Yakut horse breed – origin, description, use

The Yakut horse is considered one of the most ancient breeds on our planet. Archaeologists managed to find her remains, which, according to their assumptions, are several thousand years old. The northern native horse lives in Chukotka and Yakutia. Thanks to its endurance, the breed has survived to this day. This article will tell about the characteristics of the Yakut horses and their use.

Yakut horses

History

According to researchers and archaeologists, the Yakut breed has existed for several millennia. It owes its origin to wild tundra horses, whose natural habitat was the Far North. The Yakuts have been engaged in animal husbandry and horse breeding since ancient times. This can be judged by their method of settlement. These people have always occupied the lands located in the river valleys, where there was a lot of vegetation. This is probably due to the need to graze livestock.

The fact that the Yakuts had horses at their disposal is obvious, because they have an ancient custom: after the death of a person, his horse was slaughtered, and then the guests who came to the commemoration were treated to horse meat. Horse meat was prepared for weddings and other grand celebrations. The first mention of the Yakut breed of horses is found in documents dating back to the 17th century. It was bred by the method of popular selection. The villagers have been self-selecting the best foals for centuries and using them for reproduction.

There are 3 types of Yakut horses:

  • original.
  • southern small;
  • southern large.

Attention! The Yakuts bred a new breed of horses called Megezhekskaya, it was registered in 2011.

Appearance and specifications

The Yakut breed of horses is distinguished by endurance. These animals can easily withstand hot, humid summers and severe frosts in winter. They are physically strong, as evidenced by the ability to cover a distance of 3000 kilometers in 5 minutes, while moving at a gallop on a snowy road. It will not be difficult for a Yakut horse to walk 100 kilometers, however, at the same time, it is not capable of carrying heavy luggage.

Such qualities of animals are highly valued. Farmers from other regions attempted to breed Yakut horses, but did not succeed – a different climate does not suit them. At home, they are constantly in the fresh air, regardless of the time of year and weather conditions. They are distinguished by strong immunity.

Yakut horse breed

Yakut horse breed

Attention! The Yakut horse is able to get food from under the snow, breaking the crust with its hooves.

External characteristics:

  • the physique is strong;
  • growth at the withers – 1,36-1,43 m;
  • the limbs are short, the front ones are set correctly, the hind legs are X-shaped;
  • hooves are large;
  • big head;
  • the neck is short, muscular;
  • the chest is wide, deep;
  • the line of the back is straight, the torso is elongated;
  • the croup is slightly lowered;
  • the mane is thick, the tail is long;
  • suit – brown, bay, gray, savrasaya.

Attention! In winter, Yakut horses accumulate subcutaneous fat, which helps them survive the cold. Their coat becomes longer and thicker. The length of the hairs reaches 10 cm.

Representatives of this breed ripen late. Their body is finally formed only at the age of 5-6 years, but they are also used for reproduction for a long time – for 25 and even 27 years. Yakut stallions and mares are smart and obedient; another advantage is their ability to navigate the terrain.

Application

The Yakuts have long used the meat of local horses for food. It has a pleasant taste and contains useful substances – unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, protein. Fat is evenly distributed in the muscle fibers of horses, which makes the meat juicy. In Yakutia, horse meat is considered a delicacy.

Animals also provide northerners with milk. It is fatty and nutritious. Northern residents prepare a traditional sour-milk drink from it – koumiss. The skin is used for making shoes and making clothes. Yakut stallions and mares carry cargo, and they are also hunted.

Reference. If an animal has not been used for riding for a long time in order to bring it into good physical shape, the Yakuts deprive it of food for 2-3 days. It is believed that a hungry horse copes better with the load and gallops faster.

In other regions of Russia and neighboring countries, Yakut horses are in demand, but there they almost never take root. These animals are acquired by circus performers and zoo owners.

These animals are purchased by circus performers and zoo owners.

These animals are purchased by circus performers and zoo owners.

Maintenance and care

The Yakut horse breed is unpretentious. Stallions and mares are able to feed themselves by foraging on pastures all year round. In winter, they find grass under the snow. Although their diet is rather meager, horses do not lose weight in winter. Additional top dressing in the form of hay is received only by geldings, which are used for hard work.

As soon as spring comes, the herds are driven to the southern slopes of the hills, where the snow melts faster. In summer, there is enough food on the pastures of Yakutia – the local meadows are rich in vegetation. However, the animals are harassed by countless insects. To protect the herds from them, the Yakuts scare them away with smoke from a fire. Because of the bites of midges, mosquitoes and flies, horses lose weight.

The Yakut horse breed originated from wild white ancestors living in the North. It is adapted to local conditions in the best possible way. Animals do not need special care, they graze all year round, getting food for themselves even from under the snow. For the locals, their animals are a source of food and clothing.

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Anna Evans

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