Caspian Horse

Caspian Horse

The Caspian is a small horse breed native to Northern Iran. Although its original height probably ranged between 9 and 11.2 hands high, (36"- 46") it is termed a horse rather than a pony because, size apart, it has much in common with horses. It is believed to be one of the oldest horse or pony breeds in the world, descended from small Mesopotamian equines that, in competition with larger animals, had faded from attention by the 7th century AD. They were brought to public notice again when re-discovered in 1965 by Louise Firouz, an American-born breeder of Iranian horses living in Iran. In 2011, the remains of a horse dating back to 3400 B.C.E. were found at Gohar Tappeh, Iran, giving rise to claims that the Caspian is the oldest known breed of domestic horse that still exists. It is also called Māzandarān Horse, after the province where it was found.