Scientific name Equus ferus caballus Rank Breed | Higher classification Horse Country of origin Russia | |
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Other names Russian: Вятская лошадьRussian: vyatskaya loshadVyatskayaViatka Distinguishing features Female height: 140 cmFemale weight: 400 kg Similar | ||
The Vyatka or Viatka (Russian: Вятская лошадь, vyatskaya loshad) is an endangered breed of horse native to the former Vyatka region, now the Kirov Oblast of the Russian Federation. It is mainly found there and in the Udmurt Republic.
Contents
Characteristics
The average height at the withers of Vyatka mares is 140 centimetres (13.3 hands; 55 inches), and the average weight 400 kilograms (880 lb). The coat color is typically chestnut, bay or roan, or occasionally Black.
History
The Vyatka breed was influenced by the climate and terrain of the Kirov, Udmurtia and western Perm regions; Estonian horses and Kleppers brought to northern Russia by Novgorod colonists in the 14th century may have affected its conformation, as may later imports of Estonian horses for mining work in the Ural Mountains. The Vyatka horse became known for draft abilities including endurance, speed and frugality. By the middle of the 19th century it was considered the best horse for pulling troikas; some were exported from the Vyatka region, including to Poland.
In 1917 the breed was virtually extinct; some efforts at re-establishment were made after the Russian Revolution. Numbers in the Kirov and Udmurtia were estimated at 2000 in 1980. In 2003 the known population numbered 560. In 2007 the Vyatka horse was on the Endangered List of the FAO.
