Russian Trotter horse breed information

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Russian Trotter description

The modern Russian Trotter is a typical harness horse. Characteristically, it is generally clean and proportionately built and has well-developed muscles and tendons. The head is light, profile straight, neck long and straight, 314 withers medium in height, back and loin straight and well muscled, croup flat, long and broad.

Russian Trotters have adapted well to varied conditions. Their distribution is broad, extending from the Baltic republics to western Siberia. The breed's fertility is up to 75 foals per 100 mares

Russian Trotter color

The breed is usually bay in color, but can be chestnut, black or gray.

Russian Trotter size

The breed stands between 15.3 and 16 hh.

Russian Trotter temperament

The breed is noted for an even temperament and great powers of endurance.

Russian Trotter life expectancy

The life span averages 15-17 years

Russian Trotter origin

Russia

Russian Trotter history

The Russian Trotter was developed by crossing the Orlov Trotter with the American Standardbred (American Trotter) and subsequent breeding inter se. The crossbreeding began in the 1890s. Prior to 1914, 156 stallions and 220 purebred mares were used. After World War One and the Civil War the importation of American Trotters stopped; systematic activity began so as to improve the speed, conformation and the measurements of the crossbreeds. The goal was to find the best combination of these features. By 1950 the breed formation was completed. In 1960, in order to improve the breed's speed, a second crossing of Russian Trotters with American Standardbred stallions was made. The crossing still continues.

Russian Trotter genetic diseases

In appearance the Russian Trotter is, however, inferior to the Orlov; it more frequently possesses such defects as bowed legs or close hock-joints, drooping and short croup, exostoses and curb.

Russian Trotter uses

The modern Russian Trotter is a typical harness horse

Russian Trotter influence

American Standardbred, Orlov Trotter

Russian Trotter interesting facts

The speed of the Russian Trotter is quite high. The 1600 m trot record is 1 min 56.9 sec.

The highest longevity was displayed by the stallion Podarok who founded a line, lived to be 29 and was used in mating up to the age of 28; and the mare Mazurka who lived until 1980 and produced 16 foals.