[1] In the 1950s an experiment was performed to gauge the ability of the Budyonny breed to adapt to harsh conditions without human help.

The horses have since survived and thrived, proving that they are capable of living in the wild for extended periods without human assistance.

Conformation problems include occasional offset cannon bones in the forelegs and overly straight hind legs.

Later, demand for competition horses led to the creation of a single type with a larger proportion of Thoroughbred blood.

This breed is of interest because it is the result of the complex state-sponsored cross-breeding programs that were implemented after the Russian Revolution and are still in place today.

[1] The Budyonny is used as an all-round competition horse, competing in dressage, steeplechasing, three-day eventing and endurance.