Metis Trotter Horse

Origin: USSR.

Height: Average 15.3hh.

Color: Solid colors — gray, black, chestnut. bay; other colors rare.

Physique: Brave, tough horse of good conformation,though inclined to an upright shoulder. Type not yet fixed, but characteristic of both its parent bloodlines.

Description: The 11/16tis Metis Trotter Horse is a cross between the best of the Orlovs and American Standard breeds. The breed was begun in the early 1950s, and is not yet fixed

The Metis Trotter or Russian Trotter is a type of horse found in Russia. It was developed in order to create a horse with a faster trotting speed than Orlov Trotter which is an older Russian trotter.

The Orlov Trotter of Russia was crossed with Standardbreds in order to produce Metis Trotter horse. Around 100 years ago, Standardbreds were the fastest totters in the world. Almost 156 Standardbred stallions and 220 mares were imported from US for the crossing process at that time. The result of the cross was horses that were fast, but the quality was low. A larger trotter of better quality was produced due to further breeding. Even today, periodic infusions of both the breeds are done.

By 1950, breed characteristics had become fixed and it was officially recognized. Metis Trotter is faster than Orlov Trotter. But the breed lacks in quality, refinement and has conformational defects. Certain standards have been set by Russians to improve the overall breed. This standard includes a girth of almost 6 feet and 1 inch, height not less than 16hh for stallions and 15.3 for mares. These horses are energetic and quite easy to train.

The Russian Trotters are found in colors like black, gray and chestnut. But most of them are bay colored. They have a plain head and a neck which is long and muscular. The shoulders of these trotters are long and sloppy. The chest is deep and wide. Metis Trotter horses have strong legs with clearly defined tendons, but commonly have a knocked-knee and sickle hocked confirmation, making the feet move forward as they move. Actually, this is a technical defect but it allows them to lengthen their stride. This is an advantage for racing animals.