The origins of the Bashkir horse are not known. In the nineteenth century its economic value was recognised, and steps were taken to increase both its working abilities and its traditional qualities as a producer of milk and meat. Breeding centres were set up in 1845. The Bashkir horse has been crossed with other breeds of the former USSR such as the Russian Heavy Draught; experimental crosses with Kazakh and Yakut horses have also been made. Bashkortostan has the third-highest horse population of the federal subjects of Russia, after the Altai Krai and the Sakha Republic. In 2003 the population of Bashkir horses was reported as 94,470.
Characteristics
The Bashkir is a small horse, standing about at the withers. It is wide in the body and deep-chested, with a thoracic circumference averaging about ; it has a large head and a short neck, low withers and a flatback. The legs are short with heavy bone; cannon bonemeasurement may reach. The commonest coat colours are bay, chestnut, mouse grey and roan. The mane and tail are thick and the coat is also thick and often curly. A two-year study published in 1990 found it unlikely that the North American Curly Horse, which also has a curly coat and may be called "American Bashkir Curly", descends from the Bashkir breed. There are two distinct types of Bashkir horse: a smaller, lighter mountain type used mainly for riding, and a somewhat heavier steppe type. The Bashkir horse is remarkably hardy. Herds are managed extensively, and remain in the open in winter in snow and blizzard conditions where temperatures may reach
Uses
The Bashkir horse is used for riding and for pack, harness, draught and farm work. It shows remarkable endurance; there are reports of Bashkir horses drawing troikas, three-horse sleighs, over distances of per day. Bashkir mares are prolific producers of milk. Average yield per year is 1500 or in a lactation of 240 days, with the best mares reaching. Much of the milk is made into kumis; kumis-making is a national activity of the Bashkiri people. Hair combed from the thick winter coat of the breed can be woven into cloth.
