Iomud

The Iomud is a light horse breed that is used for light draft work and riding. It developed in southern Turkmenistan in the Tashuaz oasis by the Iomud tribe. A descendent of the ancient Turkmene horses, it is a very resilient breed. It can endure challenging situations and harsh desert conditions. This ancient breed is a relative of the Akhal-Teke. In the 14^th century, Arabian stallion blood entered this breed’s bloodline. The following centuries also brought in the blood of the Mongolian, Kazakh, Turkmene, and Akhal-Teke. In an effort to preserve the Iomud breed, stud farms were created in 1983 in Turkmenistan and a conservation farm was later established. Concerning its appearance, this horse usually comes with a gray coat, but also appears in bay, black, or chestnut. With a rather thick neck and a light head, it has athletic legs and defined hooves and tendons. Its shoulders slope and its chest is deep. It has a special endurance toward desert conditions without much water, because of its history in such areas. Further, it is very skilled in jumping. Thus, the Iomud performs well in three-day eventing competitions. In Russia, this breed is colloquially known as the Iomudskaya and in Iran, it is known as the Yamud.