The presence of horses in Russia is evidenced by prehistoric fossils and has remained consistent throughout its history, particularly during the Soviet era, due to the integration of territories with a strong equestrian tradition.

According to Carole Ferret, the history of the horse in Russia has predominantly been explored by Soviet researchers from the relevant regions, resulting in limited accessibility to material and knowledge on the subject.

Horse theft was both common and feared, with numerous accounts documenting the lynching of thieves recognized by the community.

[3] Under the Soviet regime, regions with a strong equestrian tradition included Yakutia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Buryat populations.

[13] The Central Moscow Hippodrome, one of the largest in Russia and the oldest in Europe, organizes renowned trotting races, hosts research and experimental teams on horse breeding, and houses a riding school.

[14] The tale of The Little Humpbacked Horse, written in 1834 by Pyotr Yershov, based on Russian folklore, is the inspiration for a ballet and an animated film.

[16] Similarly, the Russian sculptor Evgueni Alexandrovitch Lanceray (1848-1886), recognized as "one of the best horse portraitists in the world", created approximately 400 works, with half dedicated to his favored subject.