancestral horse types, making it unique and an important link to ancient horses. Research suggests Caspian and Turkoman horses carry genetics ancestral to all other oriental type breeds studied.
More in Conservation Priority Breeds of the Livestock Conservancy
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