Horse
Pronunciation:
Rush'-yen Dawn
Breed Description:
The Russian Don breed of horse is a Russian riding horse breed originally developed for cavalry use. It has exceptional hardiness and endurance, although it is known for a somewhat rugged appearance and rough paces. It has a very intelligent and trainable nature, and by being co-operative and easy to keep has maintained its popularity against more elegant riding horse breeds. It comes in all solid colors, with bay and a particular type of golden chestnut most common.
Temperament:
The Russian Don breed of horse has an extraordinarily co-operative temperament, and adapts from free-range living to training and work easily.
Height:
The Russian Don breed of horse stands 15.2 to 16.2 hands.
Weight:
The Russian Don breed of horse weighs around 1100 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Russian Don breed of horse is not known for good conformation, but is very hardy and has no significant health problems.
Living Conditions:
The Russian Don breed of horse is very resilient and can be kept outdoors in all but the harshest of climates.
Exercise:
The Russian Don breed of horse enjoys training and work, but can be left pastured for periods with no ill effects.
Life Expectancy:
The Russian Don breed of horse lives into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Russian Don breed of horse requires very little maintenance.
Origin:
The Russian Don breed of horse descends from the semi–wild horses of the Russian steppe, possibly crossed with the Tarpan, and raised by the Cossack soldiers as a war horse. The Don has had little selective breeding, and is more a product of evolution, developing its hardiness and stamina from free-range management on the vast and harsh Russian steppes. Its tough environment has made the Don a horse of exceptional endurance and thriftiness.
The Russian Don came to prominence during the War of 1812, when its ability to survive the winter of the Russian plains when the French soldiers' horses could not brought it fame across Europe. Toward the end of the 19th century Dons were in great demand, and more constructive breeding began to provide horses to the Russian cavalry. Many Dons were exported to Eastern Europe during this period. In the early 20th century, many Russian Dons were lost or dispersed after the First World War and the Civil War. Surviving Dons were carefully collected at several military studs after 1921, and the breed was quickly restored.
Over more recent years, the Don breed was upgraded by the addition of Orlov Trotters, and a few Thoroughbreds. Today's Dons are used mainly for pleasure riding or driving, but some are still used as working horses. 