The Isabella suit horse is considered one of the rarest and most beautiful representatives of the species. Proper breeding of these animals requires a lot of time, practical knowledge and financial investments, so you can see them only from true connoisseurs. So, in Europe, Isabella horses are found exclusively in breeding plants. The cost of one animal reaches 2-3 million dollars.
Akhal-Teke isabella suit
The history of the isabella suit
The first animals of this color were seen more than five thousand years ago on the territory of modern Turkmenistan (the state of Akhal-Teke). Keeping the purity of the breed, the locals were seriously engaged in breeding horses and did not allow crossing with other horses. It was the Akhal-Teke horses that became the first carriers of the Isabella suit. Initially, these animals differed from other popular nomadic horses in a combination of external qualities and character traits: they looked more fit, βslenderβ, distinguished by strength and endurance.
The inhabitants of Akhal-Teke cared about preserving the value of the breed, since horses were considered the only means of transportation for them. Despite their obstinate nature, the animals were easy to train and attached to the owner, which allowed the Turkmens to successfully use them during battles. Warriors provided their pets with quality care, a varied diet and comfortable living conditions.
The popularity of the suit peaked in the 16th-17th century – it is widely believed that it received its name from the name of the Spanish Queen Isabella. She introduced light-colored horses into fashion, and Isabella horses became the favorites of the ruler. In Russia, they learned about animals only in the 20th century.
Color characteristic
In the case of Isabella horses, the color of the animal is determined by a combination of genes. It is far from always possible to obtain such a color by crossing thoroughbred horses of a light color – it depends on the experience of the breeders and a number of natural factors.
Equine genetics
It is possible to obtain an Isabella color by introducing the dominant Cream gene, which is responsible for the cream shade. For a successful result, it is important to use purebred horses, in which case the likelihood of a βuniqueβ foal is quite high. The formation of cream pigment is also influenced by combinations of the Extension and Agouti genes, which, depending on the type (dominant or recessive), sometimes give a different color: bay, black or red.
Isabella color
The DNA test is considered the determining criterion in determining the Isabella suit – based on the results obtained, a decision is made about belonging to the breed. Testing helps to determine the dominant gene and draw a conclusion about how it affects the manifestation of the phenotype.
The main external signs of horses of isabella color
The main difference between the Isabella suit and other animals is a light pink skin tone, while in most horses it has a gray color. For this feature, representatives of the breed were considered angelic, “fabulous.” There are other external signs of Isabella horses:
- Blue or green eyes.
- The light shade of the coat varies from cream to milky white. Sometimes the color of the tail and mane is darker than the body by 1-2 tones.
- Thick hair shimmering in the sun – experts say that it is best to appreciate the beauty of animals in sunlight.
- Changing the shade of the mane and tail depending on the lighting – from silver to fiery red.
- Graceful curves of the body, long neck, “dry” limbs without excess fat.
- Uniform body color without spots and stripes.
Character
Separately, it is worth noting the nature of the animals. Despite the fact that in appearance they seem fragile, graceful and defenseless, these horses have a complex character characteristic of royalty. Isabella horses combine defiance, “fiery” temperament and incredible strength. It is not easy to win the trust of horses – they cannot stand a careless attitude and not everyone is allowed to approach them. However, with proper care and care, these animals become loyal and reliable friends.
Breeds that are characterized by this color
The brightest representative of the Isabella suit is the Akhal-Teke horse. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, this breed is the leader in the frequency of appearance of foals of the “royal” color. Given the place of distribution, the Akhal-Teke horses are perfectly adapted to the arid, hot climate and easily adapt to changing natural conditions. Over the centuries, their appearance has not changed: animals are distinguished by grace, grace of forms, and developed muscles. And the smoothness of movements, endurance and patience make Akhal-Teke horses a good option for riding.
Isabella color is also characteristic of breeds:
- American cream. In appearance, these horses are similar to heavy trucks: they have a powerful back, massive, strong limbs, a small head with a wide forehead. However, the main feature of such animals is their amber eyes. White markings on the skin are considered valuable. It is worth noting that this is the only draft breed bred in the USA.
- Kinski – most often there are nightingale, golden brown, red individuals. The modern breed was formed in the 19th century, having received the name from the princely Bohemian family. Due to their docile nature and mobility, these animals are used both in professional and amateur equestrian sports.
- Welsh ponies are friendly, calm horses that have a soft cream coat color. The breed is in high demand among connoisseurs of miniature horses.
welsh pony
- The Orlovsky trotter is a true Russian treasure. These attractive animals are distinguished by the ability to pass on only the best features of the breed to their descendants. From the time of their appearance, they were considered universal – Oryol trotting horses were used in agriculture, military affairs, and equestrian sports. Now animals are widely used in the field of tourism, they represent the country at international exhibitions, where they regularly demonstrate good results.
Interesting Facts
The high cost of Isabella horses is due to the fact that in their kind they have two representatives of the red color – this is a very rare occurrence.
Due to the characteristic coloration of Isabella horses, they are sometimes confused with albinos. However, connoisseurs understand the difference: this suit has a specific shade, and not a lack of pigmentation. Another difference is that albino horses have red eyes.
The incredible power of animals was sung in legends. Despite the aristocratic appearance and truly royal origin, the horses calmly adapted even to the most extreme conditions. Isabella-colored horses endure cold and sweltering heat without problems, easily move along quicksand and relief terrain.
In America, these horses are called “cremello” because of the characteristic cream color.
Reference. One of the main distinguishing features of animals is the exquisite shine of the hairline, which is visible even in photographs. In the sun, the wool of animals shimmers with silver, and in cloudy weather it becomes white.
Despite their strength and endurance, Isabella-colored horses are not designed for competition. These elegant, unusually attractive animals are purchased “for beauty”. The impressive price of Isabella horses is fully justified, because such horses are an indicator of luxury, the high status of the owner and his belonging to the circles of the elite.
