Russian Arabians

What makes the Russian Arabian so special

What indeed? And why?
     Why is there no special Russian Thoroughbred? But there is a special Russian Trekener, say!
     Why were most of the Russian breeders of Orlov trotters not very much grieved by the better seconds of American trotters on the track? Such questions are legion.
     As to the Orlov–American confrontation on the track, only a couple of seconds–happy ones cared, because no sensible Russian in those days would even think of hitching an overseas track–hero to his no–nonsense carriage and putting him out on Russian roads. For one thing, that speedster would not survive a month there; for the other, he was... well, nothing to look at.
     Traditionally, a Russian horse was meant for work and play (races), otherwise it was considered good for nothing. This explains why the Orlov trotter is still with us, and will always be. (By the way, his robust constitution, sure–footedness, and stamina — precisely the qualities he borrowed from his Arabian ancestors! — came in handy in modern driving.)
     With the Arabian everything was different. The horse immediately took the fancy of the Russian horsy public, especially the cavalrymen and Cossacks. To Russians the Arabian was an epitome of equine excellence, a fusion of Oriental beauty, endurance, huge survival potential, and loyalty — exactly the assets a horse was admired for in the semi–wild steppes and forests of a huge country called Russia.

Stroganov & Sherbatov's contribution

It was largely to that half–Asiatic–half–European feelings of the two aristocratic friends Count Stroganov and Prince Sherbatov that the world owes that phenomenon, the Russian Arabian. It is to them that we pay tribute for the establishment of modern Arabian industry in Russia.
     And not only in Russia for that matter.
     Without understanding their contribution to the Russian thinking and practices in Arabian breeding a Westerner would never perceive the reasons behind the indisputable successes of Russian Arabians. That is why we take the liberty to present some of their views and facts in more detail in Count Stroganov & Prince Sherbatov.
     Those legendary Russian breeders, who were fascinated by desert horses and their Bedouin owners, would be happy to see Arabians returning now to their home, the Arabian Peninsula, the land the two friends admired so much.

Russian horses in Arab countries

Horses of Russian bloodlines are getting a hoofhold in the Arab countries. For instance, Russian stallions Dunaj and Parafin are stars of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's Stables at Abu Dhabi.
     But Russian breeders would love to see more superb Russian horses, especially racers, in the Gulf. For this to be possible, Russian Arabian producers need closer ties with the Gulf and other Arab countries. Direct ties. Both sides stand to benefit from this.
     But it is none of our fault that this is not the case as yet.

Come to the fountain

One hears sometimes that the gene pool of Russian–bred Arabians in the United States and elsewhere has grown considerably, and so it is allegedly no longer necessary to travel to Russia to purchase foundation stock.
     Perhaps. If you are happy with a water–jar, of course!

     Life in Russia does not stand still. Search for perfection is going on, new interesting and exciting crosses and pairs are being attempted.

    To use Leonardo's memorable phrase: Come to the fountain!

After Perestroika

In recent years several private Arabian studs have made their appearance in Russia. By and large, they fare much better economically and are more flexible marketingwise than state–owned farms.
     Overall, after some growing pains Russian Arabian industry is adapting to the new ways, although with difficulty. It is learning, mostly by trial and error.
     Among other things, it learns how to clear vet and other hurdles being put out from time to time by some international bodies, advisors, and middlemen. Exports and international racing of Russian horses have already suffered a lot from their "services."

Association

Under new economic conditions Russian competent authorities seem to have become even less competent than they used to be under Communists. As a result, Russian Arabian industry has found itself without a body that could properly represent its interests domestically and internationally.
     Therefore, Russian Arabian breeders, owners, and dealers are considering establishing, in a year or so, a dynamic, Western–style Arabian association. The issue is coming to the fore.

     We would welcome any comments and assistance from sister associations and individuals.

Russian Arabian horsemen have ambitious plans,
and they are looking to international cooperation
in information exchange, sales, racing,  training, and other domains.
We hope that this Web–site and the activities of our  Center will help.