Karacabey Horses originated in Turkey but became extinct
during the late 20th century.
After the establishment of Turkey as an independent nation,
the Turks bred horses they called Karacabey at the Karacabey Stud. They were
developed by crossing a Turkish strain of Arabians bred specifically for racing
with the native Anadolu and Nonius breeds.
High quality show jumpers began to be imported from France
and Germany, and the Karacabey breed was forgotten in favor of the exotic
breeds. Another reason for its decline was competition from motor vehicles; the
government decided there was no longer a need for this horse. The Karacabey Stud
ceased all breeding of the Karacabey horse in 1980, and approximately 3,000
horses were sold at auction to the public. In a short time, crossed with other
Turkish breeds, the Karacabey virtually disappeared, and today there are no
Karacabey horses in Turkey. Ironically, almost as soon as the breed had
vanished, the sport horse came to the fore as never before throughout the
world, and Turkish officials deeply regretted the loss of this fine breed.
Karacabey Stud now breeds the Arabian, Haflinger, and half-bred Halfinger.
The Karacabey was a very sound breed with good conformation,
showing Arabian influence but with more body mass. They usually stood at 15.1
to 16.1 hands high, and were bay, black, gray, roan, or chestnut. They had a
well-proportioned head with a straight profile, set on a slightly arched neck.
They had pronounced withers, a wide, deep chest, sloping shoulders, a straight
back, and a rounded, muscular croup. Their legs were strong and solid, with
good joints and bone structure and well formed, tough hooves. The breed was
said to be the only Turkish breed that displayed uniformity of type and
consistent transmission of breed characteristics.
The Karacabey Stud also bred a larger horse called the
Karacabey-Nonius, now also extinct. The Karacabey-Nonius was bred as a harness
horse and show jumper and was produced by crossing the Karacabey to the Anadolu
and Nonius breeds. This breed easily jumped over five feet and averaged between
15 and 16 hands. Breeding the Karacabey-Nonius horses ceased entirely in 1970.
Karacabeys were used as a riding and pack horse, and for
light draft and farm work. At one time, Turkey sent a fine Karacabey horse to
England as a gift to the Queen, and this horse became a champion polo horse.
The Karacabey was also a notable jumper.
About Karacabey Horses
