Khrenovo stud farm - the pride of Russia

Russia is a big country. It has many special places that are considered a symbol of this vast territory. Khrenovskaya stud farm is not only an architectural monument, but also a home for a unique breed of horses - the Oryol trotters. To date, this is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Especially for these horses a special kind of test is carried out - running for a certain distance.

Location and history of the founder

The location of the stud farm is Khrenovoye village, Bobrovsky district, Voronezh region. Hence the name "Khrenovskaya" appeared. The factory was founded by Count Orlov-Chesmensky in the 18th century. The founder's personality is more than known. Approached by Catherine II, albeit not fluent in foreign languages and not possessing impressive knowledge, he left a remarkable mark in history.

Not always Alex was a count. He was born in the family of the governor of Novgorod. He spent relatively happy childhood with his brothers, he graduated from the Landed Gentry Corps. Carried out a poor and cheerful youth. Actively participated in the palace coup. Presumably killed (unknown, accidentally or intentionally) by Peter III. He was in relationship with the future empress. She also granted all the brothers noble titles. From that moment the story of Count Orlov begins.

Construction of the complex

So, having received land in the Voronezh region, the count decides to start breeding a new breed of horses. For this he wants to build a solid plant for breeding. Therefore, the Count invites the talented architect D. I. Zhilyardi. As a result, the work began to boil. Only eight years built the complex. Khrenovskaya stud farm already in the 18th century has become a truly great creation. In the future, this will not only be the home 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 is about 30 hectares. The section of the regular rectangular shape is divided by a running circle into two unequal parts. Conditionally, the complex can be divided into three zones - industrial, administrative and residential and economic.

Excretion of a new breed

Khrenovskoy stud farm was conceived as a haven for a new unique breed of horses. According to the count, the horse must be quick, hardy and dry. Orlov represented something between the Arabian stallion and the West European draft 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 stud farms in Russia, trophy horses from Turkey and Arabia. Thus, he became the owner of almost thirty tribal stallions. For horse breeding it is an impressive figure.

In fact, the count of the creation of the Oryol trotter can be considered the importation of the magnificent Arab stallion Smetanki to Russia. At that time he was given fabulous money for him - 60 thousand silver. We bought a horse from the Turkish sultan. For comparison, the annual budget of the country was limited to only 25 thousand rubles. As a result, with an embassy and under escort, the Arabian stallion Smetanka was brought to Russia. As the road traveled by land, across the border with Poland and Hungary, the road took two years.

Finding suitable horses

What exactly did Smetanka draw the look of Count Orlov? He was a tall stallion for the Arabian breed, with a long body. Interestingly, after the autopsy a curious defect was found: the animal had 19 pairs of ribs, not 18. The unique was his suit - almost white, like sour cream. The horse had excellent gait, especially a beautiful trot.

Unfortunately, in Russia Smetanka did not live long, and from it it was possible to receive not so many foals. There are several options for his death. According to the most common version it is believed that the stallion became a victim of a groom. With a hangover, he roughly jerked it to the watering hole. The horse jerked and rolled over, banging his head against the well. On less popular versions of the sensitive Arabian horse , the climate and food did not fit.

Further development

To create the breed, the Oryol trotter used only one foal from Smetanki-Polkan. By that time, the Count had already clearly imagined what he would like to receive in the end. A particularly important criterion is the ability to trot for a long time, as it was the most economical pace, convenient for the crew. Of the first betting foals from Smetanki, Bars I was the most used. Already he was received by Lyubezny and Swan.

Even after the death of Count Khrenovskoy, 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 trot at a certain distance.

Khrenovskaya stud farm: an excursion into the present

Today, the stud farm is one of the largest in Russia. He is still engaged in the conservation and revival of the breed Orlov trotter. Young people are trained, records are set, the enterprise develops. Recently, there are excursions. The old 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, the exhibition can get acquainted with the history of the most famous trotters. Here are photos, pedigrees, awards. All these artifacts are carefully collected in the museum. There is also a mini-layout of the entire plant, as well as documents, for example books taking into account all the wins and losses. All visitors are led to the left and the stables, telling interesting facts about the trotters.

If you are a great lover of horses, welcome to the Khrenovskaya stud farm! The address is memorable: Voronezh Region, Sloboda Village, Bolshaya Street. Note that the school is located on the territory of the enterprise. Especially interesting here will be people who plan to become riders and take part in the races. The complex employs about five hundred people. Thanks to the support of the state Khrenovskoy plant is one of the most popular in the country.