Horse Breeds Beginning With U

Ukrainian Saddle-Riding Horse/Russian Riding Horse

Country of Origin: Russia

Origins

The Russian Riding horse was created for under saddle use by Count Orlov at the end of the 18th century. Orlov was was also responsible for the Orlov Trotter (used for harness).

A number of different breeds were used to create the Russian Riding & Count Orlov strictly controlled breeding to utilize the best of each animal. Local climate was taken into consideration as animals must be able to withstand winter conditions.

This riding horse quickly grew in popularity and spread throughout Russia, by the middle of the 19th century almost half of the stallions used for breeding were of saddle type. By the end of the 19th century these bloodlines were being used to create military saddle horses.

The first World War almost destroyed the breed & in 1931 a small herd was collected (less than 10 animals) and moved to safety. During the second World War the entire stud was destroyed and the few survivors were at an agricultural show in Moscow.

Intense breeding programs were established in an attempt to revive the breed, unfortunately there was very little pure blood to go around. A few animals were located and Akhal-Teke blood was added in controlled amounts. It took 8 years, but the breed was revived, although in very small numbers. Today some of their original blood also flows through the veins of the Ukrainian Riding Horse.

Features

Average height 15.2 – 16 hands

Physique

Head is lovely with a straight or slightly concave profile
Eyes are large & expressive
Neck is long and arched
Back is long & muscular
Legs are strong, clean and well placed
Hooves are dark & strong

Traditional Colors

black | bay

Temperament

Good tempered
Easy to train & versatile

Use

Riding horse
Military
Show horse

More Information

Database of Russian Riding Breed

Video

Unmol Horse

Country of Origin: India

Intro

The Unmol is an incredibly rare breed that comes from the northwest Punjab in India. Their name translates to “priceless” which makes clear how important these animals were to the local people.

Origins

Legend has it that Unmol horses were brought to the Punjab by Alexander the Great which means they probably have Turkoman roots.

Although efforts have been made to preserve this breed, it is doubtful if there are any of pure blood remaining. Some claim to still have Unmol horses, however chances are they are not of pure blood & have Arabian genetics in their lineage as well.

There are 4 different families of this breed, all of which are referred to as Unmol horses, Harna, Hazziz, Morna and Sheehan.

Features

Average height 15.1 hands

Traditional Colors

Predominately grey | bay

Use

Riding horse

Upper Yenisei Horse

Country of Origin: Russia

Intro

The Upper Yenisei horse comes from Tuva which is a large country located in Siberia. The climate in Tuva varies considerably, but horse breeding is practiced in all of it’s districts & the breed is highly adaptable.

Origins

This breed is based on the Tuva horse which has been bred since ancient times in the area. The Upper Yenisei comes from crossing the Tuva with heavier Russian Trotter and draft breeds.

Uzunyayla Horse

Country of Origin: Turkey

Origins

The Uzunyayla Horse comes from Turkey and was developed in the mid 19th century. It is believed that their ancestors came from Caucasus which means they are probably related to the Kabarda & they were bred pure in Turkey until the start of the 20th century when Anadolu & Nonius blood was added.

Features

Average height 14.1 – 15.1 hands

Physique

Head is large with a concave profile
Eyes are small
Neck is medium in length
Legs are strong with good joints
Feet are well shaped & tough with coarse feathering

Traditional Colors

Generally bay

Use

Riding horse
Pack animal
Harness horse