Caspian Horse

History and Genetics: Originating in Persia, today’s Iran, the Caspian horse predates the Arabian breed by 1,000 years. DNA affirms the Caspian to be ancestral to all the Oriental breeds. The breed includes a variety of colors, bay being the most dominate.

Caspians could be classified as a child’s mount that can carry 120 pounds. Averaging 11 to 12.5 hands, the breed is small, however has amazing shoulder action and agility. This highly intelligent breed is a powerful athlete in jumping, driving with amazing endurance, which has been passed on to the Arabian breed.

While the Caspians have a single breed standard, three distinct types have been identified: Desert, Hunter, and Steppe.

Current Global Population: 900 to 1,000

North American Population: 450

Global Breeding Activity: Approx. 500

EST Forecast: CRITICAL
With global breeding activity depressed, more effort is needed between breeders and registries.