Ukrainian riding breed was confirmed in October, 1990. Crossing of local horses with trakehner, hannoveraner and Hungarian stallions was started immediately after the World War II. But the primary aim was oriented on getting more draft then riding breed. Starting from 1953 priority was changed because of the equestrians’ development in Ukraine.Considering new tasks thoroughbred and Russian riding horses’ blood was involved in breeding process.

Horses were selected according to their height, exterior, quality of basic gaits and other. The best youngsters at the age of 1.5 years old were broken in and trained under saddle. 2 years old horses were used in races at the hippodrome in Lvov. Horses of 3 years old and older were also used in other equestrian disciplines.

As a result of long-term selection a large group of sport horses was created on the territory of Ukraine. These horses were good for dressage, show jumping, eventing, horse tourism and national games. Popularity of Ukrainian breed increased after  XIX Olympian games (1968) in Mexico, where soviet rider Ivan Kizimov aboard 10 years old ukrainian Ikhor took gold. In 1980 in Moscow three soviet riders Very Misevich aboard Plot, Yuriy Kovshov aboard Igrok and Viktor Ugrumov aboard Shkval became team Olympian champions in dressage.
Ukrainian riding horses are used to have elegant exterior, nice basic gaits. The main colors are black and bay.  Average height in withers is 164-165 cm. These horses are very kind-natured and can be used in any equestrian discipline.