Anglo-Kabarda

The Anglo-Kabarda is a unique breed established in Caucasus, formerly a part of the Soviet Union, when an English stallion was crossed with a Russian mare. Despite its large size, the Anglo-Karbarda is capable of navigating mountainous terrain. However, it is most commonly used for riding and equestrian sports.

Physical Characteristics

Standing at about 15.2 to 16 hands high (60.8-66.4 inches, 154-159 centimeters) with a dense, dark-colored coat, the Anglo-Kabarda horse is taller than most other breeds. In fact, the Anglo-Kabarda is larger and faster than the pure Kabarda, though it has inherited its straight back, slightly sloped croup and sure-footedness from the Kabarda. Additionally, the Anglo-Kabarda inherited its well-formed joints, sloping shoulders and long legs and neck from its other progenitor: the Thoroughbred.

Care

The Anglo-Kabarda requires standard horse care and grooming, though minimal supplemental feeding is needed. It is best to let it roam and graze on year-round pastures, assuming there is sufficient water on the tract of land, too.

Health

The Anglo-Kabarda is a hardy breed, but it is still susceptible to parasite infections and thus gastrointestinal problems. This can be prevented by periodic de-worming.

History and Background

Fornmally known as Anglo-Kabardinskaya porodnaya-gruppa, the Anglo-Kabarda is technically the result of the cross between an English Thoroughbred stallion and a Kabarda mare -- thus its name, which literally means "English Kabarda."  There are three main Thoroughbred stallions that are primarily credited with the propagation of the Anglo-Kabarda breed: Loksen, Leikki, and Lestorik. Current breeding standards demand that an Anglo-Kabarda horse have between 25 and 75 percent English Thoroughbred blood.

Today, there are around 6,300 Anglo-Kabardas, many of which are used in national and Olympic-level equestrian events. Aside from being a good sports horse, however, the Anglo-Kabarda is used as a farm and work horse in Caucasus.