Features of the riding Budennovskaya breed of horses (part 1)
According to the generally accepted classification, all horses are divided into local, draft and riding breeds. The latter, in turn, are divided into specialized (only for horseback riding) and combined (horse-drawn). The Budennovskaya breed of horses is just of the mixed type.
The centuries-old history of breeding for the “Budyonnovtsy” no. In addition, for the first decades, the breed was intended for the needs of cavalry, and not for sport. In the USSR, these horses were considered ideal for cavalry troops.
Budennovskaya breed of horses
Officially, the Budyonnovskaya breed of horses was introduced in 1948. These animals turned out thanks to the crossing of the Don and horse breeds in the equestrian enterprises named after S. Budyonny (hence the name). Don horses are not currently bred, but gave the Budennovsky many valuable qualities: strength, endurance, and unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention. Being cavalry, Don horses possessed properties useful for a mass sports horse.
Soviet breeders raised Budennovskie queens and their foals in herds. Thus, healthy and hardy individuals were obtained. Running from birth to 30 kilometers in a herd, young animals experience physical activity, which develops their body well and prepares for sports records.
After World War II, horses were bred for agriculture, since the cavalry was abolished. Then there was a change in breeding towards sports breeds. The best Soviet specialists who worked with the ancestors of the “Budyonnovtsy” since the 1920s have preserved many lines in the breed. This allowed already in the middle of the last century to choose suitable manufacturers for the goals.
Horse with foal
Improving the breed, the winners of the competitions and the winners of the races were always selected. Due to the increased interest in equestrian sport, physically strong horses were always given to the tribal staff, who quickly rested after the races. Competitions also allow you to identify the nature of the horses – kindness, obedience and performance. Now the number of Budyonnovsky horses is constantly growing, and at competitions they win the best places and prizes.
Characteristic
By speed, the Budennovsky horses are one of the best breeds. Now these are exclusively sports horses and among the total such numbers in the world they occupy the third place. You can also use them for horseback riding. The color of the animals is red, of various shades. Most often, the “Budyonnovtsy” are golden-red – they inherited this color from the Don ancestors. Only occasionally can you meet individuals of brown and bay colors.
Animals are quite massive, but at the same time they jump well and jump briskly. The physique is harmonious. At the withers, the height reaches 175 cm, the chest circumference is up to 195 cm, and the metacarpus is up to 21 cm. Medium sized animals have a dry head, a high set long neck, and a wide short back. The croup is slightly flattened and rather long, the legs are dry, with perfectly developed muscles and prominent joints.
Soviet horse
Of the features of the horses are well-defined riding forms, bony, broad-bodied and large. The breed has a few shortcomings: clubfoot, straightness of the hind legs and noticeable forelegs.
According to external signs, the “Budennovites” distinguish three types:
Characteristic. Dry, and at the same time massive individuals. They are considered the most frisky in the breed, have developed muscles, a healthy constitution. They most manifest signs of ancestors.
Massive. Individuals are slightly rude and rustic, with a strong constitution. The backbone of them is excellent, the muscles are well developed. The type is more adapted to cultural and herd life, fits well under the saddle and harness.
Oriental. Horses have a strong, dry constitution, external eastern pedigree, and rounded shapes. Of all the types, they look the most attractive, but demanding on the diet and the conditions of detention. The disposition of the eastern representatives is energetic and kind.
In general, all Budyonnovsky horses are distinguished by endurance, agility, ardor and enthusiasm in competitions. The character of the animals is patient, and they are all smart enough.
