Southern Horse Magazine Page 45 THE CASPIAN PONY
It was in 1965 that the Caspian was rediscovered in a remote region near the Caspian Sea from which it takes its modern name- in northern Iran. For over a thousand years the breed was thought to be extinct until two stallions and a mare were discovered by Louise Firouz, an American married to an Iranian citizen and between 1965 and 1974, a further 27 foundation Caspians were found.
The Caspian is probably the fore-runner of most breeds of hot-blooded horses, including the ancient Arabian and in his research into international horse breeds, Dr Gus Cothran, then of Kentucky university, concluded that the Caspian and Turkoman existed at least as early as 3,000 BC and are, almost certainly, ancestral to all forms of the oriental horse.
At first glance, the onlooker might well be forgiven for thinking that the Caspian is a pony, but there is no doubt that it is a small horse possessing all the qualities of its larger counterparts although only standing between 10 and 12.2 hands high. They have large intelligent eyes often almond shaped, with deep cheek bones and a head which tapers down to a small muzzle with large nostrils. The ears are small, alert and often with in-turned tips while their bodies are characteristically slim with long graceful necks and good sloping shoulders.
What strikes most people is their comparatively slender legs, belying their strong bone, and neat, oval feet with a small frog. Seldom does the breed need shoeing because of their hard feet. They are extremely hardy and can remain outdoors throughout the year being used to the vagaries of the weather in Iran. They have a highly intelligent temperament, are very kind and willing, making them an ideal equine for children of all ages. In summer they have a fine silky coat with a sheen and in winter develop a thick protective coat.
The History behind the Breed
The history of the breed is interesting and there is evidence to confirm Gus Cochran’s belief that it existed as early as 3,000 BC. A plaque in the British Museum from the second millennium BC Mesopotamia shows a small horse of Caspian type. Records in the ancient Palace at Persepolis show that Caspian type horses were given to King Darius the Great and excavations have recovered bones compatible with a Caspian horse.
Between 1965 and 1974 Louise Firouze found 27 Caspians and bred a further 32. Most of them were purchased from peasant farmers and rescued from overwork (hauling carts or being used as pack animals), disease and illness.
The first Caspian to leave Iran went to a close friend of Louise in America and a further two went to another friend in Ber- muda, but the rest of the early exports came to the UK and if it had not been for the determination and perseverance of a small number of people in this country to care for, breed and export further stock, it is unlikely that the breed would have survived.
H.R.H. Prince Phillip was instrumental in bringing the first Caspians to England. Together with H.R.H Princess Anne, he attended, in 1971, the Peacock Throne celebrations of the Shah of Iran. Prior to the start of the proceedings at Persepolis they spent two days in Teheran where the Princess was invited to participate in a ride across the plain of northern Iran, accompanied among others, by the daughter of Louise riding a Caspian horse. The Princess, who rode one of the Shah’s horses, was surprised at the ability of the Caspian to keep up with the rest of the riders. When Prince Philip took an inter- est, he was invited to see a number of them housed in the Royal Stables and he expressed some concern about their rarity and vulnerability, all being in one location.
It was this interest that resulted in him accepting a gift of a breeding pair which eventually, after meeting the then quaran- tine laws, reached England two years later.
Overcoming great difficulties, Louise managed to send further stock to England until the Revolution virtually ended their export and the last shipment of seven Caspians arrived in The UK in 1994.
uk.caspian.society@
virgin.net
Fortunately, a number of Caspian Studs were established here and after careful breeding, with the limited blood lines available, they were able to export stock to other countries. Caspians are now being bred in America, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Holland and Lithuania. Many of these countries have formed national Societies and register their stock in their own Stud Books. There is also an International Stud Book which records all pure bred stock from around the world and is an invaluable book of reference. Although still relatively few in number it is believed the breed is now safe and will increase in popularity.
www.southernhorsemagazine.co.uk Tel: 0161 427 5622
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