Kabardian Horses Conformation

Please note that due to the ongoing process of reorganizing the Kabardian Horses Studbook in their country of origin the description here may change soon.

Height

Kabardians are medium height - around 155 cm in
withers. The lower limit is around 145 cm and the upper - around 160
cm. For anglokabardians the upper limit is higher, around 164 cm.

Colors

Predominant colors are black, dark bay and bay,
preferably with no white spots. Grey is also typical for the breed, but
rare. Traditionally Kabardians grow natural rich mane and tail.

Head

The Kabardian horses have medium sized head, with
slightly enlonged face part, shaped straight or Roman-nosed. There are
horses with lighter and heavier head structure, depending on the
subtype. Ears are sharp and alert. Nostrils are capable of wide
dilation. Throat latch is wide as well.

Neck, barrel and croup

The neck is medium length, proportional and
properly balanced. The withers is medium height, wide and long,
well-muscled. The back is usually long and soft, but very strong thanks
to excellent muscles structure.

Kabardians have medium size croup, usually rounded.
Shoulders and chest are loaded and wide, the rest of the body long and
wide, but proportional.

Legs and hoofs

Leg and feet are strong and clean, with clearly defined tendons and strong joints.

Hind legs are sometimes sickle-shaped, which needs
a word of explanation. This feature, though considered a beauty fault
for most breeds, for mountain horses it’s a great advantage, because it
provides more balance and stability for the horses descending or
ascending steep hills.

Hoofs are medium size and so hard, that many
Kabardians can easily perform a light work with no shoeing at all. They
are very resistant to cracks, rotting and other problems.