Description and rules of keeping horses of a trotting breed, application and cost
Trotter horses have a number of features. Therefore, they are very popular with horse breeders. These animals have a calm and docile disposition. They have good learning abilities. Therefore, horses of this breed are often used for exhibitions and sports competitions. In order for the animals to develop normally and not get sick, it is recommended that they provide quality care.
History of the breed
Russian trotters were obtained by crossing American and Oryol trotting horses. They began to be bred at the beginning of the twentieth century to increase the speed of the Orlov variety. The breed was officially recognized in 1949. From American ancestors, the animals received agility, and from the Oryol ancestors - a powerful body and well-developed muscles.
Description and characteristics of the horse Russian trotter
Russian trotters include breeding individuals and sports horses. They are used in sports and are also used to improve the characteristics of harness breeds.
Appearance of the breed
Horses of this breed differ in certain external characteristics:
- strong and powerful body;
- strong hind legs;
- dry and embossed body;
- a muscular head - it is characterized by mobile ears and a wide forehead;
- deep and arched chest;
- long back with a pronounced upper line;
- strong neck;
- sloping croup;
- inverted abdomen.
Leg structure does not affect running speed. Conversely, a trotting horse can jump quite high. In the process of selection, it was possible to obtain a bay or chestnut color. Black horses are also found.
Character and habits
Horses are energetic and are considered quite obedient. They are often found in amateur sports. This type of animal is suitable for children. They can be used for walking. Horses are also often used for riding.
Productive qualities
Trotters are used for their intended purpose. They are distinguished by high efficiency and show themselves excellently not only in trotting races. Horses often take part in combined competitions. They are also irreplaceable in driving and Russian triplets.
Main pros and cons
The maintenance of this horse breed has the following advantages:
- multifunctionality - animals are allowed to be used for races, exhibitions, hippotherapy;
- the possibility of using for breeding new breeds;
- moderately calm disposition;
- endurance;
- the ability to get used to different climatic zones;
- unpretentiousness.
The disadvantages include the following:
- insufficiently developed muscle tissue of the lower leg and shoulder;
- concave forelimbs;
- late ripening period.
Maintenance and care
Trotters are distinguished by their unpretentious care. At the same time, they are advised to ensure high-quality cleaning of the wool, organize a comfortable stable, and maintain the condition of the hooves. An excellent option for trotters will be a stable with a separate stall, arena and open area. All rooms where horses are kept must be well ventilated. In winter, it is worth keeping the temperature + 8-11 degrees, in summer - + 23-25.
In the process of caring for animals, you will have to control the condition of the coat, ears, hooves, teeth. After a walk, it is recommended to clean the coat of dirt and sweat. After an intense run, the animal needs a contrast shower. It is better to clean horses with special products - shampoos and conditioners. It is also worth using brushes and scrapers for this purpose.
During brushing and bathing, it is important to check the condition of the horse's skin to identify wounds, parasites, damage.
It is imperative to clean the hooves and monitor the condition of the animal's teeth. The hooves should be systematically cleaned using a special hook. Show the animal to the veterinarian every year. The doctor must examine the oral cavity. The filing of pointed teeth is of no small importance.
The diet
Taking into account the seasonal factor, the diet should be enriched with special vitamin and mineral complexes. The menu depends on the age category and gender. It is also worth considering physical activity.
For the normal functioning of the digestive system, it is recommended to use hay, cereals, vegetables. The number of components in the diet is best discussed with your veterinarian.
The diet is based on bran, pulses, fruits and vegetables. It is especially beneficial to give these animals beets, carrots and cabbage. It is also worth using hay for feeding horses. A little premix is added to the total. It is recommended to give water twice a day. This is best done in the morning and evening. It is recommended to keep the liquid warm. In summer, it is permissible to give horses fresh grass. It is good to use all kinds of sweets as a reward. After the exact fulfillment of the assigned tasks, it is allowed to give the horse a piece of carrot or sugar.
Reproduction
Exceptionally healthy horses with no behavioral problems are suitable for breeding. In this case, the pair should be selected so that the mare is larger than the stallion. Animals over 3 years old are allowed. At this stage, their body is fully formed. It is permissible to mate in a natural or artificial way. It is recommended to run it from mid-March to July. Thanks to this, the foal will be born next spring or summer. During this period, it is warm and a lot of grass.
Diseases
Horses often suffer from various pathologies. In this case, the treatment is not recommended to be carried out independently. Veterinarians should be involved in therapy. At the same time, every horse breeder should have information about the symptoms. This will make it possible to help the animal and not start the disease.
Pathologies are infectious and non-infectious. Common diseases include the following:
- flu;
- tetanus;
- cataract;
- mastitis;
- toxoplasmosis;
- rabies;
- arthritis;
- anemia.
This is not a complete list of potential problems. Therefore, the health of animals should be treated very carefully. First of all, it is recommended to pay attention to the rise in temperature and loss of appetite. These symptoms should be the basis for urgent medical attention. Many diseases can spread among people. In addition, there are incurable pathologies.
The use of Russian trotters
Trotters over 4 years old are capable of taking part in the races.At the same time, horses acquire maximum agility only by the age of 6. Most often, horses are used for racing. It is also permissible to subject the trotters to serious loads. They are suitable for agricultural work. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by their calm nature. Therefore, they can be used to teach horse riding. Such animals are perfect for horseback riding. They are often used for hippotherapy.
Horses participate in driving. This term is understood as a competition between teams of teams. The fastest representatives of the breed are used to improve the characteristics of the remaining draft varieties.
How much is
On average, representatives of this breed will cost 150,000 rubles. Trotters are considered a popular type of horse. They are characterized by agility and attractive appearance. In order for these animals to develop normally and not get sick, they need full care.
