Curly Haired Horse: American Bashkir Curly Horse Breed

Introduction

The American Bashkir Curly horse breed presents intriguing genetic mysteries, enthralling histories, and captivating features that pull on the heartstrings of horse enthusiasts worldwide. This breed overturns many preconceived notions about typical equine characteristics with its distinct curly coat, hypoallergenic traits, and gentle temperament. In this article, we delve deeper into understanding the American Bashkir Curly, a robust and unique breed that has piqued the interests of horse lovers and equestrian experts alike.

What is the Curly Horse Breed?

The term Curly-coated horses or Curly Horse refers to the breed of horses with curly hair, unique to the Bashkir Curly. Although this breed, also known as the North American Curly Horse or simply the 'Curly,' bears similarities to several other breeds, the American Bashkir Curly stands distinct due to its genetic make-up and naturally occurring hypoallergenic curly coat.

The Origin of the American Bashkir Curly Breed

The origins of the Curly Horse Breed, specific to the American Bashkir Curly, trace back to wild horses. Some theories mention the Russian Bashkir breed, while others suggest links to the Appaloosa breed, yet its definitive beginnings remain a mystery.

Defining Features of American Bashkir Curly Horse

The American Bashkir Curly Horse embodies a myriad of defining features. Recognized primarily for its curly coat, which can range from light waves to tight curly ringlets. This breed's summer shed reveals smooth slick hair. A robust physique adds another identifying trait and the breed standard includes a stout body, straight back, and round barrel. Distinctive curly or wavy hair also adorns the horse's mane and tail. Its distinct curly coat is visible throughout all the seasons but it becomes more pronounced during the winter months. This dense curliness protects against harsh climates including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Differences Between American Bashkir Curly and Other Curly Horse Breeds

The American Bashkir Curly differs from other curly horse breeds due to its hypoallergenic traits and distinct curly coat. Unlike other horses with curly hair, this particular breed has been confirmed to be hypoallergenic. The American Bashkir Curly's hypoallergenic characteristic is attributed to a protein in their coat that prevents them from setting off allergic reactions in most people. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with horse allergies as they can interact with and frequently ride this breed without any adverse side effects. Because of their hypoallergenic traits and hardiness, together with their pleasant temperament, the American Bashkir Curly has become a popular breed in many parts of the world.

The Vibrant History of the American Curly Horse Breed

The history of the American Bashkir Curly horse breed is as vibrant as its distinctive coat. One theory that attempts to unravel the mystery of the American Bashkir Curly's lineage points to Moor horses from the Barbary Coast of North Africa, introduced to Europe by the Moors in the 8th century AD. These horses were acknowledged for their curly hair, predominantly in winter, which may have been transferred to other breeds.
Another theory claims the lineage of the American Bashkir Curly is connected to the Lokai breed, a Turkmenistan horse known for its robustness and versatility. A subgroup of this breed is the Bashkir Curly, which is bred in the mountainous regions of Bashkortostan and is known for its curly hair.

The American Bashkir Curly Breed's Exodus

The American Bashkir Curly breed has a tumultuous history tracing its roots back to feral horses and historic roundups. The American Bashkir Curly Horse Club and the International Curly Horse Organization emerged in the years following the establishment of the American Bashkir Curly Registry. These organizations aim to preserve the breed, promote its unique qualities, and maintain the breed's standards while contributing to further research and development.

The Unique Role of The Damele Family

The Damele family played an unprecedented role in the history and development of the American Bashkir Curly Horse. Notably, they crossbred Curlies with other kinds such as Appaloosa, Arabians, and more, contributing significantly to the breed standard recognized today.

Influence of the Appaloosa and Arabian Breed on Bashkir Curlies

Both the Appaloosa and Arabian breeds have left indelible imprints on the American Bashkir Curlies. Their influence is seen in the resultant hardiness of the Bashkir Curlies, and in some cases, the curly genes have even been passed down to Appaloosa foals. With advancements in molecular biology and genetics, DNA testing has unraveled some of the mysteries surrounding the breed's origins, confirming the significant influence of Arabian and Moorish bloodlines. However, the exact genesis still remains elusive.

Decoding the Hypoallergenic Curly Coat Phenomenon

The hypoallergenic curly-coated horse's experience is a fascinating phenomenon that continues to intrigue researchers and horse enthusiasts alike. Not all curly breed horses are hypoallergenic, yet it has been noted that this trait is unique to the American Bashkir Curly.

Scientific Explanation for the Curly Coat

Scientific research into the curliness of the American Curly's hair has pointed to a rare genetic mutation. However, the exact genes responsible for the production of the hypoallergenic curly coat are still yet to be definitively determined.

Benefits of Hypoallergenic Horses

The hypoallergenic trait of the American Bashkir Curly Breed presents significant advantages. Notably, it allows those typically allergic to horses to interact, ride, and even own these equine creatures without experiencing allergy symptoms, making the American Bashkir Curly's hypoallergenic coat a true phenomenon.

Impact on Mane and Tail

The curly hair does not rule out the horse's mane and tail hair. The winter coat of the American Bashkir can be densely curled, extending to the horse's mane and tail, which sports ringlets or waves. This distinctive feature fades during summer as horses with curly hair shed their coat for smoother slicker hair.

The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry

The role of a registry is paramount in maintaining the breed's purity and tracking pedigree. For the American Bashkir Curly horse, the registry is instrumental in asserting its position as a distinct breed and preserving the attributes unique to the Bashkir Curly.

The Role of the American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry

The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry, as the governing body, holds a considerable role in maintaining and preserving the breed's standard. The registry's primary purposes include tracking the breed of horse's lineage, providing information to breeders, and ultimately ensuring the survival and promotion of the American Bashkir Curly.

American Bashkir Curly Horse: The Official Breed

Given its distinct characteristics, the American Bashkir Curly is recognized as an official breed. The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry, along with the Curly Sporthorse International and International Curly Horse Organization actively works to keep the breed's lineage pure and promote the unique traits of the American Curly horse to a broader audience.

Curly Sporthorse International and International Curly Horse Organization

Alongside the American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry, organizations like The Curly Sporthorse International and International Curly Horse Organization celebrate and work to preserve the Curly breed. They focus much of their work on endorsing the breed's sporting potential because of the horse’s incredible endurance and agility.

Exploring the Temperament of Bashkir Curly Horses

The American Bashkir Curly breed is credited with an exceptional temperament. Known to be gentle, easily trainable, and calm, it exhibits traits that make it a wonderful sports horse and family pet.

Behavioural Traits of Curly Horses

The American Bashkir Curly exhibits an exceptional temperament that sets it apart from other breeds. Calm, intelligent, and easy to train, these horses typically demonstrate a willing attitude and an affinity for human contact. Their gentle and pleasant nature makes them perfect for both riding and therapeutic purposes. They are versatile and are used in a variety of equestrian disciplines, such as western riding, dressage, endurance riding, and more.

Influence of the Breed on the Temperament

Much of the Bashkir Curly's temperament can be attributed to their breed but individual upbringing and training also play a significant role. As this breed tends to be more intelligent than others, they are quick to catch on to training and tend to have fewer behavioral problems. The influence of the breed on the temperament of the American Bashkir Curly is undeniable. Their good nature, patience, and resistance to common horse diseases make them a fantastic choice for a variety of equestrians - from first-time riders to experienced sport horse competitors.

Curly Horses as Sport Horses

Thanks to their good-natured temperament and strong physical build, Curly Horses, like the American Bashkir Curly, are excellent as sport horses. Their sturdy build contributes to their versatility, equipping them for various equestrian sports. They excel in endurance rides, competitive trail riding, hunter-jumper competitions, dressage, and many other horse sports. They also have a tolerant and willing demeanor that helps them excel under saddle and cooperate with their riders in various situations and disciplines.

FAQs

Are Bashkir Curly horses rare?

Yes, Bashkir Curly horses are considered rare. They are a unique breed recognized for their curly hair, a trait resulting from a gene mutation that occurs in less than 1% of all horses. Globally, their population is relatively small and these horses are valued for their hypoallergenic coats, gentle temperament, and robust health.

What is Bashkir Curly Horse used for?

The Bashkir Curly Horse is a unique breed known for its curly hair and exceptional hardiness. This horse is multi-talented and used in a variety of ways, including trail riding, showing, ranch work, and even therapeutic riding due to its gentle and calm demeanor. Additionally, its hypoallergenic coat makes it suitable for people who are typically allergic to horses, opening up the joys of horse riding and care to more individuals.

What are the colors of American Bashkir Curly?

The American Bashkir Curly horse's colors can vary significantly. They come in all the colors typical of the equine world, which means you can find them in the most common color of the bay, and also black, brown, white, chestnut, palomino, dun, grey, roan, pinto, and buckskin. However, it is their unique curly coat that sets them apart, and not the color of their coat. Essentially, an American Bashkir Curly could be of any color that horses might come in.

What characteristic is unique to the American Bashkir Curly?

The American Bashkir Curly, a horse breed, is uniquely recognized by its distinct curly coat. This characteristic varies from wavy to tight curls and can even occasionally appear as crushed velvet in texture across different individuals. Notably, their coat sheds out in the warmer months, which makes them hypoallergenic - a rare quality among horses. Therefore, they are an ideal breed for people typically allergic to horses. Moreover, in addition to their unusual coat, they are noted for their gentle and intelligent disposition.

What is the price of American Bashkir Curly?

The cost of an American Bashkir Curly horse can vary greatly based on various factors, including their age, health, training level, and pedigree. On average, the price tends to range from $3000 to $5000. Some, particularly those who are champion bred or come from a well-regarded lineage, can even price upwards of $10000. However, costs may decrease with horses that are older or require significant training or medical attention.