Horses

Domesticated and used by Northern tribes in Eurasia for time beyond records, The Bashkir Horse attracted attention during the 19th century due to their unique abilities to cope with ultra low temperatures and sparseness of green vegetation. ?Breeding centers were created in 1845 to improve their usefulness as farm horses, for work in harness and under saddle, and to increase the productivity of the herds in terms of the yield of meat and milk.(Editor, though its curious how in such a harsh environment anyone could think the existing stock was not already close to perfect as the conditions would have be natural selection weeded out the less preferred specimens.)

The Bashkir mares are famous for their milk yield even more remarkable that they do this in less than ideal pastures. An average mare will give upwards of 1,500 litres (330 gallons) during a seven- to eight-month lactation period, and the best may produce as much as 2,700 litres (550 gallons). The milk is used in place of cow's milk, cows being unable to cope with the harsh conditions.? A significant amount is also used to make a local liquor, call kumis.

The Bashkir is a utility horse, used ?as a mountain pack-pony, under saddle, and in draught. Their endurance is the stuff of legends: a Bashkir troika can cover as much as 120-140 km (75-85 miles) a day in the snow. Equally, the breed is almost beyond hardy, and the herds are well able to live out in deep snow and blizzard conditions at temperatures which in winter fall to between -30 and -40?C. (-22 to -40?F)

CHARACTERISTICS
Two types of Bashkir pony have been developed

1. The mountain type, which is suitable for riding,
2. The heavier steppe variety.

The Bashkir build reflects its conditions "?? cold conditions tend towards creation of stockier animals less likely to lose heat.?? They stand at 1.32-1.42 m (13-14 hh), arewide-bodied, short-legged and stocky with substantial bone below the knee - some ponies may have an extraordinary 20 cm (8 in). The neck is short, strong, and fleshy, and the head is described as "massive". The coat is thick and curly coat and the luxurious growth of mane and tail. Combings from the hair can be woven to make blankets and garments and its claimed to have no allergenic properties as it lacks the protein that causes irritation in some people.