Which is one of the oldest horse breeds?

The Caspian is an ancient breed of small horse, believed extinct for 1,000 years until rediscovered in the 1960s on the southern shores of the Caspian sea, Northern Iran. Small numbers may still exist in a semi-feral state in the rice paddies, cotton fields, forests and foothills of the Alborz mountains.

Although its original height probably ranged between 9 and 11.2 hands (36 and 46 inches, 91 and 117 cm) it is termed a horse rather than a pony because, size apart, it has much in common with horses in terms of conformation, gaits and character. 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.

The horse breed was brought to public notice again when rediscovered in 1965 by Louise Firouz, an American-born breeder of Iranian horses living in Iran.

In their home country, these small horses are much valued for their speed and ability to pull or carry heavy loads in the narrow streets and bazaars of a few northern towns.

For the modern owner, the Caspian can be regarded as an amazing all-rounder. With their comfortably narrow conformation, Caspians make excellent children's mounts. Their long, level paces, natural grace and balance make them very suitable for dressage. Sensible but active and very willing, they can be impressive in mounted games, gymkhana and pony racing.