Furry Diary

Bashkir Curly

Equus ferus caballus

Also called American Curly Horse, North American Curly Horse

breedShort profile

From United States and Canada, with roots in Nevada, USA, from the late 19th century.12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium
Hypoallergenic coat
Calm and gentle temperament
Hardy and easy keeper
Intelligent and trainable
Strong hooves and endurance
345

Looks how to spot one

Curly coat

The most distinctive feature is the curly coat, which is thick and fleece-like in winter and sheds to a wavy or nearly straight coat in summer. The mane and forelock remain curly all year, and the hair inside the ears is also curly. The coat is often hypoallergenic for people allergic to other horses.36

Coloursall colourschestnutbayblackgreypintoappaloosabuckskinroangrullacremello23

Personality what they are like

Bashkir Curlies are known for their calm, friendly and intelligent nature. They tend to reason rather than panic, making them reliable and easy to handle, even for beginners. They enjoy being around people and are willing partners in many activities.235

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are versatile and enjoy regular work, including trail riding, endurance, reining, jumping, dressage and driving. They thrive on challenges and learn quickly, so they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.64

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The curly coat is easy to care for. Many owners avoid combing the mane to preserve the curls, and may trim it to prevent matting. The tail can be combed. They shed their winter coat in spring, and some owners collect the shed hair for spinning. They generally have hard feet and may not need shoes.25

Home where they are happiest

They are hardy and do well living outdoors in most climates, thanks to their thick winter coat. They need shelter from extreme weather, but are generally easy keepers. They are not known to be restricted or illegal to keep, but always check local regulations.54

Food basics what goes in the bowl

They are easy keepers and generally need little grain if they have good pasture or hay. Their diet should be based on forage, with supplements only as needed. Avoid overfeeding as they can become overweight.5

Company who they like around

They are social animals and enjoy being around people and other horses. They are known for their friendly, people-oriented nature and do well in family settings. They are not typically flighty and can be trusted with children.24

The story where it all began

The modern American Bashkir Curly traces back to 1898, when Peter Damele and his father saw three curly-coated horses in the mountains of central Nevada. The Damele family began capturing and breeding these horses for ranch work, and in 1971 the American Bashkir Curly Registry was founded. The name 'Bashkir' came from a mistaken link to a Russian curly horse, but genetic studies show no connection. The breed is known for its curly coat, which is hypoallergenic for many people, and its calm, intelligent temperament.162

Recognised by the official bits

American Bashkir Curly Registry (ABCR)
Founded in 1971 to preserve and register the breed.5

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bashkir Curly. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bashkir Curly, and what should it eat?

Your Bashkir Curly is an easy keeper and thrives on a forage-based diet of good pasture or hay. Offer fresh food and water daily, and only add grain if needed to avoid overweight. Furry Diary's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water every day, and always follow the feed label and your vet's advice for amounts.5 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Bashkir Curly?

Based on general pet safety, avoid foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol. For horse-specific toxic plants, it varies by region, so please ask your vet or a good breeder for a local list.7

How much space and land does a Bashkir Curly need?

Space needs vary depending on your horse's activity and turnout routine. A good rule is to provide enough pasture or paddock for daily exercise and grazing. For exact acreage, consult a good breeder or your vet.

What kind of shelter does a Bashkir Curly need?

Your Bashkir Curly is hardy and does well outdoors, but needs shelter from extreme weather like wind, rain, or intense sun. A run-in shed or stable with good ventilation works perfectly.54

How do I look after a Bashkir Curly's hooves or feet?

These horses often have hard feet and may not need shoes, but daily hoof picking is important to keep them clean and healthy. Furry Diary's plan includes a hoof pick every day and a farrier visit every 42 days to trim or check as needed.25 Furry Diary plan

Does a Bashkir Curly need grooming or shearing?

Their curly coat is easy to care for; avoid combing the mane to preserve the curls, and trim it if it mats. The tail can be combed, and they shed their winter coat in spring. Shearing is not typically needed, but you can collect the shed hair for spinning.25

Can a Bashkir Curly live alone?

Bashkir Curlies are social animals who enjoy being around people and other horses. They can live alone if given plenty of human attention, but they are happiest with a companion. For the best wellbeing, consider a buddy or frequent interaction.24

How long does a Bashkir Curly live?

Lifespan varies among individuals, so it's best to ask a good breeder or your vet for an estimate based on the horse's lineage and care. With proper nutrition and vet care, they can enjoy many active years.

Is a Bashkir Curly good with children?

Yes, they are known for their calm, friendly, and intelligent nature, and they can be trusted with children. They enjoy being around people and are reliable partners, making them a wonderful family horse.24

What regular vet care does a Bashkir Curly need?

Your Bashkir Curly needs annual dental checkups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Furry Diary's plan includes teeth care every 365 days and parasite control based on your vet's advice, plus regular farrier visits for hoof health. Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. breeds.okstate.edu: bashkir curly horses breeds.okstate.eduused for origin, history
  2. en.wikipedia.org: American Bashkir Curly en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, height cm, colours, temperament, grooming or care, social needs, history, fun fact
  3. ichocurlyhorses.com: northamericancurlyhorse breed standard ichocurlyhorses.comused for coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, fun fact
  4. fei.org: breed profile american bashkir curly horse fei.orgused for best traits, activity needs, habitat needs, social needs
  5. abcregistry.org: ABCR Brochure ENG FINAL abcregistry.orgused for weight kg, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics
  6. horseillustrated.com: meet the bashkir curly horse horseillustrated.comused for coat or body, activity needs, history, fun fact
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. horseillustrated.com: breed portrait the curly horse horseillustrated.comused for height cm
  9. abcregistry.org: curly horse info abcregistry.org
  10. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.