The Tersk light saddle breed was developed during the 1920-40's at Tersk and Stavropol studs. Since the initial gene pool was limited, the Arabian stallions Koheilan IV, Marosh and Nasim were brought in to produce the Tersk breed. Selection was directed toward a breed as smart as the Arabian but more massive and better adapted to improved taboon management. Crossing with the Strelets stallions followed by inbreeding produced the new breed. The Tersk type is quite close to the Arabian.
Tersk horses perform well both in flat racing, classic events and, particularly, in the dressage.
They are widely used in circuses. Tersk horses are known for their remarkable endurance. All the horses which participated in a 310-km distance race easily reached the finish. The Tersk has solid build and sound health. It is a long-lived horse.