Horses

The CASPIAN horse is a fascinating breed representing an important link between the early forms of Equus and the hot blooded "desert" or "plateau" horses from which modern light horses have evolved. It is a classic Horse Type 4.

HISTORY
The Caspian is an extremely old breed of horse, its ancestors possibly predating the Arab by more than 3000 years.? Without question they are one of the oldest horse breeds still in existence, only the Asiatic Wild Horse boasts earlier existence.

The modern Caspian has a distinctive appearance, with a sharp difference in the shape of the scapula compare with other horses, an odd formation of the parietal bones of the head giving a somewhat vaulted look to their skull "?? they also have an extra 2 molars in their upper jaw.

The existence of these ancient horses broght to world attention in 1965 when an American traveler, Mrs Louise L. Firouz, discovered a distinctive type of alert, quick-moving pony unlike the usual native stock, working in the narrow streets of Amol, on the shores of the Caspian Sea. She bought several of them which were used to form the nucleus of a stud that was subsequently established at Norouzabad. Ten years later, a stallion and seven mares were exported to the UK to form the Caspian Stud (UK). Caspians have since been bred inNorth and South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

CHARACTERISTICS
The modern Caspian is termed a "pony" on account of its size whereas in fact it is a miniature horse based on its proportions. It has a distinctive short covered with fine, thin skin giving the "dry", thin-skinned quality associated desert breeds such as the Arab. The muzzle is small and tapered, the nostrils full, with large expressive eyes.

The Caspian's ears are very short, breed standard states they should not exceed 11 cm (4% in) in length. Feet are small and strong, shoes not being required even on the stoniest ground. They are slim bodied and naroow making them ideal for children.? Their tail tail is set and carried high like an Arab.

Modern Caspians are bigger than their early ancestors but still small in comparison to modern horses - they stand between 1.02 and 1.22 in (10-12 hh) high. The principal colors are bay, grey, and chestnut, with occasional blacks and creams.

They have a long, free and fast "floating"? action due to their sloped shoulders and the way they are joined to their withers.? They have a fast action and are speedy able keep up with larger horses except at a gallop.? Though small they are natural jumpers and though spirited and brave even stallions can be handled by children.? They can also be used under harness.

The overseas Caspian Horses developed bear small resemblance to the ones found at Amol. Selective breeding, higher management standards, and better quality food have improved the conformation immeasurably and the breed has tended towards larger size.

That said, these breeding programmes whilst changing the direction of the breed remain true to the original genealogy and maintaining the marvel that is this important discovery of this ancient horse.