Bashkir Curly is one of the most unusual horse breeds in the world. It’s also recognized as the hypoallergenic horse and what’s most interesting is the fact that people who are allergic to horses usually discover that they are not allergic to Curly Horses. Although many people are not familiar with these horses and think that they are a new breed the fact is that these special horses are a very old ancient breed discovered in art and sculpture statues in prehistoric China as far back as 161 AD. There is also historical proof of their occupation in South America and Europe. It’s still uncertain how the Curly horses went to the United States but there is evidence that they are seen in North America since the early 1800s. The contemporary history of the American Bashkir Curly begins in 1898.
Peter Damele and his father were riding the Peter Hanson Mountains in the secluded large country of Central Nevada, near Austin, when they located three horses with short curly locks over their entire bodies. It was fascinating to them to learn how these horses appeared and exactly why they were there, but these questions still continue to be unanswered even today. Nevertheless, from that moment, there have been curly-coated horses on the Damele area. Many of the Bashkir Curly Horses in the United States can be followed back to the Damele herd. The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry was founded in 1971 as a way to help them from extinction in the U.S because they discovered that many of them were being slaughtered.
After that, they decided to compile a list with the unique traits of the Bashkir Curly Horse. Below we are showing you some of the most impressive traits unique to the breed: Bashkir Curly Horse’s are found in all standard horse colors including Appaloosa and Pinto. Curlies look-alike the first Morgan horses in form. Several features have been discovered in this unusual breed that connects them to the primitive horse. Their smooth, calm eyes have an exceptional Oriental slant to them, which delivers them a kind of sleepy look, but also gives them a wider spectrum of vision to the back.
The sleepy look is actually very favorable, as they have a sharp look, are very quick and not slow. Their oddly tough black hoofs are almost flawlessly round in shape. The foals have thick, curly coats almost matching Astrakhan (‘as-tra-kan) wool, even inside their little thick ears. They have excellent curly eyelashes that would make any human jealous. Curlies are born with an extraordinarily loving nature and are very friendly. They have a double mane which cuts down the middle leaving curly locks swinging on both sides of the neck.
Their body coat drops out in the summer and it becomes twisted or moderately straight on their body, but don’t worry because their gorgeous curly coat comes back again in the winter. It has been examined and confirmed that even hair is curly, yet when the hair of the Curlies was examined it was discovered to be round. Their most desired feature is their composure and very gentle nature. Experts say that they are tamed very easily and that in fact, they can be kinder than horses that have been domesticated for years. They are very calm and nothing seems to irritate them. Curlies are naturally curious and that’s why they like to challenge the undiscovered rather than run from it.
If they ever feel like they are in danger, they prefer to stay there and fight, rather than run. Although they will strive when they’re first roped or haltered, they quickly respond to tenderness and love because of their basic gentle nature. They seem incapable to stand abuse and will do anything to fight it. They have the tendency to stop in place when they find themselves in a blocked spot so they sometimes get hurt. They enjoy human friendship very much and love it when you communicate with them. The breed is extremely powerful, being one of the few breeds that were able to withstand intense cold without more feed supplements.
The Bashkir Curly is very flexible and does very well in both English and Western. They’ve also had a lot of successes in show jumping and dressage. Curlies have an incredible capability to do all that is asked of them since they are usually smart, learn fast and have an excellent memory. They are also excellent companions in the mountains, perfect for farm work and as an all-round entertainment horse.
