The Caspian Pony
By Kristull Caspian Ranch

The Caspian Pony is a most remarkable creature. Long thought extinct, it was only rediscovered during this century to take its place as one of the oldest and gentlest horses in the world.

The first Caspians were brought to America from England and Australia in 1995 and 1996.

The Ultimate Children's Pony
There is no question that the Caspian Pony is the finest child's mount available. The combination of a perfect horse build on a 10-12 hand pony, with the most trainable of temperaments results in a pony that seems to have been made for kids.

Description of the Caspian Pony
According to archaeological study, there are 3 principal, primitive types of horse which developed according to the dictates of environment and form the foundation for all the world's breeds as we know them today: the Asiatic Wild Horse, the Tarpan or Ukranian Steppe horse; and the Equus silracticus, just prior to domestication of these 3 types, 4 subspecies had evolved - two pony types and two horse types. Horse subspecies 4 is the forerunner of all hot bloods (e.g. Arabian, Anglo-Arabiall, and Thoroughbred). It is smaller and much more refined than the others, with a concave profile and high-set tail. This horse, subspecies 4, differ from western Asia and its only present equivalent is the Caspian Pony. The Caspian is probably the most ancient domestic breed of horse in existence.

Through a DNA fingerprinting and blood-typing of 120 Caspians, Dr. Gus Cothran conclusively proved a blood content unique to the Caspian as well as a distinct link with the Arab horse. The research on Caspian blood samples indicate that the Caspian is ancestral to all forms of the Oriental horse. It is postulated to be the forerunner to all "hot-blooded horses" and found to have the highest genetic similarly to the Arabian.

Conformation of the Arabian compared to the Caspian is still more revealing. These two breeds have at least the following physical characteristics in common: a graceful neck, slim and arched; a mane and tail of uniquely fine and silky hair; nostrils which are large and low set in a small fine muzzle; short and turned-in-ears; skin which is thin, fine and supple; a short and slightly concave back; a high set tail; large and prominent, almond shaped eyes; limbs that are characteristically slender; a natural floating action, and great endurance.

The first point of aesthetic excellence looked for in the horse, so prized among lovers of the Arabian, is a forehead which exhibits a bulge between the eyes up to a point between the ears, and down across the first third of the nasal bones - a formation of the frontal and parietal bones in the form of a shield, known as the jibbah. The Caspian horse displays this exquisite physical characteristic to a degree unknown to other breeds. The vaulted Caspian cranium, which dips at the frontal bone and continues in a straight line through the nasal bone area gives the Caspian the typical slight concave appearance.

There are five basic skeletal differences between the Caspian and all other breeds:

• The Caspian skull shows a pronounced elevation or bulging of the interparietal and parietal bones above the frontal bone and the Caspian possesses no parietal crest;   

• The scapula is wider than other breeds;

• The metacarpal and metatarsal bones are much longer and slimmer in comparison with the height of the horse;

• The spinous processes of the first six thoracic vertebrae show a pronounced elongation;

• The hoof is narrow and oval shaped.

As well, the Caspian has gracefully sloping shoulders, good withers, slim body and slim legs with dense bone. The knee is low, the pasterns strong and sloping, and the croup is higher than the withers. There is no feathering at the fetlock. The hooves are extremely strong. The Caspian's dense winter coat can withstand the often-bitter Iranian mountain winters, yet has the fine, almost iridescent satin coat of a Thoroughbred. It has flat silken mane and tail, which can grow to great lengths.

Due to these and other unique Caspian characteristics, as it becomes known to the modern horse world, it may set the ultimate standard for equine beauty and perfection of form. The Caspian has maintained its small, elegant stature of between 9 and 12 hands, since roughly 3000 BC, almost 5000 years, and today averages approximately 11.2 hh. Research has demonstrated that the Caspian has kept its small stature under all types of demographic and environmental conditions, further evidence of its purity, distinction and unique lineage over so many centuries. The most common colors are bay, grey, chestnut, occasional black or dun, mostly solid or with a few white markings on legs or face. Were King Darius alive, doubtless he would be pleased to recognize his Caspians almost unchanged in looks and temperament after all these centuries.

Louis Firouz was quick to utilize all of the exceptional talents of the distinguished Caspian. The first horses she discovered and purchased quickly adapted to all of the demands of a successful riding club. From racing and jumping to gymkhanas, hunting and harness. Mrs. Firouz found there was nothing that a Caspian not do well and sensibly. Her first find proved to be more than she hoped, and her interest was fueled by the discovery of how quickly, these horses adapted to riding, training and any other type of equine demands.

Mrs. Firouz discovered the Caspians to be intelligent and spirited animals of willing and enormous character, easily controlled by small riders and without a hint of mean behavior. For example, a young stallion rescued from the burden of a farmer's cart easily adapted to riding school needs.

Caspian stallions ran together at pasture without meanness or unruliness, and were successfully ridden by 5 year-old children. Caspians are very spirited, sociable creatures which make fast friends with their owners. They prefer and seek the company of other Caspians, when available, over that of other breeds.

The Caspian, after thirteen hundred years returned to the wild, has developed great qualities of endurance and is extremely hardy and tough with dense bone and small,tough feet which are never shod. Because of its narrow build, the Caspian is the perfect first mount for a child.

The Caspian's jumping talent is no less than extraordinary as it excels with ease and proves a born jumper. The effortlessness with which the Caspian jumps race obstacles has won it numerous awards in the show ring and makes it an invaluable mount to the young, first-time competitor. The Caspian has most recently demonstrated an important expertise in the American and British Hunter show rings.

The Caspian makes an excellent harness horse, grace-graceful and energetic. It is extremely fast and agile. In single, pair and tandem turnouts, in Dressage, cross-country and Obstacle driving, the Caspian is a frequent winner. Even Caspian stallions can be driven side by side. Their acceleration, maneuverability and intelligence bring them considerable success.