The History of Horses in Iran
Did You Know? The horses have 205 bones, they can sleep standing or lying down, they have one of the largest eyes in mammals, Due to the location of their eyes on both sides of the head, they have supernatural Peripheral vision. Horses can reach speeds of about 50 kilometers per hour. Foals can stand within two hours of birth and are able to run soon after. A Brief History of Horses in Iran Iran is widely regarded as a cradle of horse breeding and the origin of many horse breeds. It is home to a remarkable national asset: the native Iranian horse, known for its distinctive qualities. Historical monuments and the views of many paleontologists suggest that ancient Iran was among the world's finest breeding grounds, and that its horses influenced many other breeds. Horses were vital to Cyrus the Great. Sources credit him with an enormous stock of horses, reportedly more than 120,000 a year. Each horse had its own pedigree and identity, and most served in the army cavalry. At that time, the law required every Iranian to learn to ride. Leading Persian Horse Breeds Persian native horses vary in character from region to region. The native horse of the Iranian plateau is not large, but it is very strong. Throughout history, Persian horses have been used for demanding work and for crossing long distances and rough terrain. The best-known breeds include the Caspian, Qarabagh, Kurdish, Arabian, Sistani, Taleshi, Turkmen, Qashqai, and Bakhtiari. The sections below describe each in turn. 1. Caspian Horse Caspian horses stand between 100 and 120 cm tall, although better feeding outside Iran has often produced taller individuals. They are compact and elongated, with an arched forehead, large eyes, and small ears. The muzzle is small, with large nostrils. The breed has a slender body, a graceful neck, sloping shoulders, and a long, elegant tail. 2. Qarabagh Horse Because the region of Azerbaijan was historically part of the Persian sphere, the Qarabagh horse is often counted among Iranian breeds. Today it is the national animal of Azerbaijan and the official symbol of the Aghdam region of Qarabagh. In 2004, a Qarabagh horse named Kishmish, from Aghdam, set two speed records. Fewer than 1,000 Qarabagh horses remain, so the breed is considered endangered. It is not tall, usually standing between 145 and 150 cm. Its coat is typically chestnut or bay with a golden sheen. 3. Kurdish Horse The Kurdish horse is another breed with roots in ancient Iran. Known for exceptional endurance and beauty, it has achieved notable success in polo competitions. The breed is found mainly in Kermanshah, West Azerbaijan, and parts of Zanjan. 4. Arabian Horse The Arabian is sometimes counted among the Iranian breeds and is often called a purebred. It is easy to recognize by its distinctive head shape and high-carried tail. Arabians stand between 142 and 154 cm and weigh 350 to 450 kg. They are warm-blooded, intelligent, alert, and sensitive, qualities that have made the breed popular worldwide. 5. Sistani Horse The Sistani horse is native to Sistan and Baluchestan. Little attention has been paid to the breed, and it is now endangered. Evidence suggests that a small number survive along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Climate change and an increasingly unsuitable ecosystem make it difficult to raise this breed in Iran. 6. Taleshi Horse The Taleshi is an endurance horse whose competitions are held mostly on downhill routes. Many owners use the breed for work, although racehorses are kept in better condition. 7. Turkmen Horse The Turkmen is one of Iran's purebred horses and is found mostly in the Turkmen Sahra region. Its coat is mostly gray, and its body is slender and elongated. It has long limbs, a narrow tail, and a finely shaped head and neck. To prevent the breed's extinction, exporting it is prohibited. Today, the purest Turkmen horses are found in the Raz and Jirgalan regions of North Khorasan Province, which has the largest population of the breed. 8. Qashqai Horse The Qashqai horse, also known as the Darreh Shori, closely resembles the Arabian and is regarded as one of the world's most authentic breeds. It is bred by the Darreh Shuri tribe, one of the strongest Qashqai tribes, whose people are famous for owning and breeding horses. The horse has a clear-cut face, an excellent head and neck, and a strong body. Because it is bred in summer pastures, it has good endurance in competition and riding, and it is considered one of Iran's most beautiful horses. 9. Bakhtiari Horse The Bakhtiari horse has several varieties, including the Komeit, Siahrag, and Samand. Horse breeding has a long history in Dashtak, one of the historic Bakhtiari areas, and riding remains one of the most popular sports there. Conclusion Historically, Iranians were pioneers in horsemanship and horse breeding. According to Hertel, the ancient Iranians' favorite pastimes were riding and horse racing. They bred thoroughbreds, took part in races, and each year bought the finest racehorses for the royal stables.
