Russia is a big country. It has many special places that are considered a symbol of this vast territory. The Khrenovsk stud farm is not only an architectural monument, but also the habitat of a unique breed of horses - the Oryol trotters. To date, it is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Especially for these horses conduct a special kind of test - running a certain distance.
Location and history of the founder
The location of the stud farm is the village of Khrenovoye, Bobrovsky District, Voronezh Region. From here came the name - Khrenovsky. The plant was founded by Count Orlov-Chesmensky in the 18th century. The founder’s personality is more than famous. Close to Catherine II, albeit not fluent in foreign languages and lacking impressive knowledge, he left a remarkable mark in history.
Not always Alex was a count. He was born in the family of the Novgorod governor. He spent a relatively happy childhood with his brothers and graduated from the land gentry corps. He spent a poor and cheerful youth. Actively participated in the palace coup. Presumably killed (unknown, accidentally or intentionally) Peter III. He was in a relationship with the future empress. She granted all the brothers noble titles. From that moment begins the story of Count Orlov.
Complex construction
So, having received land in the Voronezh region, the count decides to start breeding a new breed of horses. To do this, he wants to build a solid breeding plant. Therefore, the count invites the talented architect D.I. Gilardi. As a result, work began to boil. Only eight years built the complex. The horseradish stud farm already in the 18th century became a truly great creation. In the future, this will be not only the habitat of unique representatives of the breed, but also an excellent example of the organization of horse breeding.
Bobrovsky district of the Voronezh region is famous for its stud farm, which is adjacent to the village of Sloboda. Its area covers about 30 hectares. A plot of regular rectangular shape is divided by a running circle into two unequal parts. Conventionally, in the complex, three zones can be distinguished - production, administrative and residential.
Breeding a new breed
Khrenovskaya stud farm was conceived as a haven for a new unique breed of horses. According to the count, the horse should be frisky, hardy and dry. Orlov was a cross between an Arabian stallion and a Western European horse mare. For the selection of breeding material, he reviewed hundreds of animals. At the behest of Empress Catherine II, the count received the best queens and stallions from all the Russian stud farms, trophy horses from Turkey and Arabia. Thus, he became the owner of almost thirty pedigree stallions. For horse breeding this is an impressive figure.
In fact, the introduction of the magnificent Arabian stallion Smetanki to Russia can be considered a reference to the creation of the Oryol trotter breed. In those days, fabulous money was given for him - 60 thousand silver. We bought a horse from the Turkish Sultan. For comparison, the country's annual budget was limited to only 25 thousand rubles. As a result, with the security certificate and under guard, the Arabian stallion Smetanka was delivered to Russia. Since the path was on land, across the border with Poland and Hungary, the road took two years.
Search for suitable horses
What exactly attracted the attention of Count Smetanka Orlov? He was a tall Arabian stallion with a long hull. It is interesting that after opening, a curious defect was discovered: the animal turned out to be 19 pairs of ribs, and not 18. His suit was unique - almost white, like sour cream. The horse possessed excellent gait, especially a beautiful trot.
Unfortunately, Smetanka did not live long in Russia, and not many foals were obtained from him. There are several options for his death. According to the most common version, it is believed that the stallion became a victim of the groom. With a hangover, he roughly jerked him at a watering place. The horse twitched and rolled over, hitting his head on the well. For less popular versions of the sensitive Arabian horse , climate and feed did not fit.
Further development
To create the breed, the Oryol trotter used only one foal from Smetanka - Polkan. By that time, the count already clearly understood what he would like to receive as a result. A particularly important criterion is the ability to trot for a long time, since it was the most economical gait, convenient for the crew. Of the first bet foals from Smetanka, Bars I was most used. Already from him were Lyubesny and Swan.
Even after the death of Count Khrenovsky, the stud farm continued its work. To test a new breed of horses came up with special training - running. It was necessary that the horse ran only at a certain distance.
Khrenovsk stud farm: a trip to the present
Today the stud farm is one of the largest in Russia. He is still engaged in the conservation and revival of the Oryol trotter breed. The young are trained, records are set, the enterprise is developing. Recently, tours have been conducted. The ancient architecture is preserved, which makes the complex also a historical monument.
There is a museum on the territory of the plant. In addition to the unique architecture, one can get acquainted with the history of the most famous trotters at the exposition. Here are photos, pedigrees, awards. All these exhibits are carefully collected in the museum. A mini-layout of the entire plant is also stored there, as well as documents, such as books, taking into account all the wins and losses. All visitors are led through the Levadas and stables, telling interesting facts about the trotters.
If you are a big fan of horses, you are welcome to the Khrenovskaya stud farm! It is not difficult to remember his address: Voronezh region, Sloboda village, Bolshaya street. Note that the school is located on the territory of the enterprise. It will be especially interesting for people who plan to become riders and take part in races. The work of the complex involves about five hundred people. Thanks to state support, the Khrenovsk plant is one of the most sought after in the country.