Caspian Horse

Looks how to spot one

Hair

The Caspian has a silky, flat coat that often shows an iridescent sheen in summer and grows thick in winter. The mane and tail are abundant, fine and silky, with the mane usually lying flat. The skin is thin, fine and supple, and dark except under white markings. The hooves are small, oval and neat, with very strong walls and soles, and should be kept in their natural shape without artificial trimming.34

Personality what they are like

The Caspian is highly intelligent, alert and curious, yet very kind and willing. It forms close bonds with humans, is docile and even-tempered, and loves company. It is a tough breed that adapts well to different environments.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Caspians need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They excel at jumping, eventing, driving and as children's mounts. Their natural floating action at all gaits and agility mean they enjoy varied work and play.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Caspians are a low-maintenance breed if given enough exercise. Their hooves are naturally hard and often do not need shoes unless on very hard surfaces; care should be taken to maintain the natural oval shape without over-trimming. They have a dense winter coat and a silky summer coat that benefits from regular grooming.43

Home where they are happiest

Caspians are hardy and adapt well to different environments. They need shelter from extreme weather, access to clean water, and safe fencing. As desert-adapted horses, they do not require rich pasture and can thrive on a lean diet.41

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Because they are about half the weight of full-size breeds, Caspians do not need large amounts of feed. They were bred to be hardy and subsist on a relatively lean diet, so owners should avoid overfeeding. Good quality hay or pasture, with appropriate mineral supplementation, is sufficient.4

Company who they like around

Caspians are social animals that form close bonds with humans and enjoy company. They are good with children and people, curious and alert. They can be kept with other horses and adapt well to family life. There are no known legal restrictions on keeping them, but their limited numbers mean potential owners may need to wait to find one.14

The story where it all began

The Caspian horse is an ancient breed from Persia (modern Iran), with roots dating back to at least 3000 BCE. It appears in Persian art and artifacts, including the seal of King Darius the Great and friezes at Persepolis. The breed was thought extinct for over a thousand years until it was rediscovered in the 1950s by American-born Louise Laylin Firouz and her husband Narcy Firouz in the Elburz Mountains near the Caspian Sea. They established a breeding centre, and between 1971 and 1976, 26 horses were exported to Europe. The first Caspians arrived in the United States in 1994. The breed is considered the ancestor of many light horse breeds and has unique genetic and anatomical features, including 65 chromosomes (domestic horses have 64).125

Recognised by the official bits

The Livestock Conservancy

Status: Critical1

Caspian Conservation Society

Breed standard published3