Though it's a Russian horse, the Thoroughbred roots are predominant in the Budonny's body shape and conformation. The legs are straight and slender and the neck is also very straight and long. The frame is light, but the build is strong and robust. The head is elegantly refined - betraying the horse's Arabian ancestry, and the eyes are alert and intelligent.

This Russian warmblood comes in a variety of colors, but the most common is chestnut. Most horses will also show a touch of feathering at the ankles as a bit of homage to their European ancestry.

Though not as fast as the Thoroughbred for competing in straight races, the Budonny does remarkably well in almost every other sport and is prized all over the world for its endurance. They are fantastic riding horses and do well in cross-country racing, but also steeplechase and dressage - a form of “horse ballet” that exhibits the horse's training and agility.

Despite its Arabian bloodline, the Budonny is known for its calm temperament and gentle, trusting nature - a feature not often seen in sporting breeds.

The breed was named for Marshall Budonny, a famous Bolshevik cavalry commander during the Russian Revolution and Civil War of 1918-1920. Developed by crossing Russian mares with Thoroughbred stallions, the intent was to create enduring and courageous cavalry horses. Like many Russian breeds, the Budonny is the product of complex and strict breeding programs that were implemented in the state stud farms after the Revolution of 1917. These regimented 'preliminary selective' programs still continue today. Young stock is performance tested on the racetrack and in cavalry maneuvers. They are continuously tested and those not performing to standard are let go from breeding.

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Budonny - Horses for Sale