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The Russian Don horse is excellent both in
harness and under saddle. They were the famed mount of the Cossack Cavalry; it
was the Cossack's skill at breeding that made the Don such a rugged horse. This
bred originated in the area near the Don and Volga Rivers, in the southern
Soviet Union. They were originally a small horse, but during the 1800s, large
numbers of Persian Arabs and Karabakh breeds were bred into the Don's
bloodlines. The result was a larger, more refined horse that combined the
durability of the older type and the more pleasing conformation of the imported
stock. The Don usually roamed in herds, enduring hard winters with very little
food; only the heartiest survived.
The Russian Don has a refined head with a straight,
sometimes hooked nose with large nostrils and eyes. Their necks are lean and
often straight, giving the Don a rather short stride. They have deep, large,
muscular chests, long backs, and clean legs. They stand between 15.1 and 16 hh
and can be any solid color, although the most common are chestnut, bay, and
gray. They are popular for their even temperament and great endurance. In recent
years, the Don has gained a greater respect as a saddle horse.
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