The high level of development of horse breeding among the Alans is evidenced by archeological data and written sources. Thus, an excellent Alanian horse is reported by an anonymous Armenian author of the 9th century (according to other sources – the 11th century), referred to by some researchers as the Pseudo-Shapuh Bagratuni. In his work, he presents Alanya as a country in which there are many “noble horses” [7, p. 76]. Probably, noble horses are understood as purebred Alanian riding horses, distinguished by purity of blood and superior to other breeds by a combination of qualities necessary for a good riding horse.

Seljuk Sultans, who captured vast territories in the Middle East during the pre-Mongol period, were true admirers and deep connoisseurs of riding horses. Of all the known horse breeds, they usually chose between horses brought from Hungary or the Caucasus. Eastern authors call Caucasian horses “Tavlinsky” [4, p. 56]. Continue reading →