Orlov-Rostopchin

The Orlov-Rostopchin, or Russian saddle horse (Russian: Русская верховая), is a breed of saddle and sport horse originating in Russia. Born in the 19th century from the fusion of the breeding saddle horses of Counts Orlov and Rostopchin, it has had an eventful history. Very famous at the end of the 19th century as a dressage and cavalry horse, the breed was decimated after the First World War. It was restored by Semion Boudienny, and became known as the "Russian Saddle". Virtually extinct after the Second World War, it was unofficially recreated in the 1950s to produce the Ukrainian Saddle. Thanks to its success in dressage competitions up to international level, Russian breeders have been officially reviving it since 1978, from crosses with Trakehners. The Russian saddle still suffers from a lack of recognition.

The modern Russian saddle horse is presented as a sport-elegant, black-coated horse. Selection is drastic. It includes two evaluations, at two and four years of age, before the animal is allowed to reproduce. Numbers are very small, and the breed is still considered critically endangered. Exported to the United States in the 1990s, it led to the creation of a breed association in North America.