The Don horse evolved around the 18th and 19th century using Mongolian Nagai horses of Northern Iran, Persian Arabs and Akhal Tekes.
In the 19th century Thoroughbreds, Orlous and Anglo-Arabs improved the breed from the Strelets stud.
Since the 20th century the breed has remained pure with no additional crosses being introduced.
The main use of the Russian Don breed in past times was as the mount of the Cossack cavalry.
Known for their endurance and stamina, these horses could cover long distances in short amounts of time, with reserves of energy left for battle.
These horses are tough and versatile being able to adapt to climate changes and famed for their endurance, working in harness and under saddle with strong tendons and tough hooves.
Their shoulders can be straight, limiting the length of their stride, but are often well-formed.
The back is long and straight, flowing into a croup that is long and sloping.
Conformation is not the breed’s best point, suffering from upright pasterns and straight short shoulders.
There is a tendency of calf knees (an inward curve) and sickle hocks (turned inwards).
Despite not being blessed with excellent conformation they excell at long distance races!
They have a clean head with a straight or dished profile, well set onto a well-formed neck, high withers, and a wide, deep chest.
The legs are long, well-muscled, and clean with broad joints.
Picture of horse - Russian horse
The height ranges from 15.3hh – 16.2hh (1.57 – 1.68m). Typical colours are chestnut, bay or brown often seen with a golden metallic sheen.
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