Kazakh horse
The Kazakh is a horse breed of the Kazakh people, who live mainly in Kazakhstan, but also in parts of China, Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan. It is used mainly as a riding horse, and is known for its hardiness and stamina.<ref name="okstate">Template:Cite web</ref>
Characteristics
The Kazakh horse averages Template:Convert for stallions and mares average Template:Convert. They weigh between Template:Convert. The breed is criticized for a short stride and a jolting trot. However, they are also very hardy and able to cover long distances.<ref name="okstate"/>
The breed consists of two subtypes, the Adaev and the Dzhab or Jabe. The Dzhabe developed in the southern districts of Aktubinsk. They have a heavy head, thick, short neck, and deep chest. They have a straight back, strong legs and a well-muscled croup. They are usually bay, dark bay, chestnut or gray. The Adaevs are more refined with lighter heads, longer necks, and well-defined withers. Due to the primitive conditions in which they live, this strain is more susceptible to developing narrow chests and light bone structure.<ref name="okstate"/>
History
Horses in the region of Kazakhstan date to the 5th century B.C. Early influences on what today is the Kazakh horse include the Akhal-Teke, Arabian, Karabair, and Mongolian horse. Beginning in the 20th century, the breed had additional infusions of blood from the Russian Don, Orlov Trotter and the Thoroughbred.<ref name="okstate"/>
The Kazakh today resembles a more elegant version of the Mongolian horse. The breed is still bred by once-nomadic Kazakh tribesmen, although cross-breeding has somewhat diluted the traditional bloodlines.<ref>"The Sports of Presidents and the 'Sport of Kings'. Hellenic Resources Network. Referenced January 16, 2008.</ref>
Uses
Today, the Kazakh horses are seen mostly in western Kazakhstan, where there are over 300,000.<ref name="okstate"/> The main use of the Kazakh is for riding,<ref name="Bongianni">Template:Cite book</ref> although they are also bred for horsemeat.<ref name="okstate"/>
