with less than 2,000 remaining . . . . .

 A young team of riders from Discovery Equine has set out to help preserved this critically endangered breed of horse.  Working together with Pacific North West Caspian Collective, we hope to preserve the Caspian horse for future generation through training and promotion of their unique characteristics.

The Caspian horse is a rare Iranian breed of small equine that originated in ancient Persia. Although most Caspians are less than 12 hands tall, their conformation resembles full-size horses, not ponies. Formerly, historians believed these horses were extinct until the late 20th century.  Today, breeding programs worldwide are dedicated to preserving this endangered breed. Modern Caspian horses are excellent riding mounts for small children.

Some believe the miniature Persian horses depicted in ancient sources went extinct long ago. Louise Firouz, an American living in Iran, named the breed in 1965 after discovering a small population of miniature horses in the Alborz Mountains by the Caspian Sea.  Following the rediscovery of the breed by Firouz, breeders started exporting Caspian horses from Iran to establish breeding programs worldwide.  These horses are also commonly used for cross-breeding to improve other breeds. 

The history of the Caspian horse breed spans thousands of years, showcasing its enduring legacy and cultural significance.  Although only recognized internationally as a breed in the second half of the 20th century, morphological and genetic evidence suggest these horses have an ancient origin.

Caspian horses originated in the mountainous regions of present-day northern Iran. Ancient literature and art from the Persian empire depict a small breed of horses from the area that were exported to Greece, Egypt, and Assyria.   In 2011, archeologists discovered horse remains in Iran dating back to 3400 BC. Scientists later asserted that these remains resembled the skeleton of the modern Caspian. 

(Information from Mad Barn "Caspian Horse Breed Guide: Characteristics, Health & Nutrition")