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Introduction.

• The world's best mountain breed.
• Reliable & sure–footed, very economical to keep.
• Good for endurance rides in a rough terrain.

The Kabardin horse, well–known since the 16th century, is one of Russia's “extreme breeds” that is, a horse meant for living under extreme conditions. The Kabardin thrives in the most difficult mountain terrain at high altitudes, undeterred by snow and fast rivers. Temperamentally, it is a tractable and obedient animal, being both hardy and infinitely enduring.

This breed is at home in the mountains and has developed characteristics that are suited to the terrain and the rigors of the climate. It is surprisingly sure–footed and rarely stumbles even when trotting or cantering downhill. The horse is impervious to cold, mountain showers and hail. It does not panic when stones begin to roll downhill. If a herdsman is riding, his horse will easily find the herd within a mile or more. They have an uncanny ability to find their way in mist and darkness. Because of their sure–footedness Kabardins and Anglo–Kabardins make perfect mounts for circus jighitovka riders, especially for two–man tricks.

Kabardins are kept in herds, and they have uncanny herd instincts. If stolen, they can escape and find their way to their herd in several months' time, even when feted. It is safe to say that the Kabardin is the world's best mountain breed.

History.

The Kabardin has been bred by the mountain tribesmen of the
Northern Caucasus. Like many Russian breeds it is a product of centuries of primitive selective breeding for survival under the harshest conditions. That wondrous steed is derived from the horses of the steppe people crossed with Karabakh, Persian and Turkmenian strains.

The Kabardin is the principal breed of the Northern Caucasus, and is widely used to improve native stock in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The best Kabardins are raised at the Karachai and Malka Farms.

At the turn of the century Count Stroganov was crossing Kabardins with Arabs with satisfactory results. Now, crosses with Thoroughbreds are quite popular.

The Kabardin has for centuries enjoyed the reputation of an extremely undemanding and enduring horse. In the last war Kabardins were widely used as cavalry mounts, and covered the distance from Stalingrad to the Alps, having shown exceptional strength and stamina. They were especially good in the mountains.

In the winter of 1935/36 an 1800 mile ride was held in the Caucasus. The time and route of the ride were extremely difficult. Among the participants there were 15 Kabardins, 8 Anglo–Kabardins, and horses of other breeds. The ride lasted 47 days, on average 40 miles per day. On some days they covered 75 miles. The party was accompanied by vets who checked the horses' pulse and breathing rates, their weight and other metabolic and mechanical parameters. The Kabardins and Anglo–Kabardins appeared to be the best all around. Many long–distance test rides were held ever since, with Kabardins invariably among the winners.

In 1946 a major test of the performance of various Russian breeds was organized in Moscow. It was a 155 mile ride with the last mile covered in gallop. The winner was the Kabardin stallion Ali–Kadym, his time was 25 hours.

Foundation.

The Anglo–Kabardin was created by crossing Kabardins and Thoroughbreds. Anglo–Kabardins are bigger and rangier. They are nearer to the Thoroughbred in conformation: they have a longer neck, a shorter back, and better legs. They are faster on the track, but they are more demanding and not so suited to keeping in the mountains as the Kabardins. To be sure, their performance in the mountains depends on the amount of Thoroughbred blood in them. Overall, they are good for up to 6000 feet. Above that altitude, especially for "up–and–down" everyday work, only pure–bred Kabardins are recommended.

Type.

Following the Russian Revolution, the breed was much improved. A stronger type was created for riding and agricultural work. Now Russian breeders distinguish three main types in the Kabardin breed:

• Basic type. As the name suggests this type is predominant. It is a typical mountain riding horse. Rangy and well–muscled, with a well–shaped typey head.
• Oriental type. This type shows pronounced influence of oriental breeds. The horses have very clean legs, smaller typey heads with expressive eyes, thinner elastic skins, and a temperament to match.
• Massive type. Horses of this type have longer bodies and more robust bone structures. In appearance they are closer to a carriage horse. This type is predominant among the Karachai sub–breed.

Movements.
The Kabardin's action is often high. The paces are good: the walk is even and rhythmical, the trot and canter light and smooth. Some Kabardins are natural pacers.

Conformation.
The blood of the Kabardins has a heightened oxidizing capacity, their heart, lungs, tendons, ligaments, and muscles are strong and efficient. They quickly accumulate fat to keep them through worse days. They have a stable nervous system and quick reflexes, are agile and flexible.

The body of mountain horses is dense, massive and elongated, their back is well–muscled, short and straight, and the quarters slope away from the rounded croup. The loins, though very strong, are often slightly concave.

By Western standards, the shoulders are loaded and even straight, which accounts for the high action — not a disadvantage in the mountain horse but not, of course, conducive to speed. The neck is of medium length and well muscled. It runs into somewhat flat withers.

The thick–set Kabardin has a long head to match its general proportions. The profile is Roman–nosed and the impression is that of a typical steppe horse, whose roots extend to the primitive Asian wild horse and the Tarpan. Between the ears, the poll is curiously narrow and the occipital crest is ill–defined. The ears are very sharp, alert and mobile. The legs and feet are strong and clean. The forelegs are a good feature. They have clearly defined tendons, good joints and short, strong cannons. The bone measurement, which is 7-8 inches is more than sufficient in relation to the built. The Kabardin's hindlegs are often sickle–shaped, an advantage in a mountain horse.The pasterns are properly sloped. The hoofs are unbelievably hard, so that shoeing them is often a problem — most Kabardins go unshod even on the roughest ground.A typical feature of the Kabardin is the usually luxuriant growth of mane and tail.

Average measurements of Kabardins.

Although the Kabardin is considered primarily to be a saddle horse, it can also be used as a pack horse, and for every sort of work in harness.

Colors.

The predominant colors found in the breed are dark bay, bay and black, mostly without other distinguishing marks.