Horse-Breeding in Russia 



In no European country is more attention devoted to the 

 breeding of horses than in Russia. The oldest Imperial stud 

 now in existence is that at Derkulski, established in 1750; 

 but, without reviewing the history of the Russian horse- 

 breeding department, it may be said that it has been an object 

 of solicitude to successive sovereigns for the last 400 years. 

 Ivan III., who reigned during the last forty years of the 

 fifteenth century, estabhshed the first Government stud of 

 which there is record near Moscow, and compelled all great 

 landed proprietors to establish breeding-studs. 



The Government maintains about 1,100 stallions at 15 

 studs and depdts ; from these depots the horses are distributed 

 among covering stations all over the country, wherever horse- 

 breeding has place among the local industries. As in other 

 countries, the number of stallions at each covering station 

 varies in accordance with the needs of the district. They 

 vary in number from two to nine, but four is the usual 

 complement. 



In addition to these studs and depots there are 29 

 other breeding establishments, particulars of which are not 

 at present obtainable. 



The fees charged for service range from the equivalent of 

 3s. 2d. to £,2 ys. 6d., in ratio with the merits of the stallion 

 selected ; each mare is allowed three leaps, if necessary, but 

 not more ; the covering season lasts from the 3rd February to 

 1 8th June. The stallions are put to service at five years old, 

 and in their first season are restricted to 40 mares ; when six 

 years old they are permitted to cover 60 mares, and in very 

 exceptional cases as many as 90. Stallions which are old, but 

 still capable of service, are given away on condition that the 

 recipient uses them for stud work. 



44 



