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The Russian Riding Horse, also known as the Orlov-Rostopchin Horse, is a versatile breed renowned for its athleticism, endurance, and adaptability. It has historically been bred for both riding and driving purposes, but also excelled in Classical Dressage and Racing. This breed's development stems from crossing native Russian mares with various European breeds, resulting in a robust and capable horse suitable for a variety of equestrian disciplines.


This breed's development started in the 17th century by crossing native Russian mares with various European breeds, as well as Turkomen, Arabian and Thoroughbred blood. ...[READ MORE]


Cheshire Farms is home to a small selection of Rostopchins. Our program is based on a Riding Horse and Warmblood frame, with a strong atheletic build. Colors seen in our program are Black, Sooty Bay, and Brown with genes like DP and S+.

The Rostopchin has an open stud book, where approval is based on performance and type. Due to the diminished bloodline, many outside Studs have been approved from different breeds, such as the Russian Trakehner, Ukrainian Riding Horse, and Akhal Teke. While there isn't a strict breed standard, there are certain general characteristics are typically expected.

• They should stand between 16 to 16.2hh.
• Have a well-proportioned muscular build suitable for both riding and driving.
• Head is typically refined with a straight or slightly convex profile.
• Common Colors are Bay, Brown, and Black. Chestnut and Grey can be seen and more rarely Buckskin and Palomino from the Akhal Teke.
• White markings on the face and legs are minimal.

Here at Cheshire Farms we like to follow the Mares line. Each of our foundation mares has a unique name, starting with a different letter of the Alphabet. Every daughter born from her will have a name starting with the same letter (i.e. Dam Agrafina, daughter Abaigael). Colts are named independently, but will share a part of their sires name (i.e. Sire Stepan, son Estepan).


Since these horses do not carry any special genes, they will all be available publicly and will be able to be found using the search option here.

Cheshire Farms began in May 2020 with a focus on breeding Dun Appaloosas. With hard work an dedication to the breed, we are now over 15 generations strong. Our foundation is built upon excellent breeding stock and rigorous testing. You can expect the same dedication from any breeding program hosted by Cheshire Farms. Click here to learn more about Cheshire Farms.