The Caspian Pony

The Caspian is a miniature horse although it is referred to as a pony breed; it can be almost directly related back to the postulated Horse Type 4, and is widely believed to be, along with the Asian Wild Horse, the oldest breed of horse/pony in the world today. It may be related to the miniature horse of Mesopotamia, and to have existed there from c.3000 BC until the seventh century AD, when they dissapeared from records.

There are studies currently being carried out to determine whether the Caspian is the ancestor of all modern hot-blooded breeds, including the Arabian. Studies on the skeleton of an adult Caspian in 1969 demonstrated how the Caspian has several skeletal anomalies from other breeds of horse. These were primarily seen in the structure of the skull, the lengtht of the lower leg bones in relation to the overall size, the structure of the withers and the foot.

The Caspian was rediscovered in Iran in 1965 by an American woman named Louise Firouz. Louise Firouz encountered a herd of approximately 30 horses sequestered in a remote area along the Caspian coast of northern Iran. On her first expedition three horses were rescued. Between 1965 and 1968, Louise Firouz determined that there were approximately 50 small horses with definite Caspian characteristics along the entire southern coast of the Caspian Sea. She collected another seven mares and six stallions to form the Foundation Stock and began the an organized breeding program. After extensive blood, bone, and DNA tests, genetic specialists concluded that Louise Firouz's discovery was indeed the same horse species depicted in ancient Persian artwork.

Luckily, the breed has been re-established, first at the Norouzabad Stud in Iran, and then in 1976, when the Caspian Stud was founded in England. In 1971, on a visit to Iran, H.R.H. Prince Philip became intrigued with Caspian Horses after Louise Firouz told him the story of their discovery and her attempt to re-establish the breed. During the course of the conversation, it occurred to Prince Philip that all Louise Firouz's work would be at risk if any disease or other misfortune were to hit her small stud. He offered to look after any Caspian's she might care to send to England. To establish the breed outside of Iran, Louise Firouz presented a pair of Caspian's to H.R.H. Prince Philip, the foundation mare, "Khorshid Kola*", and the stallion, "Rostam".

The horses have greatly benifited from careful breeding and management. The Caspian is a quite remarkable creature and has a truly wonderful temperament, so much so, that the stallions are frequently handled by children; several can even be turned out together. They make excellent childrens riding ponies and have beautiful movement, making them desirable show ponies. Adaptable driving ponies they adjust to harness quickly. their particular slope of the shoulder and the lenght of leg contributes towards their exeptionally long free-flowing stride, that is rare in an animal of this size. In appearance, they have the proportions and conformation of a miniature horse of great quality. They have an attractive head with a Arab look, very small ears, a muscular neck, a narrow back and strong quarters. Their legs are strong, and the hooves incredibly m hard - they rarely require shoes. They stand between 10hh and 13hh and principal colors are bay, gray, and chestnut, with occasional blacks and creams. White markings may occur on the face and lower legs.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has classified the Caspian Horse status as "critical". The Rare Breeds Survival Trust of the United Kingdom has listed the Caspian Horse on its Endangered Species List. There are approximately 500 Caspian Horses in the world, with approximately 200 in the United States. American breeders have imported stock from England, Australia, New Zealand, and Belgium, representing most bloodlines available outside of Iran. The United States embargo of Iran makes it impossible for Americans to import horses directly from that country. The enthusiasm of American breeders has been remarkable, with nearly every filly or mare available for sale worldwide finding a new home in the United States.

Special thanks to Julie of Khamian Farms for providing information and pictures. More information and beautiful pictures of these lovely animals can be seen at their website, please visit them at:
Khamian Farms



Written by Salina Covich. - 2004 (c)

Back to Rare Breeds Home Page
Back to Articles Home Page