Horse breeds / American Bashkir Curly
Photo: Eponimm · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
American Bashkir Curly
The American Bashkir Curly traces its roots to the Bashkir Curly of Russia's Ural region, brought to North America in the 1960s and developed into a distinct breed known for its unusual coat. The breed was developed as a versatile, hardy working and riding horse, valued for its willing disposition and sturdy build.
American Bashkir Curlies are generally calm, friendly and people-oriented, which makes them a good fit for riders who want a gentle and cooperative partner. They tend to have a smooth, comfortable gait and are often ridden on trails, used for pleasure riding, and sometimes shown in western or English events. Their steady nature suits beginners, though they still need consistent handling.
Day to day, these horses need regular turnout, routine work, and the company of other horses to stay happy and balanced. Their curly coat and mild build mean they benefit from attentive grooming, and they do best with owners who can give them daily interaction and a predictable routine.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, pleasure riders
| Size | small |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 56–60 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | United States |
Expect the curly coat to need regular, gentle grooming and be ready to manage their easy-keeper tendencies with careful feeding.
Living with a American Bashkir Curly
Exercise
A healthy adult usually needs about 30 to 60 minutes of ridden or in-hand work most days, along with daily turnout. Too little work can lead to boredom, weight gain, and behavioral issues in an otherwise easygoing horse.
Grooming
The distinctive curly coat is dense and wavy, and it should be brushed gently to keep it clean and healthy. The mane and tail are often thick and curly as well and may need detangling with a wide-tooth comb. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing, and clipping is typically needed only for horses in
At home
American Bashkir Curlies are hardy and adapt well to a range of climates, with the curly coat providing good insulation in winter. They do well with generous turnout and can live in a stall or paddock, though plenty of time outdoors suits them best. They are happiest in a small herd. Most are easy keepers, so good pasture and a measured amount of hay or concentrate is usually enough; monitor body condition closely.
Training
American Bashkir Curlies are willing and eager to please, and they generally learn quickly with patient, consistent handling. They are well suited to trail riding, pleasure riding, and light western or English work, and many do well in driving. A green horse of this breed is usually calm and cooperative, but it may need time to build confidence and steady performance under saddle.
Health
American Bashkir Curlies are generally considered sturdy, though they can be prone to some general equine conditions such as weight-related issues if overfed. Owners should ask a veterinarian about breed-specific screening and any concerns that may apply to their individual horse.
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Laminitis
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a American Bashkir Curly
Forage and water, adult
17–28 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1213 lb, and 10–18 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,150–$5,350
Hay about $1,971, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a American Bashkir Curly is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a American Bashkir Curly
Shelters and breed rescues list American Bashkir Curlys and American Bashkir Curly mixes every week. Search adoptable American Bashkir Curlys on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a American Bashkir Curly right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, friendly horse for trail riding
- Yes if you value a hardy horse for varied climates
- Yes if you can offer daily turnout and companionship
- Think twice if you want a high-performance competition horse
- Think twice if you have limited time for regular grooming and handling
Questions owners ask
Is the American Bashkir Curly good for beginners?
Yes, many are calm and willing, which makes them a good choice for beginners who have some guidance and steady handling.
How much does an American Bashkir Curly cost?
Prices vary widely by bloodlines, training, and region, so check with reputable breeders and registries for current market figures.
How tall do American Bashkir Curlies get?
They are typically around 14.2 to 15.2 hands at the withers, making them a medium-sized, manageable riding horse.
How long do American Bashkir Curlies live?
With good care, they commonly live about 25 to 30 years, similar to many other riding breeds.
Are American Bashkir Curlies easy keepers?
Many are easy keepers, so monitor their weight and provide measured feed alongside good forage to avoid overweight.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.