Ukrainian Riding Horse
Ukrainian Riding Horse is a relatively young breed of attractive and multi-talented horses with well-established characteristics. These horses are now developed by using a highly selective breeding program in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Riding Horse Pictures
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- Ukrainian Riding Horse Foal
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- Ukrainian Riding Horse Images
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- Ukrainian Riding Horse Mare
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- Ukrainian Riding Horse Stallion
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- Ukrainian Riding Horse
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- Ukrainian Riding Horse Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Ukrainian Saddle Horse |
| Temperament/Personality | Calm, friendly, intelligent, trainable |
| Physical Characteristics | Solidly built with well-proportioned head, long and muscular neck, long poll, expressive eyes, prominent withers, deep chest, long and hollow back, sloping shoulders providing great freedom of movement; broad and deep loin, heavy body, well-set limbs, long and sloping croup |
| Colors | Chestnut, bay, and brown are widespread; black and white are less common |
| Height (size) | Stallions: Height of 165 cm (16.2 hands), body length of 166 cm, chest girth of 191 cm, cannon bone girth of 21 cm Mares: Height of 160 cm (15.7 hands), body length of 160 cm, chest girth of 188 cm, cannon bone girth of 19.8 cm |
| Weight | About 1,000 lbs (453.6 kg) |
| Blood Type | Warm-blooded |
| Common Uses | Initially used for harnessing, now used as sport horses that participate in equestrian activities; racing, competitive riding, dressage, jumping, and eventing |
| Health | No known health issues specific to the breed |
| Popular Traits | Good equine conformation, smartness, versatility |
| Feeding/Diet | Grass, hay, oat, corn, barley, alfalfa; plenty of water |
| Country of Origin | Ukraine |
| Ancestors | Trakehner, Hanoverian, Thoroughbred, Hungarian horses (Gidran, Furioso-Northstar, Nonius) |
Ukrainian Saddle/Riding Horse Video
History and Development
The Ukrainian Riding Horse was produced at the studs in Ukraine after the Second World War to meet the constantly growing need for sport horses. Although the breeding program was first started in Dnepropetrovsk region, it has been continuing over the years at some of the other studs including Aleksandriisk, Yagonitsk, and Derkulsk. These large saddle horses were developed by crossing Furioso, Nonius, and Gidran mares from Hungary with Hanoverian, Trakehner, and English Thoroughbred stallions.
The offspring were interbred, and the Ukrainian Riding-type horses were established. Those that were too heavy were improved with the addition of Thoroughbred blood while those too light in type were refined by crossing with the Hanoverians. The breeding stock of the now-extinct Russian Saddle Horses was used by some breeders. Since these horses are well suited to classic equine competitions and events, they are trained in regulated environments just before the age of two. Only those that do well in performance testing are kept at the stud.
Interesting Facts
The Ukrainian Riding Horses were used by Soviet equestrians in competitions including the Olympics, European Games, and World Championships.
