The Caspian Horse
The Caspian horse was recently re-discovered in Northern Iran, on the
southern shores of the Caspian Sea. It is an ancient breed and although
rare,
small numbers still exist, with some 700 pure-bred Caspians being
registered between 1965 and 1998.
History of the Caspian Horse
For over a thousand years, the Caspian horse of Persia was thought to be extinct until, in 1965, two stallions and a mare were found by Louise Firouz, an American married to an Iranian citizen, who ran an equestrian centre in Norouzabad, just outside Teheran. Between 1965 and 1974 twenty-seven foundation animals were found, mostly rescued from a life of over-work and disease. Both mares and stallions were used extensively in the riding school, even the stallions being ridden by very young children, and both mares and stallions being ridden out together.
Following the exportation of two mares and a stallion to Bermuda, and three shipments to the United Kindom, between 1971 and 1976 the remainder of the Firouz Caspians were nationalised by the Royal Horse Society of Iran, and were auctioned off at the time of the revolution in 1979. All but three were purchased by nomadic tribes, unfortunately mainly for meat. Due to the scarcity of grain, a ban on keeping more than one horse was enforced. Only the stallion, Zeeland, who had been purchased by a New Zealand buyer and refused permission for export, was retained. At the end of the ban in 1987, Zeeland became the foundation stallion of a new herd in Iran, along with a small number of Caspians found amongst the rehabilitated war-horses, following the war in Iraq.
Description of the Caspian Horse
The Caspian should resemble a well-proportioned miniature horse. Height
varies with feeding, care and climate. Recorded specimens have ranged
from under 10 hands to over 13 hands. Growth rate in the young is extremely
rapid, with the young Caspian making most of its height in the first
18 months, filling out with maturity. The average height of a pure
Caspian is 11.2 hands. Without the inclusion of a person to add perspective,
a photograph of a Caspian can give the illusion of a thoroughbred,
Anglo-Arab
or Arab horse. The most common colours are bay, chestnut and grey,
although the greys and some bays change through roan to white. Occasionally,
Caspians
born grey change to bay.
Caspians are intelligent, bold and curious. They are however docile and demonstrate a great love of people. Being extraordinarily friendly, they actively seek eye contact, and often attach themselves in a dog-like fashion to one person. Having a very forgiving nature, they are fast but manageable, quick to learn and more easily trained than many other breeds.
The Caspian Stallion is ideal for the first time stallion owner, and Caspian stallions are often stabled next to mares.
Care of the Caspian Horse
Originating in the mountains, the Caspian is happy on rough ground or
browsing available shrubbery. In fact it is not advisable to turn them out
on
lush grass because of the risk of laminitis. Whilst, as with most horses,
the Caspian prefers to be turned out, they will also be happily stabled,
ensure the stable doors are of a sufficient height for the small occupants
to see over comfortably. The coat of the Iranian Caspian is dense to
protect against the bitter cold of the Iranian winters, although it
has a velvet texture. In fact if the coat becomes coarse it could be an indication
of a possible lack of condition. Therefore, with adequate shelter and
supplementary feed, Caspians are able to withstand extremely cold conditions,
but do not do well in wet weather, so the addition of a turnout rug
would
probably be necessary.
Caspians are prone to laminitis and sweet itch in the same proportions as other breeds of a similar height. [Ed see Barefoot article re laminitis]
Performance
Caspians are extremely versatile, and can be used by many different members of the family. Most Caspians are perfectly capable of carrying a small adult. They make particularly excellent ride and lead animals as their gaits allow them to keep up with a much larger horse. Their versatility belies their delicate appearance, and they are regularly seen competing in cross country, working hunter, dressage and driving classes, as well as mounted games and all the usual ridden and in-hand showing classes. Stallions are regularly ridden and driven alongside their stud duties.
The Caspian is usually a very active little horse and is happier working.
More information on the Caspian Horse: Caspian Horse Society UK - official Society web site
Caspian Horse Society of the Americas
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