Rare horse breed gives pleasure to many

NEWBORN--A new Curly filly lays in the pasture on a warm day. CURLY COAT--The Bashkir Curly horses have a unique hair coat and the hair follicles are flat instead of round, with a makeup that makes them hypo-allergenic and allows people who normally have an allergic reaction to horses to be around the animals with less of a chance of problems.

They may be rare, but they are also rarely not loved and can be loved by those who can't normally be around horses because of an allergic reaction.

The Bashkir Curly breed's population is down to less than 4,000 worldwide, but Missouri horsewoman Robbie Little is doing her best to share the breed with as many people as possible.

Bashkir Curly horses are known for being versatile, hardy, gentle horses. The other characteristic they hold is they are hypo-allergenic. This means the horse is less likely to cause a person who is allergic to horses to have an allergic response.

"Their hair is different than a normal horse. The hair follicle is flat instead of round--the same hair property as a Poodle," said Little. "I've seen such joy from people who wouldn't normally be able to have a horse, but when they meet the Curlies, they have a new friend."

History of the breed

There are several different theories as to how the Curlies came to America and as to where they originated. Most believe they originated in the Bashkir region of Russia and the European mountains.

There is evidence that Curlies have been in North America since the early 1800s when the Indians included them in the winter horse count. A significant location of the Curlies today has been traced to Indian reservations in North and South Dakota. Many Curlies then and now have been acquired from the wild horses that roam the lands of the United States. They have been domesticated, bred and raised by ranchers throughout the United States and Canada.

The American Bashkir Curly Association was formed in 1971. The founders set out to save these animals from extinction in the U.S., as it was found that too many of them, through ignorance, were being slaughtered. They then began the process of establishing breeding traits.

"Curlies can be any size and any color. About the only thing you can guarantee is they will be curly," Little said with a laugh.

The foals arrive with thick, crinkly coats almost resembling wool, even inside their short broad ears, and also have beautiful curly eyelashes. They are born with an unusually affectionate disposition and insist on being friendly.

Curly qualities

Little has about 70 to 80 Curlies on her Daviess County farm. She said each one is different in looks and personality, but they all have a great attitude and are quiet and easy going.

"I've been around horses my whole life and these are the best dispositioned horses I've ever been around," she said. "Everyone that meets them, loves them."

She said the horses can be used for nearly anything and has shown them at halter and in pleasure classes as well as using them for trail riding, dressage or team penning contests.

"They are so fun to be around and ride so smoothly. Once you get on a Curly, you are hooked," she said.

Since there are so few of the breed in existence, it took her three and a half years to find a stud horse to purchase that wasn't related to her other horses.

"I've been so pleased with my horses, but needed to find a stallion that was unrelated. That was a challenge," she added.

Several of her horses are half Curly and then she breeds them up to a higher percentage. By adding a non-Curly to the herd, she can improve on composition and get a better horse in the end.

Always a demand

Little has sold Curly horses to customers across the country and the world. Because of their disposition and characteristics the horses have become in demand for her.

She sold three to the Chicago Police Department for use on their mounted patrol. "The Curlies don't have as much flight response because their eye setting is a bit different than a normal horse, therefore they don't become scared as easily and they work great for the police officers," Little explained. "They also won't run from confrontation, which helps them in the big city."

Five were sold to a carriage service in Omaha for the same reasons.

She has also sent horses over seas--two to Norway, two to Sweden, one to France and one to Zimbabwe. Sending the horses over seas can be more of a process since she first has to take them to Sedalia, Mo., to be in quarantine before they can get on an airplane to be shipped around the world.

While she has sent them all over the world, she said she gets the most pleasure out of selling a horse to someone who is allergic to horses.

"One guy I sold one to hadn't been able to do things with the rest of his family because he had allergies to the other horses. He was so thankful to be able to spend time with his family after purchasing a Curly," she said. "I get a lot of satisfaction out of being able to offer something for people that wouldn't otherwise be able to be involved with such great creatures."

Caring for Curlies

Caring for the Curlies has been easy for Little to do. They basically require the same care as any other horse, but do have hair issues since their coat is long and in the spring time they may require some brushing or help shedding.

She hasn't experienced any birthing problems and requires her mares to be good mothers to stay in the herd, since she is the one caring for them.

Curly mares are generally very caring and can have up to one-third more milk than a quarter horse.

Little usually waits until the mares are three years old to breed them for the first time. When the mares foal, the birth usually happens quite fast--in as little as 20 minutes.

She has only sold three mares out of her foundation stallion as she has been very pleased with the horses.

"I generally only sell the geldings and if the mares are sold it is for a premium," she explained.

Both stallions that Little owns are homozygous for the curly gene, which means they pass on the curly gene to all their offspring.

Many Curly horses are not shod because they tend to have naturally round and hard feet; however, depending on where they live and what they do, you may find them with shoes.

Curlies are also thought of as "easy keepers" and do not need as much grain as a different breed of horse.

"All in all they are just a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to raise," said Little. "I wouldn't want anything else."

Editor's note: I've been around lots of horses and out in the pasture with them as well. These horses truly are a pleasure to be around and within 60 seconds of entering any of Little's pastures we were surrounded by the Curlies, who just wanted love and attention. Jennifer Bremer can be reached by phone at 515-833-2120 or by e-mail at jbremermaj@hotmail.com.