A size comparison between a horse from the Karabakh equestrian complex and two men suggests a horse's height of about 1.50 m. - CC BY 4.0 - President.az
Karabakh horses and dancers at Djıdir duzu, a historic horse racing venue. - CC BY 4.0 - President.az
Name: Karabakh Horse Stud Book (Azerbaïdjan)
Website: http://www.karabagh.info/informationen/Zucht/The%20Garabagh%20horses%20-%20Final.pdf
Founded: 2004
The Karabakh horse is an indigenous breed of Azerbaijan, originating mainly from the mountainous region of Karabakh in the southern Caucasus.
Considered one of the oldest Oriental horse breeds, it descends from Persian and Turkmen horses crossed with local strains.
Bred for centuries by Azerbaijani tribes and nobility, the Karabakh has become a national symbol, renowned for its golden metallic coat, speed, and endurance.
The Karabakh horse is the emblematic breed of Azerbaijan, inscribed in the country’s intangible cultural heritage. Its preservation is not only a zootechnical matter but also an identity issue. As a national symbol, it embodies the history, tradition, and prestige of the Caucasian peoples.
Selected for centuries in the rugged Karabakh highlands, this horse has developed remarkable resistance, endurance, and frugal feeding habits. These traits make it a valuable genetic model for strengthening hardiness and longevity in other riding or endurance breeds.
The Karabakh is renowned for its speed over short and medium distances, as well as for its proud carriage and unique golden coat. These qualities make it interesting in crossbreeding programs, especially to enhance speed, elegance, and the noble silhouette in other Oriental or sport horses.
After nearly becoming extinct, the Karabakh has benefited from conservation programs since the 2000s. Its preservation helps maintain equine genetic diversity, which is crucial against the homogenization of modern breeds. Protecting the Karabakh means safeguarding an ancient genetic heritage that could be used in future sustainable breeding strategies.
The Karabakh is one of the oldest horse breeds of the Caucasus. It is believed to descend from Persian, Turkmen, and local horses, crossed since Antiquity. Its cradle, the Karabakh region in Azerbaijan, was already famous for its studs supplying horses to armies and caravans of neighboring kingdoms.
Under the rule of the Khans of Karabakh, especially in the 17th century, the breed gained great renown. It became the war and prestige horse of the nobility, admired for its speed, golden coat, and proud demeanor. Persian and Russian chronicles of the era cite the Karabakh as one of the finest Oriental saddle horses.
Wars, invasions, and the collapse of traditional breeding led to a drastic fall in numbers. In the 19th century, the introduction of foreign horses and uncontrolled crossbreeding weakened its purity. By the 20th century, the Karabakh was on the brink of extinction, with only a few dozen individuals left.
Recognizing its heritage value, the Azerbaijani State launched a genetic preservation program in the early 2000s. In 2004, the official stud book was created to guarantee selection and protection. National studs, particularly in Agdam and Dashyuz, dedicated themselves to reconstituting the breed.
Today, the Karabakh is acknowledged as a national symbol of Azerbaijan. Its revival is linked to cultural and sporting events, and it holds a central place in the country’s identity. Its rarity also makes it a precious breed, protected and increasingly recognized worldwide.
The Karabakh is an alert and dynamic horse, endowed with great responsiveness. Its liveliness stems from its past as a war and saddle horse, but it remains manageable with proper training.
Despite its fiery temperament, the Karabakh is known for its docility and loyalty to humans. It is cooperative, especially when worked regularly and respectfully. It is a horse that learns quickly and enjoys collaboration.
Coming from a tradition of herd breeding, the Karabakh maintains a strong gregarious instinct. It lives harmoniously in groups with a clear hierarchy and easily develops trusting bonds with its rider.
“The Karabakh combines Oriental ardor with loyalty to its rider – a companion both proud, spirited, and deeply attached to humans.”
The breed originates from the mountainous region of Karabakh, in southwestern Azerbaijan. These highlands and fertile valleys, with their marked continental climate, shaped a horse that is enduring and adapted to difficult terrains.
Today, the main breeding centers are found in:
Since the breed nearly disappeared in the 20th century, breeding has been strictly supervised by the national stud book. Specialized studs aim to preserve the purity of the Karabakh lineage and increase its population.
Although a national symbol, the Karabakh is rarely exported. A few individuals are found in research or exhibition studs abroad (Russia, Turkey, Eastern Europe), but the majority remain in Azerbaijan to safeguard the authenticity of the breed.
After nearly vanishing in the 20th century, the Karabakh now benefits from a national conservation program supported by the Azerbaijani State. Priorities include increasing population numbers, combating inbreeding, and protecting its unique genetic heritage.
The Karabakh is promoted as a cultural ambassador of Azerbaijan. Equestrian festivals, demonstrations, and shows help publicize the breed and reinforce its image as a national symbol. Its role goes beyond breeding: it becomes a driver of cultural tourism and international prestige.
Thanks to its endurance, vivacity, and docility, the Karabakh can increasingly participate in modern disciplines such as:
Although mainly bred in Azerbaijan, the Karabakh attracts growing interest abroad, notably in Russia, Turkey, and Europe. Official recognition of its stud book by international organizations could further strengthen its diffusion and global reputation.
The future of the Karabakh lies in a balance: preserving its historic authenticity while offering new uses. It is set to become both a heritage and sport horse, combining ancient legacy with modern equestrian practices.
The Karabakh is a breed famous for its strength and longevity. Shaped by a demanding mountain environment, it has retained high resistance to common diseases and excellent adaptation to climate variations.
Unlike some intensively selected sport breeds, the Karabakh is not associated with any specific hereditary defects or notable genetic diseases. Since 2004, strict stud book management ensures purity and limits inbreeding risks.
Accustomed to extensive pastures and a rustic lifestyle, the Karabakh may show sensitivity to obesity or digestive issues (colic) if overfed in intensive stabling. Careful diet management is recommended outside its natural environment.
