Caspian Pony
The Caspian is an ancient breed previously believed to have been extinct for
over one thousand years. This breed is probably the most direct ancestor of the
Oriental breeds and subsequently of all light horse breeds.
The Caspian is extremely rare and barely pulled back from the edge of extinction
in 1965. It is now being studied by leading archaeozoologists to prove the link
between the modern Caspian and the tiny prehistoric horse of Persia.
Louise Firouz, an American living in Iran, is credited with recognition of this
ancient breed.
The Caspian head is short and fine with large eyes, a small muzzle, and large
nostrils placed low. There is a pronounced development of the forehead, the ears
are very short; the neck is slim and graceful, well attached to sloping
shoulders; withers are pronounced; the back straight; and the tail set high on a
rather level croup. The legs are slim with dense, strong bone and no feathering
at the fetlock. The hooves are extremely strong and oval-shaped, more like those
of the ass than the horse. The overall impression of the Caspian is that of a
vary small, well-proportioned horse. Subsequent studies confirmed the visual
picture osteologically; the Caspian is a miniature horse, not a pony. The color
ranges from bay, gray, or chestnut and occasionally black.
A survey conducted from July of 1965 through August 1968 to determine the range
and approximate number of remaining Caspians. The survey indicated that there
were approximately fifty small horses with definite Caspian characteristics
along the entire littoral of the Caspian Sea. Due to the fact that the
individuals were widely scattered, it was virtually impossible for any of them
to be considered completely pure.
During the period from 1965 to 1970 seven mares and six stallions were used for
breeding at Norouzabad Stud. During that time it was observed that the growth of
the Caspian is distinctive in that most of the height is attained within the
first six months of life and subsequent growth is minimal, mostly being in width
and secondary sexual characteristics. Sexual maturity is reached in both colts
and fillies at about eighteen months.
The mares have a strong tendency not to ovulate until about a year after
foaling, making a continuous breeding program difficult. Due to the improved
conditions and feed, the mature height of offspring born at Norouzabad is
smaller than the average height of sire and dam, possibly indicating that the
original size of the Caspian is closer to 9 hands. This also indicates that the
present stock is not completely pure and that breeding to type will further
emphasize the true conformation of the Caspian and lead to a return of the
natural size.
The Caspian is no longer in danger of extinction, although the breed is still
extremely rare. Several studs now exist in Britain and a few individuals have
been exported to Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
The Caspian is very versatile and is becoming known in the show ring with its
exceptional jumping ability. The driving poweress that endeared it to Darius the
Great still makes this horse a favorite in harness.