Since ancient times, the horse has played an important role in the development of society. The horses of the Mongolian breed are very ancient and famous, they were actively used in military affairs, economy and trade. This breed is the most popular in Central Asia. The inhabitants of this region breed such horses to this day and use them for economic purposes.
Mongolian horse breed
Breed origin
It is impossible to name the exact date of origin of the species – due to limited sources. It is known for certain that the Mongolian horse began to stand out as a separate breed in the XNUMXnd millennium BC. Then, in the steppes of Central Asia, their domestication only began to occur.
Already in the first centuries of our era, horses of the Mongolian breed were bred by the steppe tribes. They used them for both military and commercial purposes.
It is believed that these horses acquired their modern look in the Middle Ages – during the reign of Genghis Khan and his descendants. At that time, the unification of the Mongolian tribes took place. Horses interbred, as a result of which the Mongolian horse stood out as a separate breed.
Reference. It is believed that the Mongolian breed has not changed since the time of Genghis Khan – it has retained its authentic appearance and physical structure. The reason for this is the harsh climate of the Mongolian steppes. Only the strongest individuals survived. Under such conditions, crossing with other breeds did not produce offspring capable of surviving in the great steppe.
In Europe, these horses appeared in the XIII century – during the Mongol yoke.
Significance of horses in Mongolian culture
Historically, the Mongols are a nomadic people. A Mongolian without a horse is like without hands. During the Middle Ages, each free Mongol had several horses. Only slaves did not have their own animals.
The harsh climate of the Mongolian steppes and the lack of fertile soil forced the locals to lead a nomadic lifestyle, which in those conditions was impossible without horses. Therefore, they could not help but fit into the local culture.
Traditional Mongolian folklore is tales about the nomadic way of life, songs about horses and military campaigns.
Mongols nomadic people
Equestrian sport is the most popular in Mongolia. Even in the XNUMXst century, boys are given horses for their third birthday.
Description
Exterior Features
Body features that are inherent in the Mongolian breed:
- big head;
- thick short neck;
- wide chest
- short limbs;
- saggy croup.
Character
Compliant character is one of the key features of this breed.
Mongolian horses are distinguished by a calm disposition, restraint and devotion. Despite the fact that they were used in military affairs for a long time, this was not reflected in the nature of the horses.
Due to their calm disposition, they are even used to train children in equestrian schools.
Intrabreed species
Within the breed, the following subspecies are distinguished:
- Arshantsky. The distribution area is the northern border of Mongolia. A distinctive feature is a less massive body.
- Baitskiy. Bred in the western part of the country. It is also found in the eastern part of Siberia. The Bait horse is taller than the ordinary Mongolian, its head is smaller and its neck narrower.
- Delgerkhangai. Bred in the southeast of the country, as well as in China. This is an artificially bred breed. Its distinctive features are a massive build, a wide chest, and muscularity.
- Ultsinsky. Features – pronounced muscles, short limbs, roughness. The species is distributed in eastern Mongolia, Siberia.
Mongolian horse
Breeding
Breeding horses in the Mongolian steppe is not an easy task. The harsh climate, constant droughts and strong winds have formed a special specificity of horse breeding.
The main feature is the continuous driving of livestock. In winter, when there is no fodder grass, the herds try to keep in an area isolated from the wind. Winter wind in a large steppe can kill an animal, so horses need protection.
In the spring, when the herds are driven out to graze near rivers and other bodies of water, the animals regain their strength. This time is considered the most favorable for breeding. In addition, they try to fertilize females at this time for other reasons. It is important that the foal is born next summer, when there is enough food in the steppes.
Only healthy individuals are allowed to breed. Thanks to this, the breed has remained one of the strongest, hardiest and smartest for thousands of years. The age of the animals is also important – from 3 to 10 years. During this period, they give the most healthy and strong offspring.
Use of Mongolian horses
The Mongolian horse is used:
- In agriculture. Used to move the shepherd over long distances.
- In sports. Horse racing is popular in Mongolia, especially for long distances – more than 25 km.
- As a vehicle. In the Mongolian outback, this is the most common vehicle.
Reference. In 2010, the number of horses in Mongolia was comparable to the population of the country – 2,5 million.
In modern Mongolia, the population is gradually abandoning horseback riding. Roads are being laid in the country, and the popularity of other modes of transport – cars, motorcycles, buses – is growing. Nevertheless, the horse is still a faithful companion of the Mongol, especially in the outback.
