Iomud (Jomud, Yomud)

Overview:

Like the Akhal Teké, the Iomud is a strain of the ancient Turkmene horse though it shows an Arabian influence and has a much more tractable disposition. Also in common with the Akhal Teké, it has great stamina and it, too, took part in the epic Ashkhabad to Moscow trek. Popular at one time as a cavalry mount, today it excels in long distance races. It is a sinewy little horse with longish legs and it is usually grey, although bays and chestnuts also occur. It is a little smaller than its relative, its maximum height being about 15 hh. (Enc. Horse 1983)

Physical Description:

The head has thin, with a straight profile. The large eyes are set far apart, and it has wide nostrils and small, alert ears. The Iomud has a long, straight neck, and rather shallow, straight body with broad loins and a slightly sloping croup. Its fine limbs have dense bone. There is little hair in the mane and tail, and it has a fine, sleek coat.

Origin:

Other Facts:

The Iomud is very similar to the horses found in the Pazyryk burial mounds, it is closely associated with the Turkmene. A related type, the Akhal-Teké, is renowned for its endurance over long distances in severe climatic conditions, even more than for its racing ability, which is not comparable to that of the Thoroughbred. The most famous test of their endurance was the ride from Ashkhabad to Moscow, made in 1935 by Akhal-Teké and Iomud horses. The distance was 2,580 miles (4,128 km), 600 miles (960 km) of which was over desert, where water was not easily available. The horses traveled most of the way virtually without water. The journey was completed in 84 days, and the extraordinary feat has never been equalled. (Enc. Horse 1994)

From the Turkmenistan region of the former Soviet Union, the Iomud is a meso-dolichomorphic horse with an aptitude as a riding horse and for light draft. It stands 14.1 to 15 hands high and is usually grey in color, though it may be found in chestnut, bay, or black. This breed is of national importance in Turkmenistan.

The Iomud is the natural descendant of the ancient Turkmene (now extinct), and is exceptionally resistant to the arid heat of the desert. A solidly built horse, it is able to survive for long periods without water. The Iomud is less rangy and more compact than its cousins, the Turkoman and the Akhal Teké.

It has a light, well-shaped head with a straight or slightly convex profile. The ears are pointed and the eyes are large. Its well-formed neck is rather thick and of average length. The shoulder is sloping; the withers are fairly prominent; and the chest is deep. Its long, straight back is slightly depressed towards the withers. Its croup is slightly sloping and the abdomen is tucked up. Its solid, muscular legs have broad, clean joints with clearly defined tendons. The hooves are strong and well-formed.

The Iomud is and excellent riding horse and is used for light draft. It has a quality as a good jumper and is strong with good endurance. The Iomud is patient but energetic. It is well-suited to cross-country racing where it is capable of combining its extraordinary endurance with its jumping abilities. The Iomud owes its hardy constitution and frugality to the desertlike conditions of its homeland. Once used as a riding horse and cavalry mount by the Turkoman tribes, the Iomud is used for distance riding today. It has been raced over distances as great as 30 miles (48 km), but is tested over a distance of about 2 miles (2.3 km). The Iomud has a very fast walk, a short, striding trot and a lightly balanced canter, both of which are comfortable for the rider.

For more information on the Iomud, visit:

• Oklahoma State University, Iomud
• Bibliography

Published August 2002 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

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