| Group |
Pony of Mesomorphic Type
|
|---|
| Influences |
Klepper
Native Baltic Stock
Oriental Stock
Konik
|
|---|
| Characteristics |
height 13-15 hands (52-60 in, 132-152 cm)
plain head
well muscled neck and quarters
short back
depth through the girth
good strong limbs and feet
a fast and willing worker
|
|---|
| Colors |
Dark or Grey
Roan
Mouse Dun or Dun
Palomino
Chestnut of Light Brown
|
|---|
| Odd Facts |
All-purpose pony used to pull troikas in Baltic States.
|
|---|
Overview:
The Viatka is a pony originating from the Viatsky territory in the Baltic States of the former U.S.S.R. It stands aprroximately 13.2 hands and its color is dark, sometimes with a dorsal stripe. It has a plain head, sturdy frame, a broad straight back, and short legs with good bone. The Viatka is frugal, tough and fast. It is obedient and is used as an all-purpose pony. Influences include the Konik, as well as native Baltic and Oriental stock through the Klepper. (Horse Identifier)
Bred mainly in the basins of the Viatka and Obva Rivers, these ponies are used principally to pull the troika sledges - a job for which their peculiar trotting gait, makes them particularly suitable. They are also used for light agricultural work and are very useful all-round ponies. Possessed of great powers of endurance, the Viatka has a full mane and tail and is usually grey in color, sometimes with the primitive zebra markings on the legs. Its ability to live on the minimum of food makes it economical to keep. (Enc. Horse 1977/1983)
Physical Description:
The Viatka pony stand 13-14 hands (1.32-1.42m) high and is usually bay, grey, roan, mouse dun, palomino, or dun. Viatkas with dun or palomino coloring usually have eel stripe (dorsal) and zebra markings on the legs, the duns with a black mane and tail. Which the plain, long head is not large, it has a rather snub profile and the jaws are rather pronounced - all features typically found in Tarpan stock. The head does tend to be more concave than the head of its ancestors. The forelock is full, the ears are of medium-length and set well apart, the eyes are bright and lively eyes, and the nostrils flared. The Viatka has a medium-length neck that is broad, crested and muscular with a long, thick, full mane. The shoulder is sloping and muscular. It has a wide, deep and strong chest, and its broad withers are moderately pronounced. It has a long, broad, straight back with rounded quarters, tucked up abdomen, and a muscular croup that is quite sloping. Its tail is set-on rather low, but is full and flowing. Its solid, well-muscled legs have broad clean jointsand strong tendons, fairly short cannons and long pasterns, and a well-formed hoof. There is a tendency toward cow hocks.
Origin:
A primitive type pony originating along the River Viatka, this Pony seems like to have evolved mainly from the Tarpan. Some influence is apparent from the strong cobby types of working ponies, called Kleppers, used in Estonia. Other influences include the Polish Konik. Klepper is the local word for 'nag,' and these ponies practically died out due to use in upgrading other stock to establish the Toric. The Viatka is bred in the Baltic states of Kirov Province and Urdmurt Republic. The Viatka has remained almost purebred for hundreds of years. It is of national importance today, so much so that breeding is now strictly controlled in state studs in an attempt to preserve it in this form.
Other Facts
This energetic, tractable and frugal pony has great stamina and a willing temperament - all qualities useful in harness or under saddle. The Viatka is used for farm work, general transport and in harness. It was once used to pull troikas - sleighs with three ponies abreast. The viatka is strong and has a fast trot. while its action is energetic, its strides tend to be short and quick, which can be an advantage on snow-covered terrain. This hardy pony inherited many primitive features of its forebears, including an "unusually thick coat which, together with a special subcutaneous layer of fat," which enables it to survive during very cold winters
For more information visit:
Published February 2002 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)
|
© 1997-2018 NW Breyer Horse Club
& Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997,
Section in place 2001,
Updated 2/19/2018
|
|
|
|
