Horse, Karabair
Also known as Karabair-skaya (Russian), the Karabair is one of the most ancient horse breeds of Central Asia. In appearance the Karabair resembles the Arabian, Persian, and Turkmenian as well as the steppe horse breeds. The breed is improved through pure breeding. Karabair horses show good endurance and versatile working qualities. This breed was developed in Uzbekistan and northern Tajikistan (former Soviet republics of Central Asia) under the influence of southern and steppe breeds. It is well adapted to both saddle and harness, and has the typical build of a saddle and harness horse. The coat color is bay, chestnut, gray, or black.
The Karabair horse is distinguished by sound health and average longevity. It is a good horse for long rides. The breed consists of three intra-breed types—basic, heavy, and saddle—as well as eight sire lines and five mare families. The Karabair are currently bred in all zones of Uzbekistan; the main studs are in the Jizak region of Uzbekistan. The Karabair performs very well in sports, mainly in the equestrian game of kokpar (similar to the related Afghan sport known as buzkashi), in which riders fight over a goat carcass.
Further Reading
Dmitriev, N. G., and L. K. Ernst. (1989) Animal Genetic Resources of the USSR. Animal Production and Health Paper. Rome: FAO.
Porter, V., and I. L. Mason. (2001) A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types, and Varieties. 5th ed. Oxford: C. A. B. International.
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