Diversity

About Uzunyayla HorsesAbout Uzunyayla Horses





Uzunyayla horses come from the Caucasus. Their origin dates to 1854 in Turkey. They were bred pure in Turkey until 1930, when Anadolu pony and Nonius horses were introduced.

Uzunyayla horses have a large head with a concave profile; their eyes are small; their neck is of medium length; their withers are well pronounced; their legs are strong with good joints; their pasterns are sloped and very strong; their feet are well shaped and have a tough horn. They are usually bay in color. The feathering on their legs are coarse, and their tail grows very long. They stand between 14.1 and 15.1 hands (57 and 61 inches, 145 and 155 cm) high.

They are very good for riding long distances. Uzunyayla horses have a good gallop but cannot do the rahvan walk like some other Turkish breeds. Their normal walking speed is not fast as is seen in the Anadolu breed. They are used as a pack horse, a light draft horse and as a general riding horse.  

There is no association or stud book for the Uzunyayla breed, but breeders hope that one will be formed in the near future. Presently there are only about 2,000 specimens of this breed.