Tersk horse
 Tersk stallion | |
| Conservation status | FAO (2007): endangered[1]: 139 |
|---|---|
| Other names |
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| Country of origin | Russian Federation |
| Distribution | Stavropol Krai |
| Use | riding horse |
| Traits | |
| Height | |
| Colour | grey, dark colours[3]: 507 |
The Tersk is a Russian breed of light riding horse of Arab type. It was bred at the Tersk Stud in Stavropol Krai in the North Caucasus between about 1920 and 1940.[3]: 507 [2]: 300
History
The Tersk Stud was established by Semyon Budyonny in 1921 with the aim of re-establishing the horse population of Russia, which was depleted after the events of the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Among the horses brought there were two stallions of the Ukrainian Strelets breed; this breed, now extinct, was an Anglo-Arab with some influence of Orlov Trotter, Don and Kabardin.[3]: 507 The two stallions, Tsenitel and Tsilindr, were used on cross-bred mares with Arab, Don, Kabardin and Strelets blood. To create the Tersk breed, the resulting mares were put to Arab stallions, among them Koheilan IV, Marosh, and Nasim.[2]: 300 The intent was to create riding horse of Arab type, but larger and better adapted to extensive management in the taboon system.[3]: 507 [2]: 300
By 1948, the breed was officially recognized.[citation needed]
The horses are known for their endurance, demonstrated when several horses were entered in a 192-mile ride and every Tersk finished in good time and shape, and so are good for endurance riding. The Tersk's graceful Arabian stride makes them good for dressage, and their bold nature and athleticism suits them for show jumping. They are also very fast, and frequently raced against Arabians.
Breed Characteristics
Although the Tersk looks fragile and has a very thin coat, they cope well in their harsh climate. They are very beautiful, and have great endurance. The horses have a calm temperament, and are intelligent and quick learners. The Tersk has a refined head with large, expressive eyes, and medium-length ears. The neck is muscular and high-set. The horses have sloped shoulders, a deep chest, strong back with muscular loins, and a flattish croup. The legs are fine with well-defined tendons. The horses are light-framed, and light in bone, although the breed standard calls for a measurement of 7.5 inches.
Mares stand up to 14.3 hh, stallions up to 15 hh. The horses are almost always gray or "white" with a silvery sheen, although there is the occasional chestnut.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Barbara Rischkowsky, D. Pilling (eds.) (2007). List of breeds documented in the Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources, annex to The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ISBN 9789251057629. Accessed October 2014.
- ^ a b c d e N.G. Dmitriev, L.K. Ernst (1989). Animal genetic resources of the USSR. FAO animal production and health paper 65. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ISBN 9251025827. Archived 13 November 2009. Also available here, archived 29 September 2017.
- ^ a b c d Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding (sixth edition). Wallingford: CABI. ISBN 9781780647944.
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