Uzunyayla Horse
The Uzunyayla Horse is a hardy breed of Turkish horses that were developed in the mid-19th century. This is an extremely rare breed, and is one of the three main native groups of Turkey (with the other two being the Malakan and the Anatolian Native).
The Uzunyayla horses are primarily used for general riding purposes. They slow walkers, but they can travel long distances at ease, a trait for which they are widely known. Though this breed has a good gallop, they cannot do the typical ‘rahvan’ walk (a Turkish word describing quick, lateral walking gait) like some other equine breeds from Turkey can.
Uzunyayla Horse Pictures
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- Uzunyayla Horse Pictures
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- Uzunyayla Horse
Quick Information
| Behavioral Characteristics | Willing, gentle |
| Physical Traits | Their head is big with a concave profile, the eyes are small while the length of the neck is medium with well pronounced withers; their pasterns are strong and sloped; very sturdy legs having good joints, while the feet are of tough horn and are strong with coarse feathering, and having a good shape |
| Coat Colors | Bay (most common), gray, other dark colors |
| Height/Size | 14.1 – 15.1 hands (adult) |
| Weight | Average |
| Common Uses | Mostly for general riding |
| Health Problems | Generally healthy |
| Type | Riding horse, Harness horse, Pack horse, Light draft horse |
| Gait | Good gallop |
| Blood Type | Cold |
| Ancestors (Bloodlines) | Caucasus horse; modern-day specimens mixed with Nonius horse and Anadolu pony |
| Popular Traits | Sturdy, easily trainable, durable |
| Feeding/Diet | General horse diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
| Time of Origin | 1854 |
| Breed Information | Pedigree |
History and Development
The Uzunyayla horses are considered to be related to the Kabarda breed of horses, a speculation which in turn has been inferred from the belief that their ancestors came from the northern part of Caucasus.
It was in 1854 that the Uzunyayla horse was developed in Turkey. Until 1930, these horses were purely bred in the country, after which the blood of the Nonius and Anadolu breeds were mixed them.
At present, no association or stud book have been formed, although the breeders of the Uzunyayla expect that, in near future, one will come into existence.
Interesting Facts
- Presently, the total population of this breed is only around 2,000.
- The breed got its name from the plateau situated in the Kayseri province in Turkey.
