Tersk

Origin
Former Soviet Union

History
In the early 20^th century, the Soviets encouraged the breeding of local horses suited to the environment and the local economy. They improved them by crosses and selective breeding, using performance tests as a means of evaluation. Breed standards were then adopted detailing body measurements.
The Tersk is a relatively new breed. It was created between 1921 and 1950, at the Tersk and Stavropol Studs in the Northern Caucasus. The breed was planned to replace the Strelets Arabian, which had virtually disappeared in the early 1920s. Only 2 stallions, Tsilindr and Tsenitel, both silver grey, and six mares survived. In 1925, these horses were sent to Tersk and were used as foundation stock for the new project. Since the survivors were thought to be too inbred, three pure Arabian stallions were introduced: Koheilan IV, Marosh and Nassim as well as a number of crossbred mares: Arabian/Don, Strelets/Kabardin, and a few crossbred Hungarian Gidrans.
Today, breeding is concentrated at the Stavropol stud. The Tersk horse is regarded as one of the most notable breeds produced by the Soviet horse-breeding initiative.

Description
There are 3 types within the Tersk breed: basic or regional, eastern and heavy
Head:
beautiful and light and resembles that of an Arabian
Conformation:
-neck, medium in length
-chest, deep and wide
-shoulders, long with good slope
-back, short with a compact trunk and well-sprung ribs
-croup, rounded and well muscled
-tail, carried high, like that of an Arabian. Mane and tail are usually thin and short, and the hair is very fine
-legs, clean and correctly set-hooves, nicely rounded
Average height:
12 to 12.2 h.h.
Colour:
the coat is usually grey with a peculiar silvery sheen. Bay and golden chestnut may occur.
Temperament:
intelligent, gentle and easy to train
Today:
Tersk horses are good competition prospects for the ridden disciplines of jumping, dressage and cross-country, but are also quite able to take their turn in the harvest field. They are known for their remarkable endurance qualities. They are also very popular in the great circuses that play an important part in Russian culture.