Russian trotter breed of horses
The most numerous of the factory breeds of horses in Russia is the Russian trotter. The main direction is equestrian sport. The breed belongs to the easy-to-breed breeding varieties that are successfully used to improve the exterior and quality data of other horses.
Breed history
The breed was obtained by folk selection in the 20th century. in the territory of the former USSR. Officially documented in 1949. Oryol and American trotters were taken as parental individuals.
Breed description
The breed is actively used in hurdles and long-distance runs. A characteristic feature are dry, taut muscles. The special structure of the limbs makes it easy to overcome high obstacles, while developing high speed. Strong hock joints and hooves allow you to withstand the greatest loads during overcoming obstacles.
Characteristic
A precocious breed of horses - the Russian trotter reaches puberty by 1.5 years, but mares begin to happen at the age of 3 years. Peak playfulness is observed for 5-6 years. A mare gives birth to one, less often two foals. Bearing lasts 11 months.
Did you know? The horse has the largest eye diameter (5 cm) among all mammals known to man. In the horse's eye of the 3rd century, and focusing of vision occurs in a completely different way than in humans. The lower part of the retina is responsible for viewing objects at a distance, the upper provides visibility near.
As thoroughbred improves, trotters become more demanding of food and care. In the absence of adequate care, quality indicators are lost, and young growth grows weak and non-viable.
Appearance
The Russian trotter is distinguished by attractive external data characteristic of race breeds:
| Height at the withers | 145-170 cm |
| Torso length | 165 cm |
| Chest circumference | 185 cm |
| Metacarpus | 22 cm |
| Suit | Mostly bay, less common brown, black, red, very rarely gray. |
| Head | It is proportionally folded, with a wide frontal part and protruding ganaches. |
| Ears | 7-12 cm long, erect. |
| Eyes | Dark, round. |
| Neck | Medium length, muscular, smooth. |
| Mane | Medium length, composed of stiff dark hairs. |
| Withers | Beautiful, located slightly tilted. |
| Croup | Wide, slightly elongated. |
| Tail | Long, one shade with a mane. |
| Back | Elongated, smooth. |
| Chest | Rounded, wide, streamlined. |
| Legs | Slightly shorter than back, proportionate, with well developed hock joints; the front ones are slightly turned inward, the rear ones are angular. |
| Hooves | Solid, rounded. |
Temperament
The Russian trotter compares favorably with a complaisant disposition. The horse quickly gets used to the owner and becomes a faithful companion for many years. Due to the calm nature of Russian trotters, they are often used for medicinal purposes in all kinds of restorative techniques. The horse is bold and energetic, easy to learn.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared with the Oryol trotter, Russian is more stamina and high adaptive abilities. However, its content has its drawbacks, which are not many.
- Advantages of the breed of horses Russian trotter:
- universality in use;
- good exterior data;
- equilibrium;
- undemanding care;
- increased agility.
- Cons horse breed Russian trotter:
- concave structure of the forelimbs;
- weakly developed muscles of the legs.
Varieties
The breed of horses Russian trotter combines several subspecies:
- Guild horse - characterized by sinewy forelimbs, great weight. Used over long distances.
- Overseas miracle - heavy representatives are famous for high rates of endurance and speed.
- Anthony is an animal with strong sinewy limbs and a massive body.
- Awe is a small-sized horse with strong hooves.
Care Features
The main task of the owner to monitor the cleanliness of the stable and the horse itself. After each walk, his skin should be cleaned of impurities. If walks are made in rainy weather, it is necessary to wet the body of the horse or horse with a dry towel or washcloth made of wool.
Careful care allows you to notice injuries in time and prevent morbidity among the livestock. The skin of a thoroughbred trotter is cleaned 3 times a day with a soft sponge. The mane and tail are combed out with a plastic comb using special sprays to improve the structure of the hair. In the morning after sleep, wipe the nose and eyes with a soft sponge moistened with water.
Horseshoes must be attached to the hooves. To do this, it is better to find a qualified blacksmith. Reforging is carried out once every 6 weeks.
Did you know? Horses are highly intelligent creatures with a good memory. If a person treats them well, then even after 10 - 20 years of separation, they will remember him and will be glad to see him. Some individuals, languishing from boredom, can track how the owner untie the leash, then do it yourself with the help of teeth and go for a walk around the territory.
Hoof Cleaning:
- run your hand down the leg of the animal, squeeze its back near the tendon and bend at the joint;
- supporting the hoof, remove all dirt and pebbles with a special hook;
- assess the condition of the hoof and carefully place the animal’s foot on the floor;
- if there are cracks in the hoof, consult your veterinarian.
During the construction, they immediately make a bookmark under the drain, otherwise you will have to spend more effort on cleaning the premises. The floor is made of concrete, and rubber mats and straw bedding are laid on top, which reduces pressure on the hooves.
To clean the room, animals are taken out onto the street. All space in the stall is freed from feeders and drinkers. Using a pitchfork and a shovel, remove the litter, then sweep the floor and wash it with non-aggressive detergents. Drinking bowls are also washed and filled with fresh water and food. A new litter is laid on the floor.
Important! Most harmful bacteria enter the body of the animal at the time of damage to the hooves; therefore, the premises for keeping animals should always be dry and cleaned.
Even in the summer, with free-walking, dry feed and mineral supplements are added to the horse's diet. On average, one horse, in addition to juicy greens, requires 15 kg of hay. Freshly cut grass is given only if its moisture content does not exceed 20%. From cereals, oats and corn are introduced into the diet.
- whites are ordinary table salt;
- red - contain iodine (select with the lowest concentration);
- blue - contain cobalt and iodine;
- brown - include mineral supplements.
Important! Immediately after physical exertion (heavy lifting, competition, training), it is forbidden to give water. This can be done after an hour.
Trotter in modern times
Today, the Russian trotter is used in breeding to improve the exterior and quality indicators for other horses, hippotherapy, and is involved in horse racing. On the territory of the Russian Federation, 37 stud farms and private owners are engaged in breeding. Typical representatives look like a standard raving horse.
At the present stage, work is underway to increase the agility of the horse, involving the development of new dressing techniques and improvement of conditions at stud farms. The plans of the breeders are aimed at crossing the Russian trotter with the French.
