Nogai horse breed

Around the horses of the Nogai breed, disputes have been going on for several decades. This breed line is mentioned in various historical sources. But despite this, the origin of animals is still insufficiently covered. Some researchers do not at all consider that the Nogai breed of horses is a separate variety. In any case, this group of horses stands at the origins of some domestic breed lines and deserves attention.

Nogai horse

Who are the Nogais?

As a breed, Nogai horses were formed under the supervision of the Nogai people. They take their history from the time of the collapse of the Golden Horde. At that time, the famous Khan Nogai founded his own horde, which was named after him.

Initially, the Nogais moved to the shores of the Black Sea, where they built their settlements. Over time, their migration continued, and the horde was also located in the lowland part of the Danube. This tribe was quite warlike. Byzantium, Serbia, Bulgaria and other states were considered with its military power.

In addition to military affairs, cattle breeding, as well as the breeding of camels and horses, were highly popular among the people.

Nogai horses

The main military force of the Nogai Horde was a mobile and well-trained cavalry. It was for this purpose that the breeding and drill of horses was adjusted. But it is worth noting that the Nogais did not give preference to specific breeds. When the horde conquered new territories during campaigns, they replenished their ranks with representatives of the conquered peoples and their horses. As a result, there was no clear selection.

The only thing that is known is that such a breed has been formed for centuries. At the same time, probably, a fundamental role in its creation was played by:

  • Dzungarian horses;
  • Arabian horses;
  • Mongolian horses.

This approach continued until the Middle Ages. During this period, the Nogais had several famous stud farms, each of which bred several individual breeds on the basis of mixed breeds. Factories in the North Caucasus and Kuban were especially popular.

Breeds in whose veins the blood of Nogai horses flows

Despite the rather blurred roots of the breed, Nogai horses were highly valued throughout the entire period of the formation of the variety. As a result, they were even used in breeding new breed lines.

The Don

In the process of the formation of the Cossack breed, the Nogai horses, which the Cossacks captured on campaigns, played an important role. The originally bred breed assumed the following features:

Don horse breed

Don horse breed

  • strong strong legs;
  • short stature;
  • dry, strong physique;
  • a small head with a humpbacked profile.

Also, these horses were distinguished by endurance, unpretentiousness and speed.

Reference. Later, Persian, Akhal-Teke, Oryol and other horses were used to improve the variety.

Kabardian

The Kabardian breed was bred by crossing native rocks with the horses of the Nogai Tatars, Karabakh and Arabian horses. The appearance of the horse suggests such moments:

  • elongated body;
  • average height;
  • dry sinewy limbs;
  • a straight back with a lowered croup.

Reference. Such animals are well adapted to mountain conditions and easily move along rocky relief paths.

Nogai horses have been formed over several centuries. And although little is known about the process of becoming a species, there is no doubt that such horses were highly valued at all times. As a result, Nogai horses were often used to improve the qualities of other breed lines.

Author: Olga Samoilova

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