An Overview of the Rare Caspian Horse Breed

The Caspian Horse was once the favored breed of ancient Middle-Eastern rulers. Until 1965, it was thought to be long extinct. That was the year Louise Firouz rediscovered the breed in the mountainous regions south of the Caspian Sea. She rescued three of the horses from mistreatment and they were dubbed Caspians. In 1968, it was believed that there were only 50 of them along the entire southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Firouz purchased seven mares and six stallions to form the foundation stock for a Caspian breeding center in Iran. The Royal Horse Society of Iran took over her endeavors in 1974. Most of these horses were lost due to political upheavals. However, Ms. Firouz did not give up and today it is estimated that there are 900 Caspian horses worldwide. 400 of these are in the U.S.

The Caspian horse is described to look like an Arabian horse in pony size and more refined and elegant. The breed is considered a horse because of its perfect proportions and gaits, although it stands only 10-13 hands tall. A photograph of this horse without a person standing beside it for perspective gives the illusion of a much larger Thoroughbred or Arabian. Usually, it is colored chestnut, bay, or grey, although black and buckskin can also occur more rarely. Its coat is fine and silky and its hooves are dense and oval-shaped, hence not necessarily needing to be shod. Some Caspians carry a dorsel-stripe on their coat.

They are extremely intelligent creatures- curious, friendly, and entertaining. They love to be active. It has been noted that they prefer to graze with horses of the same breed rather than indiscriminately associate. They are deer-like in their movements and are great for the jumping and driving sports, as well as being excellent mounts for children.

The Caspian horse is featured in reliefs of the ancient Middle East. It is said the Darius the Great rode one. Alexander the Great also used them in his military campaigns. These little horses were often traded as gifts among the royalty. They were also depicted in royal seals and on coins.

This critically endangered horse is aimed for a comeback. Although export of the animals from Iran has been strictly restricted since the early 1990s, some American stables offer Caspians for sale to others who are interested in starting breeding centers of their own.