Horse Breeds
A
B C D
E F G
H I J
K L M
N O P
Q R S
T U V
W X Y
Z
A - Horse
Breeds
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is found in Ethiopia and is a pony/light horse
breed. There is a great deal of variability in it coloration,
size and conformation.
Akhal Teke
The Akhal Teke is an ancient Turkmene horse from Asia
where it was used by nomadic tribes and used as a war horse.
The Akhal Teke's amazing stamina was demonstrated in an
endurance ride across 2,600 miles from Ashkhabad to Moscow
over 84 days, including 3 days traveling across the desert
without water.¹
Albanian
Albanian The Albanian is a small horse belonging to the Balkan
group There are two types of Albanian horse. The Mountain and
the Plains the plains is the larger standing at 13.2 hands the
mountain type stand about 12.2. The Albanian is known for its
freedom of movement, agility in hard terrain, and endurance.
The plains is good for long distance, and is very strong for
its size The Albanian are hardy horses often used for
carriages as well as for riding and light draft.
Altai
Altai In the typical native Altai the head is average in
length, large and somewhat coarse; the neck is fleshy; the
back is long and slightly dipped; the croup is well developed,
the legs are short and properly set. Occasional defects in
conformation include sloping pasterns and bowed hocks. The
average measurements (in cm) are: stallions - height at
withers 147, chest girth 170, cannon bone girth 19; mares:
142, 170 and 18,5 respectively. The colors are chestnut, bay,
black and grey, sometimes chupardy spotted.
American Bashkir Curly Horse
The American Bashkir Curly has recently been imported to
Britain. It is a very sensible horse and very affectionate.
The coat is Hypo allergenic allowing most people with horse
allergies to be around them with little or no effect.
American Cream Draft
The American Cream Draft horse is classified as a medium-heavy
draft type. The average weight of mares being 1600 to 1800
pounds at maturity. Stallions will weigh from 1800 pounds to a
ton. They will stand 15 to 16.3 hands. We find this size most
desirable for those harnessing, hitching, and driving these
easily trained, good disposition, willing to work, Cream of
Draft Horses today .
American Creme and White
American Creme and white Being a color breed conformation in
the American White and American Creme will vary according to
each individual's bloodlines. Those descendants of the
foundation sire, Old King, continue to follow the conformation
listed earlier, with one exception: the height requirements
allow for shorter horses. Many are in the 14h - 14.2h range
now. The American White, regardless of breeding, must have
pink skin and truly white coloring ... no slight pigmentation
of hair allowed. A few, small scattered spots are permissible
(Usually found around eye, chest, and on genital areas, but
only on skin, not on hair, these spots frequently are not
exhibited until the foal approaches 18 months in age.).
American Paint Horse
The Paint Horse is descended from Spanish horses brought
to the US and was popular with the American Indians as a war
horse. The American Paint Horse is not strictly a breed but to
qualify as a Paint Horse, horses must come from Quarter Horse,
US Thoroughbred, or Paint Horse breeding.¹
American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred was developed in Kentucky in the
19th Century by plantation owners who desired a horse which
was both comfortable to ride and of superior looks. Its
origins go back to the importation of the Old English Ambler
(now extinct) and the English Thoroughbred. The American
Saddlebred Horse Association Inc was formed in 1891 and was
the first horse breed registry in the USA.¹
American Walking Pony
The foundation cross that produced the American Walking Pony
was the Reg. Tennessee Walking Horse and the Reg. Welsh Pony.
The Walking Horse contributed the smooth saddle gait and the
Welsh, the lovely head and long arched neck. Ponies of various
bloodlines of this cross were accepted for registration.
Andalusian
Andalusian horses originated in the Iberian Peninsula in
the region of Andalusia. The Romans and Greek valued this
breed greatly, and it is often found in ancient paintings
depicting it as a warhorse, some of which have been dated as
being over 20,000 years old.¹
Andravida
Found in the region of Ilia in Greece the Andravida is a light
riding and draft breed. Developed in the early 20th century
from Anglo-Norman crossed with local breeds. Nonius stallions
were used after 1920. The herdbook was established in 1995.
The breed is nearly extinct.
Anglo-Arab
Mixing the Arabian with the English Thoroughbred horse breeds
produces the Anglo Arab horse. The Anglo Arab horse breed is a
favourite in Europe and they are selectively bred in France
and the Janow stud in Poland. They are now almost exclusively
known as a sport horse. The Anglo Arab has also been
instrumental in the Selle Francais horse breed.
Anglo-Kabarda
This breed was created in the northern regions of Caucasus in
Russia by crossing Kabarda mares with Thoroughbred stallions
at the Malokarachaevski and Malkin studs. the bay stallions
Lestorik (1939) and Lukki (1939) and the dark bay stallion
Lok-Sen (1923) were of particular importance in development of
the breed. The Thoroughbred breeding comprises from 25 to 75
percent in the present day Anglo-Kabarda breed. Anglo-Kabarda
horses are well suited to the climate of the Caucasus,
thriving at pasture the year round and are able to negotiate
difficult mountain terrain skillfully. At the same time, they
are much larger and faster than the purebred Kabarda, and the
conformation is more like that of the Thoroughbred.
Appaloosa
The Appaloosa horse is a very ancient breed, and is
depicted in cave paintings as far back as prehistoric times.
Originally they existed in Persia, China and Egypt, and were
later bred in Spain and developed into a riding horse. After
being taken to Mexico in the 16th Century they then spread
across North America.¹
Arappaloosa
The Arappaloosa is a horse of great quality. with color,
elegance, ability, and stamina The Arappaloosa has the color,
good temperament and personality of the Appaloosa. With the
refined bloodlines and color of the Arabs
Arabian
The Arabian horse originates from the deserts of Asia and
the most famous are the horses of the Bedouin Arabs, often
known as the Elite Arab. These horses were used as a cavalry
horse by the Moslems and taken to North Africa, Spain and
France. They were left behind when the Moslems left these
lands and were free to breed with local horses, resulting in
many new breeds such as the Andalusian.¹
Ardennes
Ardennes The heavy horse of the Ardennes region of France, and
Belgium Has to be the doyen of the European heavy breeds.
Head: low flat forehead and slightly prominent eye sockets.
The neck is heavy muscular and arched
Feet: the feet are small though strong and well formed
Body: the bone structure is enormous the girth is deep The
withers are on line or lower than the croup Limbs: very short
and very strong and heavily feathered
Back: Short Color: Roan, Red-Roan, Iron-grey, Dark Chestnut,
and Bay And palomino
Height: Between 15-16 hands
Argentine Criollo
The Argentine Criollo is a light riding horse found in
Argentina and Uruguay. They are of the Criollo type and were
revived in the period from 1875 to 1890.
Asturian
The Asturian pony has a small although sometimes rather heavy
head, with a straight profile.
Australian Brumby
This is a breed of wild horses in Australia. Once domestic
horses that either escaped or were abandoned around 1851.
Australian Stock Horse
As Australia developed rapidly with the exploration following
the 1830's, knowledgeable horse breeders imported a steady
stream of Thoroughbreds to improve the local horse strains.
The use of Thoroughbred stallions over the condition-hardened
local mares produced the beautiful strain of tough but stylish
animal exemplified by today's Australian Stock Horse.
Avelignese Pony Horse
Bred for more than 3000 years in Turkmenistan (a desert region
north of Iran) and raised to withstand extreme desert
conditions, it is a tough, hardy horse ideal for endurance
riding.
Azteca
The Azteca horse was the first breed developed in Mexico, and
was the result of crossing Andalusians with quarter horses and
criollos. the native Indians used them for hunting buffalo and
fighting wars, and they became prized possessions.
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B - Horse Breeds
Balearic
The Balearic originated in Spain on the Island of Majorca. It
is used mainly for a riding pony and stands 14 h.h.
Bali Pony
Researchers at the beginning of the twentieth century
attempted to trace the origins of these small horses and
believed that they descended from the horses of Mongolia and
western Asia.
Baluchi
The Baluchi horse is found in parts of Baluchistan and Sind
Provinces and districts of Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan,
Muzaffargarh and Multan in Punjab Province. The color varies
from bay, chestnut or gray. They are used for pleasure riding,
tent pegging and for pulling 'tongas'. They are medium sized
with a fine head, long neck, pointed ear tips touching each
other, and the legs are fine and strong. In Pakistan, most of
the horses are light in build and larger than ponies.
Reminiscent of the Kathiawari of India, the Baluchi has very
turned-in ears. Reports have stated that the Baluchi horse is
related to the West African Barb through horses of Mali known
as Beledougou, or Banamba.
Banker
The Banker Pony stands about 14 hands and is a semi-feral
breed that originated on the Outer Bank Islands of North
Carolina, including Shackleford Island which is only nine
miles long. They are thought originated from Spanish horses
since the 16th century.
Ban-ei
The Ban-ei race horse originated in Japan. Its main use is for
racing. It is a heavy, draft type bred for Ban-ei Keiba race
in which the horse pulls a heavy sledge. It originated from
the Percheron and Breton. It stands 14.3 to 16.1 h.h.
Barb
The Barb is a light riding horse which originated in the
Maghreb region of northern Africa. There are several varieties
including Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian. This is the
foundation breed of the West African Barb and the Spanish Barb
which was developed in the United States. The Barb is speedy
over a short distance and is well known for it's unpredictable
temper.
Bashkir
The Bashkir is a small, wide-bodied and bony horse. It has a
massive head and a short and fleshy neck. The withers are low,
the back erect and broad, the croup nicely rounded, the ribs
long and well sprung, the chest broad and deep and the legs
short and bony. The mane and tail are thick.
Bashkir Curly
In recent years the Bashkir Curly has performed well in a wide
range of equestrian events including Barrel Racing, Pole
Bending, Western Riding, Reining, Gymkhana Events, Hunter,
Jumper, Roping, English Equitation, Western Pleasure, Gaited
Pleasure, Competitive and Endurance Trail Riding, Dressage and
Driving.
Basuto Pony
The Basuto Pony is found in Lesotho, which is an enclave of
South Africa. It is used for exclusively for riding and only
cattle are used for Draught purposes.
Belgian
The Belgian horse is a heavy, powerful horse, native to
the fertile pastures of Belgium. These were horses that
carried knights into battle in medieval Europe. They provided
the genetic material from which nearly all the modern draft
breeds originated.¹
Belgian Draught Horse (Brabant)
The Belgian Draught horse - or
Brabant - is one of the oldest of the Draught horse breeds.
They have earned a reputation as strong and willing work
horses.
Bhirum Pony
The Bhirum Pony is a dwarf breed found in the northern regions
of Nigeria.
Bhotia Pony
The Bhotia Pony is found in Nepal, Bhutan and the Sikkim and
Darjeeling regions of India. They are a riding and pack
animal, similar to the Tibetan Pony but less broad. They are
most often white (gray) or bay in coloration.
Black Forest
(Also Known By: Black Forest, Schwarzwälder Kaltblut, St.
Märgener, Wälderpferd)
This horse originated in the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg
in southern Germany. It's a small, hardy draft horse which is
suitable for the highlands with its long winters. It looks
like a big Haflinger or a little Noriker. Selected for work in
farming and forest in hilly regions. Nowadays it is also often
used as coach horse and for riding. It is nimble and lively,
has a good character, high fertility and is long-lived. The
color, which is a part of the name, is mostly sorrel with
light mane and tail, most popular is the dark silver dapple.
Boer
The history of the Boer horse is as old as the history of the
white civilization in Southern Africa. The growth and
development of the breed were parallel and inseparably
connected to the history of the white settlers.
Breton
The Breton horse originated in France. It is used for heavy
draft and farm work. It stands 15 to 16 h.h.
Buckskin
The Buckskin is thought to of originated from the Spanish
Sorraia. The Norwegian Dun, found today in Norway and other
Scandinavian countries is a breed so old that his actual
origin is lost in antiquity. However, there are many
indications that even he obtained his Dun Coloring from the
horses of Spain. The blood of the Sorraia (and the Norwegian
Dun as well) filtered into nearly every breed found in the
world today, hence the fact that the Buckskin, Dun or Grulla
may be found in nearly every breed.
Budyonny
The Budenny, pronounced "bood-YAW-knee" (and, depending on
translation from the Russian also spelled Budyonny or, less
commonly, Budonny or Budennovsky) horse is one of Russia's
most popular and versatile native warmblood sport horses.
Boulonnais
The Boulonnais is said to descend from the horses imported by
Julius Caesar's legions, which stayed along the coasts of the
Pas-de-Calais before invading what is now Great Britain. Much
later came the Crusades and the Spanish occupation of
Flanders. These events brought a great deal of Oriental and
Andalusian blood to the Boulonnais area. Additional crosses
with Andalusian stock and Mecklenburg blood from Germany
further shaped the breed.
Breton
This breed has certainly developed over time. During the
Middle Ages, there were two strains; the Sommier Breton and
the Rossier. At the end of the 19th century, another
development called the Draught Breton.
Byelorussian Harness
The Byelorussian Harness breed was formed on the basis of the
native northern forest type horses improved by the Dole (from
Norway), Ardennes and Brabancon breeds. The Dole influence was
the strongest.
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C - Horse Breeds
Camargue
These ponies live in a harsh climate in the Rhone delta of
southern France. They are able to survive on salty reeds and
rough grass.
Campolina
The Campolina breed was formed in Entre Rios de Minas, Minas
Gerais in Brazil. The breed was developed by Cassiano
Campolina on his farm Fazenda Tamque. Mr. Campolina began his
horse operation in 1857, however most people agree that the
real development of the breed is 1870 when he received a black
mare named "Medéia" from a friend. This mare was Brazilian (
Barb Blood) and was breed by a pure Andalusian stallion
belonging to Mariano Procópio who had received it as a present
of the emperor Dom Pedro II. Medéia gave birth to a beautiful
dark gray colt, a half blood Andalusian, named "Monarca"
considered the founder of the Campolina breed. He served
during 25 years in the herd of "Fazenda Tanque". Since the
beginning, Cassiano Campolina concentrated his work of
selection and genetic improvement in obtaining animals of
great brio and smooth gait.
Canadian
The Canadian Horse or Le Cheval Canadien originated from
horses sent to Quebec by King Louis XIV in the late 1600's.
These horses, the best from the King's stable, were of French
Norman, Breton, Arab, Andalusian and Spanish Barb descent.
Carthusian
The Carthusian originated in Spain. It is also known as the
Carthusian-Andalusian, and Carthujano. It is used for riding
and is 15.2 h.h. The Carthusian is not a separate breed from
the Andalusian, but is a distinct side branch of that breed
and usually considered the purest strain remaining. This is
one of Spain's most prestigious lines of the Spanish horse and
has one of the oldest stud books in the world.
Caspian
The Caspian is perhaps the most ancient of breeds, and is
believed to have been extinct for over 1000 years before 1965.
The Caspian is probably the most direct ancestor of all light
horse breeds and is extremely rare.¹
Cayuse
Small and stocky, the Cayuse Indian Pony has high withers and
an unusually long canon bone. In addition, its distinctly
sloped pastern gives it a broken walking gait. Any rider,
especially younger children, will find this an extremely
pleasant and easy seat.
Cheju
The Cheju originated in Korea from the Cheju Province. It is
used for riding and light draft and stands 11 h.h. The Cheju
island is off the southern coast of South Korea.
Chilean Corralero
The Chilean Corralero has its origins in the Spanish horse.
Spanish horses arrived with the Spanish conqueror Pedro de
Valdivia (1541). These horses were obtained from southern Peru
(they arrived there with Francisico Pizarro in 1514). In 1557
Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza, the new governor, arrived in Chile
with 42 horses of the famous caste of the Guzmanes and
Valenzuelas, marking the beginning of the Chilean horse breed.
Chincoteague Pony
Shetland and Welsh pony blood has been introduced to improve
these two little known breeds. The ponies are feral and their
numbers are carefully maintained as a sustainable level.
Cleveland Bay
The Cleveland Bay is probably the oldest British breed,
developed from a packhorse known as the Chapman horse. In the
17th century, Andalusian and Barb blood was introduced to
produce a fine carriage horse - named the Cleveland Bay.
Motorized transport saw the breed decline, but when crossed
with the thoroughbred, the breed produces excellent
heavyweight hunters and carriage horses.
Clydesdale
The Clydesdale horse has its origins from Flemish
stallions from Belgium which were imported into Scotland in
the 18th century and bred with native draught horses for
agricultural work and the coal mining industry. In the 19th
century Clydesdale horses were exported to Australia and New
Zealand.¹
Colorado Ranger Horse
There are many different coat colorings for this breed, many
of which are spotted. These horses have gentle dispositions,
making first-class riding animals and often working with cows
on ranches.
Comtois Horse
This breed is thought to have existed since the fourth
century. This breed has short, sturdy legs making them ideal
for rough terrain.
Connemara Pony
Ireland's only native pony is elegant, intelligent and
probably the best performance pony breed. Their original
breeding is lost in history, but it may owe much to Barb and
Spanish horss introduced in the 6th century BC. In the late
19th century, Welsh blood was introduced, as was thoroughbred
and hackney. The Connemera Pony Breeders' Society was set up
in 1923.
Criollo
This intelligent horse is primarily a cattle horse in
Argentina. Descended from the Barb and Andalusian horses of
the 16th century Conquistadores, generations of exposure on
the pampas have made it one of the hardiest horses. Crossed
with the thoroughbred, it produces an outstanding type for
polo.
Crioulo
The Crioulo is from Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. It is a
variety of Criollo or native horse of the region.
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D - Horse Breeds
Dales Pony
Similiar to the Fell pony. This breed can carry huge amounts
of weight. Used for carrying loads of lead ore from mines.
Today, they can be found in both riding and driving.
Danish Warmblood
One of the more recent of the selectively bred European
competition horses is the Danish Warmblood, whose stud-book
was not opened until the 1960s. In a relatively short space of
time, however, Danish breeders have succeeded in producing a
competition horse of superior quality and more versatility
than many of the European breeds.
Danube
The Danube is a light riding and draft horse found in
Bulgaria. The originated during the 1920's from crossing the
Nonius, Pleven, halfbred riding and local breeds with Russian
Trotter and Thoroughbred breeding. They are usually black or
bay.
Dartmoor Pony
The Dartmoor has been influenced by many breeds over the
centuries and was once used by miners to carry tin down from
the moors. It is hardy and surefooted, and its build and
temperament make it an ideal child's first pony.
Deliboz
This breed of oriental saddle horses was formed in Kazakh,
Akstafa and Tauz regions of Azerbaijan and adjacent areas of
Georgia and Armenia. Some earlier publications described it as
the "Kazakh" horse of Azerbaijan or as the Azerbaijan horse.
Djerma
The Djerma is found in middle Niger in western Africa. It is a
light horse breed which is predominately dark in coloration.
The Djerma originated from the Barb and Dongola breeds.
Døle
(Also Known By: Dølehest (Norway), Døle-Gudbrandsdal,
Gudbrandsdal)
This breed originated in the Gudbrandsdal Valley which
connects the Oslo region with the North Sea coast. It is
likely that the Friesian played a part in the breeding of the
Døle due to the similarity between the two. The Friesians
traded heavily with Britain, Norway and the Rhine Delta during
the period from 400 to 800 A.D.
Dongola
The Dongola is a light horse found in northern Sudan and
western Eritrea. The breed is reddish-bay and often has a
white face-blaze and feet. The West African Dongola and
Sudanese Country Bred were developed from the Dongola. The
breed is rare.
Dülmen Pony
The Dülmen Pony is a riding horse found in the region of
Germany surrounding Münsterland, Westphalia. They are found in
all colors and originated from the semi-feral herd found on
the Duke of Croy's estate at Meerfelder Brunch.
Dutch Draft
The Dutch Draft horse originated in Holland. It used for heavy
draft and farm work. The average height is 16 h.h.
Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood is a modern sport horse derived from the
selective breeding of German, French, and English horses
crossed with the native Dutch stock. Dutch Warmblood horses,
are famous for their character, soundness and athletic ability
and are exported to all corners of the globe. Many are
international winners under the flags of many different
nations in international competitions and Olympic Games.
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E - Horse Breeds
East Bulgarian
The East Bulgarian is a light riding and draft horse, usually
chestnut, bay or black. They have originated since 1900 from
Thoroughbred and English Halfbred crossed with Anglo-Arab,
Arab and Bulgarian Native horses.
Egyptian
The Egyptian is a light riding horse of the Arab type found in
Egypt. The herdbook for the breed was formed in 1900.
Eriskay Pony
The Eriskay Pony is the only surviving variety of Hebridean
pony and are found on the Hebrides islands off the coast of
Scotland. They originated from the Celtic type with no
imported bloodlines. The Eriskay pony is almost extinct.
Estonian Native
(Also Known by: Mestnaya estonskaya, Estonskaya loshad,
Estonian Klepper, Estonian Pony)
The Estonian Native is one of the few breeds which has
retained the characteristic features of the native northern
horse and were not significantly influenced by crossing with
other breeds. It played an important role in the formation of
the Obva (now extinct) and Vyatka breeds. The breed has also
been used with the Hackney in the formation of the Tori breed
and with Ardennes in forming the Estonian Draft.
Exmoor Pony
The Exmoor pony is the oldest and purist of the British native
pony breeds. The ponies have roamed the bleak, open moors of
southwestern England, known as Exmoor, for centuries.
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F - Horse Breeds
Faeroes Pony
The horses found on the Faeroe Islands are one of the oldest
and purest breeds of horses found today. They are comparable
with the Icelandic Pony in that they also are of ancient
origin and have been bred pure, at least in part, due to
isolated conditions.
Falabella
The origin of the Falabella horse is intimately linked to the
origins of the horse in Latin America. The Andalusian horses
that the Spaniards brought with them to accomplish the
enormous task of the conquest, chosen for their rusticity and
resistance, were later left to survive on their own due to
unsuccessful attempts to conquer the area's human inhabitants.
Fell Pony
The Fell pony is renowned for its strength - when used for
carting lead , on the western side of the Pennines, it was
reputedly carried daily loads of 220 lb for up to 30 miles.
Finnish Draught
The Finnish Draught has a fast-stepping stride and is
well-suited to hard agricultural work.
Finnhorse
A descendant of the northern European domestic horse, the
Finnhorse belongs to the general horse breeds, having both
warmblood and heavier draft blood influence. The breed is also
called the Finnish Universal because it is said to fulfill all
needs for horses in Finland from draft to speedy trotting
races to riding.
Fleuve
The Fleuve is found in Senegal in western Africa. It is a
light horse breed which was developed by crossing Barb with
the local pony breed. The Fleuve is the origin of the Fouta
breed.
Florida Cracker
(Seminole Pony, Chickasaw Pony, Florida Horse, Florida
Cow-Pony) The Crackers take their name from the whip
"crackers" who herded and penned wily Spanish cattle, this
breed developed in Florida primarily as cow ponies. Similar in
heritage and size to Paso Finos, etc., many Crackers have a
running walk or a single foot rack.
Fouta
The Fouta is a light horse breed found in Senegal in western
Africa. It is a composite breed of Fleuve and M'Bayar.
Frederiksborg
The Frederiksborg is the oldest horse breed in Denmark, and
can be traced back to the horses of the royal stud at
Frederiksborg. In its prime, this was one of the finest studs
in Europe. During the eighteenth century the Frederiksborg was
one of the world's most famous horse breeds. The breed was
highly valued as a good school horse, reliable and elegant. It
also made a high-class carriage horse and military charger.
Frederiksborg horses were used to form or improve other breeds
through the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
French Saddlebred
Developed in the 1950's from halfbreds, including Anglo-Norman
and its derivatives Charentais, Charolais, Vendeen and also
Corlais, the French Saddlebred is a light riding horse found
throughout France.
French Trotter
The French Trotter originated in the 20th century from the
Norman Coach Horse with Thoroughbred, Hackney and American
Trotter bloodlines included. They are found in the Normandy
region of France.
Friesian
The Friesian horse is unique, truly a breed to be
proud of. It developed from a very old breed which was
inherent to all of western Europe. It's the only horse native
to Holland. Historically speaking, the Friesian horse has been
influenced by eastern bloodlines and has often been threatened
with extinction. Thanks to the single-mindedness and dauntless
dedication of true horse lovers, one can still appreciate the
many facets of the Friesian horse today. The Friesian is of of the oldest
European breeds, and has been used for many tasks including
farm work and cavalry use. The Friesian was almost extinct
after World War I but was revived during World War II when
motorizes vehicles were in short supply.¹
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G - Horse Breeds
Galiceño
The Galiceño was introduced to the United States in 1958
making it relatively new. The Galiceño has been in the New
World since the Spanish conquistadors brought horses to the
continent in the early sixteenth century. The Galiceño
descended from the Galician of northern Spain and the Garrano
of Portugal. It was among the first sixteen horses landed by
Hernando Cortes when he invaded Mexico from Cuba in 1519.
Galician Pony
Also Known By: Faca galizana, Jaca gallega, Poney gallego,
Poni galaga
The Galician Pony is found in Galicia, in the northwest of
Spain. This is a region with a very wet climate and numerous
low mountains. This breed is used for meat production and for
riding. Its size is between that of a pony and a normal horse.
These animals are very rugged and hardy. A herdbook was formed
in 1994. This breed was used in the development of the
Galiceño.
Gelderlander
The Gelderland's varied genetic heritage is evident in its
appearance. Although warm-blooded, the nose is frequently
convex (Roman) and the head is plain. It has a medium-sized
neck and rather long back. The tail is set quite high. This
breed has good shoulders, generous quarters, and clean legs.
It stands between 15.2 and 16 hands. The most common colors
are chestnut and gray, with frequent white markings on the
face and legs.
German Warmblood
Germany has some of the best competition horses in the world
and one important factor was the foundation of the state stud
at Celle, in 1735, which provided local people with the
services of good stallions at affordable fees. Most of the
horses were bred originally for agricultural and carriage use;
from the early-mid 20th century, more thoroughbred blood has
been introduced to develop types more suited to the leisure
and competition rider. The state has taken an active role to
the current day in ensuring the quality of breeding stallions
which face veterinary inspection before licensing, followed by
ridden performance tests.
Gidran
The modern Gidran is a high quality riding and driving horse
who have achieved recognition in international competitions.
Particularly well known for their athletic ability,
well-balanced temperaments, and sturdy builds. Gidrans excel
in FEI disciplines where the breeds speed, endurance, agility,
and courage are showcased. The Gidran is an endangered breed
with only 200 left in the world.
Golden American Saddlebred
Officially the Golden Saddlebred color was infused in the
American Saddlebred Horse Association through a horse by the
name of Pat Cleburne, who was foaled in 1864. In the Palomino
Horse Breeders of America, the first golden Saddlebred
registered was Pot O’ Gold, later known as Richardson’s Pot O’
Gold. This horse was foaled in 1939 and was bred by S.A. Clift
of Waxahachie, TX, and registered with the ASHA as Clift’s
Pride.
Gotland
The herd of ponies at Lojsta moor on the island of Gotland is
unique. The Gotland pony, or Russ, as it is called in Sweden,
has been called a living relic of the past, and that is
precisely what it is. Thanks to decisive intervention on the
part of the local inhabitants, Sweden's most primordial horses
still live as they have for thousands of years on the wooded
moors of Gotland.
Groningen
The Groningen originated in the Netherlands during the late
1800's from Oldenburg horses bred to the local draft breeds.
The breed almost was lost in the 1970's as most of the animals
were obsorbed into the Dutch Warmblood breed. At that time
only a single purebred stallion remained. Oldenburg blood has
been used to reduce the inbreeding during the reestablishment
of the breed.
Guangxi
The Guangxi pony is distributed in the Yunnan and Sichuan
Provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China.
It is even smaller than the Jianchang and Lijiang, with a
wither height of about 100 cm, the lowest being 86 cm, as
observed in a survey conducted at Jingxi.
Gypsy Vanner
The Gypsy Vanner Horse was bred to pull the colorful gypsy
caravans of England. The breed is half a century old, and was
developed from a combination of Freisian, Clydesdale, Shire,
and Dales pony blood.
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H - Horse Breeds
Hackney
The Hackney has roots in the Norfolk and Yorkshire
Trotters, and also Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Bred for
carriage pulling, the horse was later bred with ponies to
create the Hackney pony.¹
Haflinger
The Haflinger is a small horse that originates from
Austria. The name Haflinger comes from the village of Hafling,
which is actually now in Italy. The Haflinger came to North
America in 1958.¹
Hanoverian
Developed from the Holstein and imported Trakehners and
English horses, particularly the Thoroughbred.
Hequ
The Hequ is found in the Qinghai Province of China and is used
as a pack and draft animal as well as for riding and racing.
Hequ means "river zig". The breed originated in the border
area of Qinghai, Sichuan and Gansu provinces where the Yellow
River makes a large "zig". Prior to 1954 the breed was known
as Nanfan which is often misapplied to the Tibetan horse.
During the T'ang dynasty the Hequ horse was a favored spoil of
war in the region.
Highland Pony
Originally, there were two strains. The mainland pony called
the Garron (at around 14.2) and a smaller strain from the
Western Isles. Cross breeding has standardised the breed.
Hokkaido
Generally called Do-san-ko in Japan as a term of endearment,
the Hokkaido Washu horse is an old breed. The Hokkaido Washu
horse is thought to have been brought during the Edo era
(1600-1867) to Hokkaido by fishermen. These original
importation came from Honshu.
Holsteiner
The Holsteiner is the product of a 750-year-long breeding
program in Germany, providing valuable characteristics for
both farmers and the military. The Holsteiner developed into
one of the great German sporting horses, particularly suited
for jumping, dressage, driving and eventing. Known for its
kind temperament and willingness to work.¹
Hucul
One of the oldest breeds of native ponies in Europe. This
breed resembles the Tarpan horse. A versatile pony used for
riding, driving, farm work, and pack animals.
Hungarian Warmblood
The Hungarian Warmblood or Hungarian Sport horse as it is also
known was developed at the Mezohegyes State Stud in Hungary.
Through selective crossing of native Hungarian horse breeds:
Kisber Felver, Gidran, Furioso-North Star, and Nonius to
established "warmblood sport horse " breeds such as Holsteiner,
Hannoverian, and Dutch Warmblood. The Stud was able to produce
a warmblood breed capable of all modern sport horse
disciplines: dressage, show jumping, eventing, and combined
driving.
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I - Horse Breeds
Icelandic
The Icelandic horse (and although they are pony height they
are referred to as horses) all have tremendous stamina and
strength. They are surefooted and have unusual gaits - in
addition to walk, trot, canter, there is tölt (a four-beat
running walk) and pace (a two-beat, very fast, lateral gait).
Iomud
(Also Known As: Iomudskaya (Russian), Yamud (Iran))
The Iomud breed originates from ancient Turkmenian horses. It
was developed by the Iomud tribe in the Tashauz oasis in
southern Turkmenia. As the breed occupied the margin of the
Turkmenian breed area, it was influenced by steppe breeds.
During the 14th century, it was influenced by Arabian
stallions. In contrast to the Akhal-Teke, the Iomud breed is
kept in herds in the desert and semi-desert.
Irish Draught
Ireland's draught horse dates back to Norman times when
imported horses were crossed with smaller native animals.
Later crosses included Andalusian, to produce an allrounder,
suitable for riding, pulling a trap or working on a small
farm. Now renowned as a heavyweight hunter, and crossed with
the thoroughbred to produce quality hunters and competition
horses.
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J - Horse Breeds
Jinzhou
The Jinzhou horse is found in Jin county, southern Liaodong
peninsula in the Liaoning region of China. They are a riding
and draft horse which is also kept for its meat and milk
production. It has developed in 1926 from the local Mongolian
type crossed with imported light and heavy horse breeds.
Jutland
The Jutland is Denmark's own breed of heavy horse. Its
ancestors have been bred on the Jutland peninsula since the
middle ages and before. Selection for the breed as it appears
today began around 1850. One of the greatest contributions to
the success of the breed came from the stallion Oppenheim who
was imported from England in 1862. Oppenheim was Shire and
Suffolk. Six generations later the stallion Aldrup Menkedal,
who is considered the foundation stallion of the breed, was
born. Almost all Jutland breeding can now be traced back to
Hovding and Prins af Jylland, two of his sons.
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K - Horse Breeds
Kabarda
This is a native North Caucasian breed found mainly in the
Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Republic and in the foothills area
of Stavropol territory. In the process of its formation the
Kabarda was influenced by many breeds - steppe horses, the
Karabakh, the Persian and the Turkmenian. Kabarda horses are
kept in taboons and transferred to mountain pastures in summer
and to the foothills area in winter.
Karabair
The Karabair is one of the most ancient breeds of Central
Asia. Developed in Uzbekistan and northern Tajikistan the
breed was established under the influence of southern and
steppe breeds. It is well adapted to used under saddle and in
harness. It has the typical build of a saddle and harness
horse.
Karabakh
The Karabakh is an ancient mountain saddle breed. It
was developed in Nagorny Karabakh in Azerbaijan between the
Araks and Kura rivers.
Kazakh
This group of steppe horses was numerous as early as the 5th
century B.C. Since then Kazakh horses were influenced by many
breeds - Mongolian, Karabair, Arabian and Akhal-Teke. In the
late 20th century, Kazakh horses have been improved by the
Thoroughbred, Orlov Trotter and Don.
Kentucky Mountain
Saddle Horse
The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse has been bred in the hills
of Kentucky for over 200 years. This horse was never deemed
special by its breeders, for it was bred for practical reasons
only. Life was hard and families were large. The Kentucky
Mountain Saddle Horse was used for a variety of tasks and was
given little attention as to its care. The Kentucky Mountain
Saddle Horse had to adapt to the environment and be a horse
that was considered an easy keeper. Only the strongest and
fittest survived and this served to make the breed a healthy,
strong, and highly intelligent horse.
Kerry Bog Pony
The Kerry Bog Pony is quite small - almost like a Shetland
Pony - about 10 or 11 hands high, with a distinctive dish or
curved face. rather like an Arab. Breed colours are chestnut
with black mane and tail or grey and also bay.
Kiger Mustang
For decades it was largely accepted that the Spanish
bloodlines from which the Mustangs of the American west had
descended were either lost or very diluted in the current day
Mustangs. However, some people speculated that there might be
isolated herds of horses which would still have a strong
Spanish influence. In 1977, a herd of mustangs which appeared
to be largely of Spanish descent were brought in from the
remote and rugged Beaty Butte region in Lake County, Oregon.
The animals were uniformly of a dun coloration, ranging from
brown-dun to nearly white. All had dorsal stripes and zebra
striped legs. Two subsequent groups were gathered from the
same area and were equally uniform in size and color. The
Kiger Mustang shows the classic Barb head and the right size
with an average weight of between 700 and 800 pounds.
Kirdi Pony
The Kirdi Pony is found in the Logone river basin in southwest
Chad and northern Cameroon. It is used primarily as a riding
animal.
Kisber Felver
Kiso
There are records of horses being raised systematically in the
Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture as early as the 6th century.
The region was able to produce, according to legends, 10,000
cavalry mounts for Kiso Yoshinaka’s army. There are today 117
Kiso horses, which are often seen in processions in local
festivals. They are also used as riding horses.
Kladruby
Kladrubian or Kladruber by some also called the Kladruby
Horse. The Old Kladrubian has common origin with the
Lipizzaner in the Spanish - Italian ancestors, however in the
Kladrubian the Italian branch is more dominant, containing the
blood of the Alpine western horse, who already during the
middle-ages was spreading to Italy and along the Apennines.
Knabstrup
The Knabsturp are always spotted in color and, owing to their
great stamina, are good all-round horses. The head is small
and unusual and there is always sclera present around the eye.
Konik
The Konik, which means 'little horse' in Polish, is a breed of
ancient descent found mainly in the lowland farm areas of
Poland, East of the San river, and also in other parts of
Eastern Europe, to where it has been exported. The Konik pony
is mainly bred at the state stud of Jezewice and at Popielno,
where it is selectively bred to maintain the breed
characteristics.
Kushum
(Also Known By: Kushumskaya (Russian), West Kazakh
Saddle-Draft)
The Kushum breed was developed at Pytimarsk and Furman studs
in Urals region of Kazakhstan from 1931 to 1976. The breed was
developed largely from trotter, Thoroughbred, Don, Budyonny
and Kazakh breeding.
Kustanai
The modern Kustanai is a massive horse combining the best
characters of a saddler and the pronounced basic steppe
lineage. Its features include a straight medium-sized head,
wide jaws, medium-long and occasionally short poll;
medium-long straight and low-set neck; wide and well-muscled,
medium-high withers; straight, wide and short back; flat,
solid and well-muscled loin; medium-long, occasionally short,
nicely-rounded croup; long and high-set shoulders; wide and
deep chest; correctly-set legs, well-developed joints, hard
hoofs; strong tendons and ligaments; clean and hardy build.
The Kustanai shows remarkable fitness in a continental
climate. The measurements (in cm) of stallions at stud in 1980
were: height at withers 163, oblique body length 161, chest
girth 188, cannon bone girth 20.3; mares: 160, 159, 189 and
19.2. Color: bay, chestnut, reddish-grey, brown.
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L - Horse Breeds
Latvian
(Also Known As: Latviiskaya (Russian), Latviiskii upryazhnyi
(Russian), Latvian Carrige, Latvian coach, Latvian Draft)
The Latvian breed was developed in Latvia from the beginning
of the 20th century up to 1952 by crossing the native horses
with west European harness and harness-saddle breeds.
Oldenburg, Hanoverian and to a less extent Holstein stallions
had most influence. Between 1921 and 1940, 65 Oldenburg
stallions and 42 Oldenburg mares were imported from the
Netherlands and Germany; they became the core of the breed.
Besides the purebred Oldenburgs, Oldenburg crosses and
Hanoverian, Norfolk Roadster, Ardennes and East Friesians were
widely used. A special role in breed formation was played by
the Okte stud in the Talsa region.
Lithuanian Heavy Draft
This breed was developed in Lithuania by crossing Zhumudka
horses with the Swedish Ardennes. The third and fourth
generation crossbreds (2nd and 3rd backcrosses) were bred
inter se. The breeding began in the early 20th century and the
breed was recognized in 1963. In 1964 there were 62,000
Lithuanian Heavy Drafts, in Lithuania.
Lipizzaner
Lipizzaner horses are one of the best known breeds in the
world. The displays of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
(and on tour) are always popular. In the sixteenth century,
Archduke Charles of Austria imported Andalusian stallions, the
premier dressage horses, to cross with local mares at the
Lipizza Stud.
Lokai
The Lokai is bred in central and southern Tajikistan; it is
classified as a saddle breed of Oriental lineage. The breed
was developed by the Uzbek Lokai tribe through improvement of
local medium-sized horses using various Central Asian breeds,
such as the Iomud and, to a lesser extent, the Akhal-Teke and
the Karabair. Subsequently it was influenced by Arabian
stallions brought from Bukhara.
Losino
The Losino receives its name from the original area where it
is bred, the Losa Valley, in the north of the province of
Burgos (Spain). It is found to be related to other breeds
derived from the Cantabrian-Pyrenean branch: the Portuguese
Garrano, the Galician pony, the Asturian pony, the Thieldon,
the Sorraia, the Navarre horse, the Basque Pottok, the Merens
horse and the extinct Catalan horse.
Lusitano
This close relative of the Andalusian is best known as the
mount of Portuguese bullfighters, although it originated as a
cavalry horse. It is agile and very amenable to training.
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M - Horse Breeds
Malopolski
The Malopolski horse is found in southeastern Poland. It is a
light riding and draft horse which originated since 1963 from
the Lblin and Kielce breeds.
Mangalarga
In 1812 Prince Pedro I presented a young stallion named
SUBLIME to his friend, Gabriel Francisco Junqueira, Baron of
Aldenas and owner of the Hacienda Campo Alegre near Belo
Horizonte, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. SUBLIME was bred to native
mares of Spanish Jennet and Barb blood, many of which were
fast amblers. The get of these breedings were called "Sublime
horses." Later, the Hacienda Mangalarga acquired stock from
Campo Alegre and awakened interest in the horse among local
ranchers. They quickly saw the advantages of the smooth,
cadenced, and rhythmic gait, the "marcha", and the horses were
soon known as "Mangalarga Marchadors."
Marwari
The Marwari horse is native to the Marwar region of India, and
its origins are entwined with local folklore. According to
Shri Mahant Baba Balak Dasji Maharaj, the head Priest of the
Monastery at Kalabar, and a breeder of Marwari horses, the
breed can be traced to a period, "when the ocean was churned
to extract nectar for the Gods...a period when horses had
wings."
M'Bayar
The M'Bayar is a pony breed found in the Baol region of
Senegal. It is thought to have evolved from the Barb. The
breed is found in either bay or chestnut. It was used with the
Fleuve to develop the Fouta breed.
Mérens Pony
The Mérens Pony is native to the Ariège Pyrenees, having the
name of a village in the high mountains close to Andorra.
Paintings of horses strikingly similar to the Mèrens are found
on the walls of the cave at Niaux. Gentle, hardy and
economical, the Mèrens horse has long been a companion to the
"Montagnol" (mountain farmer) and the soldier, notably with
the armies of the Count of Foix Gaston Phoebus in the Middle
Ages, and later Napoleon during the Russian campaign.
Messara
The Messara are found on the island of Crete off the coast of
Greece. It is a light riding and draft horse and is almost
extinct.
Miniature
The American Miniature Horse Association's Standard of
Perfection calls for a small, sound, well-balanced horse,
possessing correct conformation characteristics. These horses
are not dwarves, runts, or "genetic" errors, but are produced
by selectively breeding down in size yet maintaining as
near-perfect conformation as possible.
Misaki
The Misaki originated in Japan. It inhabits the meadow of Cape
Toi, or Toimisaki (misaki means "cape"), on the south side of
Miyazaki Prefecture. Cape Toi is one of the best known and
most important spots for tourism in Kyushu, and the Misaki
ponies run wild in the area.
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotter was developed in the Ozark hills
by early settlers in the 19th century, famed for its durable
riding for long distance ranch work. It soon became apparent
that horse able to perform the easy, broken gait called the
Fox Trot were the most useful in the rocky, forest covered
hills of the Ozarks and selective breeding for the Fox Trot
gait began.¹
Miyako
The Miyako originated in Japan on the Miyako Island. It is
used for riding and light draft.
Mongolian
The Mongolian horse is one of the most important and numerous
breeds found among the indigenous horse breeds of China. They
are distributed widely throughout the Northeast, North China
and the Northwest, mainly in the high plains and highland
areas. It is a dual-purpose horse, used primarily for riding
and carting, but is also used for meat and milk production.
The average wither height of males is 128 cm, females 127 cm,
but body size varies with environmental conditions.
Morab
The myth that surrounds the Morab most often is their status
as a breed. A lot of people misunderstand and consider a Morab
a part-bred while others have termed them half-breeds. Nothing
could be farther from the truth. Morabs (the get of an
Arabian/Morgan breeding) are not half-Morgans or half-Arabian
horses. They are Morabs, a breed. The fact that Morabs have
the proven ability to transmit their distinguishing
characteristics with a high degree of certainty to their
progeny puts this misnomer to rest. Only foundation stock or
first generation Morabs possess both Morab registration and
1/2 Arab or 1/2 Morgan registries. Thus making them a triple
registered animal. Succeeding generations are then bred Morab
to Morab to ensure the growth of the breed.
Morgan
The Morgan horse comes from a single rough-coated colt
known as Justin Morgan, named after his schoolteacher owner,
and thought to have been bred from Dutch, Thoroughbred, or
Arabian breeding lines.¹
Moyle
Rex Moyle developed the Moyle as a light riding horse in Idaho
during the mid-20th century from mustangs brought from Utah.
They are usually bay or brown and often have frontal bosses or
horns. They are rare.
Mustang
A mustang is a small, hardy, naturalized (feral) horse of the
North American west. Because of their hardiness, grace, speed,
and independence, the name "Mustang" is popular for
high-performance products and for sports mascots. The English
word mustang comes from the Mexican Spanish word mestengo,
itself derived from the Spanish mesteño, meaning cattle raised
under the extensive system of the Mesta and strayed.
Murgese
The Murgese is a light draft and riding horse similar to the
Friesian. Found in the area of Murege, Apulia in Italy the
breed is rare. Usually black but also seen in gray they
originated from Oriental horses crossed with the local horses.
The herdbook was established in 1926.
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N - Horse Breeds
National Show Horse
The overwhelming choice for this new breed was an animal that
would combine the beauty, refinement and stamina of Arabian
with the size and high-stepping motion of the American
Saddlebred. With these two breeds as its cornerstone, the
National Show Horse was born in 1981. During its history, the
NSHR has taken steps to make possible the employment of a
variety of combinations of these two basic bloodlines to
produce a breed that continues to surpass its own standards,
the always exciting National Show Horse.
New Forest Pony
There were wild horses in the New Forest at the time of Canute
(c.995-1035) and the breed has been influenced by many others
including the thoroughbred and the Arab. There are still
'wild' herds in the forest, although long used to human
contact they are docile and friendly.
New Kirgiz
New Kirgiz horses are well adapted to highland conditions.
They are used for stock work and meat and milk production.
They are short-legged and massive and they have a strong
constitution. In type and conformation they closely resemble
Don horses.
Newfoundland Pony
The Newfoundland Pony has long been a proud part of
Newfoundland culture and history. Early settlers brought from
the British Isles Exmoor, Dartmoor, New Forest, Galloway,
Welsh, Connemara and the odd Highlands ponies. These ponies,
for nearly three centuries, interbred until one common pony
developed "The Newfoundland Pony".
Noma
The smallest of Japanese local breeds is the Noma horse,
native to the Noma region of Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. It
is said that in the 17th century Lord Hisamatsu of Matsuyama
Han charged local farmers with the breeding of horses. The
smallest of these, the ancestors of the present breed, were
particularly useful as packhorses on steep mountainsides and
on remote islands. There are today 47 Noma horses being kept
by several stud farms in the region. They are used as riding
horses for children and as subjects of study in local schools.
Nooitgedacht Pony
The Nooitgedacht Pony is found in the eastern Transvaal region
of South Africa. It used for both riding and draft. The breed
was developed during the 1950s from the Basuto Pony with some
Boer and Arab blood at the Nooitgedacht Research Station near
Ermelo. The breed is rare.
Noric
The Noric horse, also known as the Noriker, has been bred for
approximately 2000 years in the alpine piedmount of Austria.
The recent status and census of this rare domestic animal
shows the serious position in conservational breeding.
Nordland
This pony is easily trained, willing to work, energetic, and
good tempered. The breed is relatively free of health problems
and will often reach the age of thirty. Nordlands are also
known for retaining their fertility into advanced ages.
Northeastern
The Northeastern is a light horse breed developed in
northeastern Brazil beginning in the 16th century from
Portuguese stock. The coloration of the horse is 40% dark bay,
25% gray, 15% isabella or light bay and 15% sorrel.
North Swedish Horse
Originating from Sweden, the North Swedish Horse is a heavy
draft and farm workhorse. It is of the same origin as the Dole
horse of Norway, which descended from the ancient Scandinavian
native horse.
The North Swedish Horse is a medium sized coldblood. Mare
usually reaches the height of 15 hands while the stallions are
about 15.2 hands. The qualities that the North Swedish Horse
possesses are energy, durability, stamina, and respectable
longevity.
Norwegian Fjord
This unusual looking horse is believed to date back to
prehistoric times and closely resembles the Asiatic wild horse
seen in prehistoric cave paintings. Its history in a rugged,
mountainous area of extreme weather conditions means it is
exceptionally sure-footed and hardy.
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O - Horse Breeds
Ob
The Ob is a draft pony of the North Russian Pony group.
The breed is found in western Siberia in Russia and is rare.
Oldenburg
Germany's heaviest warmblood, it was based on the Fresian
horse and developed as a coach horse. Later breeders
introduced Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay and Hanoverian blood
and - more recently - further infusions of Thoroughbred and
Selle Français have produced a finer horse more suitable for
the competitive disciplines.
Orlov Trotter
One of the foremost trotting breeds, it was developed in
Russia in the 18th century by Count Alexis Orlov. More
recently crossed with imported Standardbreds to produce the
Russian trotter.
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P - Horse Breeds
Paint
Decorated by nature, the origins of the Paint Horse in North
America can be traced back to the two-toned horses introduced
by the Spanish explorers, descendants of horses from North
Africa and Asia Minor. Inevitably, some of these colorful
equines escaped to create the wild herds of horses roaming the
Great Plains. Captured and gentled, they raced alongside the
vast herds of buffalo and traveled hundreds of miles on cattle
drives. Cherished by the finest horsemen of the Western
frontier, both Native Americans and cowboys sought the hardy
horses loudly splashed with color.
Palomino
The Palomino horse or "Golden Horse" is said to be once
the choice of ancient emperors and kings, and has been made
famous in cinema the world over as a favorite of cowboys.¹
Pantaneiro
(Also Known By: Mimoseano, Poconeano, Pantaneiro Criollo)
The Pantaneiro is found in northern Mato Grosso in Brazil. The
normal distribution of colors within this breed is 45% gray,
17% bay, 13% black and white, 10% brown. The breed is well
adapted to the temporary flood conditions that are found in
the Pantanal region. The Pantaneiro is reported to be
resistant to Equine Infectious Anemia. This resistance has
made them the preferable mount in the swampy areas of their
native region.
Paso Fino
The Paso Fino is one of the world's finest riding horses,
originating from a mix of the Berber horse, Spanish Jennet and
Andalusian. Columbus' second voyage to the New World
introduced the first horses to the Dominican Republic and the
conquistadors dispersed these lines throughout the continent.¹
Percheron
The history of the Percheron remains unclear, but at two
points in history the native horses of the Le Perche region of
France were mated with Arab stallions. By the 17th century
these horses had a widespread reputation that made them in
demand for a number of uses, and in the 19th century it was
the most popular horse among farmers and teamsters in the
United States.¹
Peruvian Paso
The Paso owes its origins to Barb and Andalusian horses
imported to South America by the Spaniards in the 15th and
16th centuries. Its unusual lateral gait with an outward
arcing of the forelegs is thought to be inherited from the
Spanish jennet. It gives a very smooth ride and the Paso can
reach speeds of up to 15 mph over rough terrain.
Pindos Pony
The Pindos Pony is a variety of the Greek Pony found in the
mountains of Epirus and Thessaly in Greece. It is a light
riding and draft pony. The breed is rare.
Pinia
The Pinia is found in western Peloponnese in Greece. A variety
of the Greek Pony with Anglo-Arab, Anglo-Norman and Nonius
breeding introduced early in the 20th century. The breed is
seen in gray, blue roan, chestnut or bay. The herdbook was
established in 1995. The breed is rare.
Pintabian
A Pintabian (pin-tay-bee-an) is a horse with over 99% Arabian
blood and tobiano markings.
Pinto
The Pinto horse is defined by color rather than genetic
ancestry. Pintos have a dark background coloring and upon this
color random patches of white. The Pinto was traditionally
favored by American Indians as a war horse since its coloring
provided natural camouflage.¹
Polish Konik
The Polish Konik is a riding and draft pony found throughout
Poland. They are of the Konik type and are usually mouse gray
with a dorsal stripe.
Pony of the Americas
In 1954, Les Boomhower was a Shetland pony breeder and a
lawyer with his own practice in Mason City, Iowa. A neighbor
offered Les an Arab/Appaloosa mare who had accidentally been
bred to a Shetland stallion. She was due to foal that spring.
Les waited until the foal was born before he bought the mare.
The little colt born of this union was white with what looked
like black paint smears all over his body.
Pottok
(Also Known By: Basque, Vasca (Spanish))
The Pottok is an ancient breed of small horse found in the
Basque region of Spain and France. Although originally wild,
today all Pottok have owners. Traditionally they are gathered
on the last Wednesday of January, branded for identification
and either sold or returned to the hills as breeding stock.
Przewalski
This primitive horse (it has 66 chromozomes instead of 64) was
thought to have been hunted to extinction by Mongolian
tribesmen, until a small herd was discovered in 1881 on the
edge of the Gobi Desert by the Russian Explorer, Col. N.
Przewalski. It is still threatened with extinction, although
it is found in many zoos.
Pyrenean Tarpan
The Pyrenean Tarpans are known by various names depending on
the country, in France they were called Navarre Pony, in the
Basque region as Pottok, in Poland they are the Konink breed
type, in Spain, Asturian; Portugal they are known as Garrano.
Each these breeds is highly regional but genetically they are
extremely similar. The Pyrenean Tarpan are the result of a
focused attempt to preserve the purest remaining animals of
this type.
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Q - Horse Breeds
Qatgani
The Qatgani is a light riding horse found in Afghanistan.
Quarab
The United Quarab Registry was developed in 1989 to promote
the Quarter Horse-Arabian crossbred horse. The Painted Quarab
Index was added in 1991 to include the colorful tobiano and
overo patterns of the American Paint Horse.
Quarter Horse
Some historians have maintained that the Quarter Horse is
the oldest breed in the United States, with the principle
development being in the SW region. They originate from the "
Chickasaws" horses of the American Indians which probably
derived from Spanish imports. The Quarter Horse is so called
because of its great speed at one quarter of a mile.¹
Quarter Pony
The Quarter Pony is a small scale replica of a Quarter
Horse. Unlike the Quarter Horse, it may come in any color, or
combination of colors. The Quarter pony has been around for
many years, deriving from Quarter Horses not reaching the
AQHA's minimum (14.2h) height requirement of the early years.
Even though the AQHA's height requirement was later phased
out, the quarter pony continued.
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R
Racking Horse
Legendary for its beauty, stamina, and calm disposition, the
popularity of this noble animal grew strong on the great
southern plantations before the Civil War. It was learned that
the horse could be ridden comfortably for hours because of his
smooth, natural gait.
Rocky Mountain Horse
Tradition has it that around the turn of the century a young
horse appeared in eastern Kentucky that gave rise to a line of
horses that has been prized and treasured in this part of the
country ever since. The basic characteristics are of a
medium-sized horse of gentle temperament with an easy ambling
four beat gait. This gait made it the horse of choice on the
farms and the rugged foothills of the Appalachians. It was a
horse for all seasons. It could pull the plows in the small
fields, work cattle, be ridden bareback by four children to
the fishing hole, or to town comfortably on Saturday. They
even performed well hitched to the buggy Sunday morning to go
to church. Fancy barns and stalls were not necessary. Because
of its cold blooded nature, it tolerated the winters in
Kentucky with a minimum of shelter. For these reasons, in
small groups, the breed was preserved, sustained and gradually
increased in this area. Naturally, out crossing with the local
horses did occur but the basic characteristics of a strong
genetic line have continued.
Russian Don
This breed achieved fame in 1812 - 1814 when used by the
military when the Cossacks fought the French. Most of the
French horses were not able to cope with the cold and harsh
winter conditions and died. But the Dons thrived in these
conditions. The Don is named after the Steppes region of
Russia where the Don river flows.
Russian Heavy Draft
Almost eliminated in the First World War, the Russian Heavy
Draught has since been re-established as a breed. With their
kind temperament and fast walking and trotting gait, these
horses are popular riding animals.
Russian Trotter
Russian trotter breed was formed as a reproduction selection
of Orlov and American trotter with a strict control of horses
by a type and working quality. The work was started about 100
years ago. The Russian trotter as the new breed was registered
in 1948.
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S
Saddlebred
The American Saddle Horse gained fame as a breed during the
Civil War, 1861-1865. Saddlebreds served as the mounts of many
famous generals; Lee on Traveller, Grant on Cincinnati,
Sherman rode Lexington, and Stonewall Jackson's mount was
Little Sorrell. The three aforementioned horses were American
type with close Thoroughbred crosses, and the latter was of
pacing stock.
Sanhe
The Sanhe is found in the northeast of the Inner Mongolia
Autonomous Region and is used mainly for riding and carting.
Sanhe means three rivers in Chinese which is descriptive of
the basin forming this region in China. It has some of the
best grassland found in China. The Sanhe breed is considered
the most developed of the Chinese horse breeds.
Schleswiger Heavy Draft
The Schleswiger Heavy Draft originates from the north of
Germany. It is of middle size and weight and was influenced by
the introduction of the Jutland Heavy Draft and other heavy
horse breeds. Until the sixties the Schleswiger served as a
working horse. Nowadays it is on the list of the endangered
domestic animal breeds from the society for the protection of
old domestic animal breeds.
Schwarzwälder Fuchs
(Also Known By: Black Forest, Schwarzwälder Kaltblut, St.
Märgener, Wälderpferd)
This horse originated in the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg
in southern Germany. It´s a small, hardy draft horse which is
suitable for the highlands with its long winters. It looks
like a big Haflinger or a little Noriker. Selected for work in
farming and forest in hilly regions. Nowadays it is also often
used as coach horse and for riding. It is nimble and lively,
has a good character, high fertility and is long-lived. The
color, which is a part of the name, is mostly sorrel with
light mane and tail, most popular is the dark silver dapple
Selle Francais
The French have had a long and admired history of horse
breeding. Through one of their intensive breeding program has
emerged one of the finest sport horses today, the Selle
Français or French Saddle Horse. Like all warmbloods the Selle
Français is a mix of breeds yet what sets it apart is the
influence of crosses with trotting breeds.
Shagya Arabian
These attractive horses are mostly grey in colour and show a
strong Arab influence with their concave profiles. Shagya
Arabians are slightly heavier than their cousin the Arab but
have the same lively, energetic temperament.
Shetland Pony
The Shetland Pony is probably the oldest breed in the UK,
named after the inhospitable Shetland islands in the North of
Scotland. For many centuries the Shetland Pony lived in the
open, protected only by this thick hair and sturdy
disposition.¹
Shire
The Shire breed is thought to be the survival of a
medieval type known as the "Great Horse", probably originating
in England. Its population size mirrored the need for cavalry
in the historical battles of the British Isles. In later
centuries, the Shire also proved its use in industry, and it
became no less than a national treasure in the 19th century.¹
Single-Footing Horse
The North American Single-Footing Horse takes a unique place
among the horse breeds of the world because it is developed,
owned, bred, and judged by trail riders for the qualities
pleasure trail, competition trail, working trail, and
versatility owners need and want.
Skyros Pony
The Skyros Pony is a variety of the Greek Pony found
throughout Greece. It is a light riding and draft pony found
most usually in white, dun, bay or gray. The breed is nearly
extinct.
Somali Pony
The Somali Pony originated in the east African country of
Somalia. They are usually chestnut or gray. There are a number
of varieties including Dor, Mijertinian, Daror and Nogali. The
breed is rare.
Sorraia
The Sorraia horse has no history as a domestic breed, but is
the last remnant of the indigenous wild horse of southern
Iberia. It stands around 14 h.h. Captured animals have been
broken to ride and used for herding the fighting bulls and
other livestock. This small horse was the primary ancestor of
the famous horses of Andalusia and Lusitania and, both
directly and indirectly, ancestor to many horses throughout
Europe and the Americas. The Sorraia is found portrayed
faithfully in prehistoric cave art, displaying the classic
Iberian convex profile, also found in the old-time North
African Barb. The Portuguese scientist Ruy D' Andrade, who had
discovered them in 1920 in the lowlands of the Portuguese
River Sorraia, named these horses "Sorraia".
Soviet Heavy Draft
This breed was developed during the period from the '80s and
the '90s of the last century up to 1952 when it was recognized
as a new heavy Draft breed. The breeding zone was quite
extensive, including Yaroslavl, Vladimir, Gorki, Penza, Ryazan,
Tula, tambov, Voronezh and Orel regions and Mordovia. This was
a zone with a developed industry and intensive agriculture,
requiring strong and sufficiently fast horses of ample size.
Success in the breeding of this type of horse was guaranteed
by a stable supply of fodder.
Spanish Mustang
In the mid-1950's a group of dedicated men met to form an
organization for the purpose of preserving the last of the
true, old-type Spanish Mustangs, a breed that once roamed the
western part of the United States in great numbers but was now
threatened with extinction. The efforts of Robert E. Brislawn
of Oshoto, Wyoming, were the primary moving force that brought
this group together.
Spanish-Barb
The Spanish-Barb traces its lineage through the Andalusian and
Spanish Jennet horses brought to North America by the Spanish
explorers during the 16th century. Both the Andalusian and the
Jennet had evolved from the Barb horse of North Africa, which
was brought to the Iberian Peninsula after the Moorish
invasion of Spain in 711. In America, the Spanish-Barb was
most prevalent in areas of Spanish settlement, in the
Southeast and the Southwest. In the Southeast, the
Spanish-Barb provided the foundation for both the Chickasaw
and Choctaw Indian horses. Chickasaw blood would play a major
role in the development of the American Quarter Horse. In the
Southwest, they became the horse of the early Spanish and
later Mexican cowboys, and went on to form the basis for the
wild Mustang herds of the West.
Spanish-Norman
The rare and exclusive Spanish-Norman horse, the re-creation
of the medieval knight's charger, is capturing the attention
of horse enthusiasts across the United States and Canada. "The
warhorse of the ages is the sporthorse of today."
Spotted Saddle
Horse
Spotted horses have been popular with horseman since time
immemorial. Prehistoric man scratched their likeness on the
walls of caves and the American Indians, considered to be some
of the world's greatest horsemen, selected spotted ponies as
their war mounts.
Standardbred
The Standardbred is the fastest harness horse in the
world, fueling the passion in the US for harness racing. The
Standardbred eclipsed the old favorite of harness racing, the
Morgan, by reducing the standard times for the mile by a full
minute.
Sudan Country-Bred
The Sudan Country-Bred is a light righting horse which
originated in the African country of Sudan. It was developed
during the 20th century from crosses of Arab and Thoroughbred
horses with the Dongola breed. It is found in the following
colors: bay, brown, chestnut, roan, gray or black.
Suffolk Punch Horse
Developed as a farm horse around the 16th century, it was
considered one of the best having great pulling power and
being a very good 'doer'. Now more often seen pulling brewer's
drays and at shows.
Swedish Warmblood
The Swedish Warmblood has been the subject of rigorous
selective breeding to improve the stock. The horse has an
attractive head with a long, well-formed neck.
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T - Horse Breeds
Taishuh
This breed developed in the steep and hilly country of
Tsushima in Nagasaki Prefecture where horse breeding was known
as early as the 8th century.
Tarpan
The Tarpan has been recently re-intorduced after becoming
extinct in the 19th century. The Tarpan has a long face and
convex profile, with long ears and a powerful, short neck.
Tawleed
The Tawleed was developed in the Khartoum region of Sudan as a
riding horse. It was formed by upgrading Sudan Country-Bred
horses with exotic breed, primarily Thoroughbred.
Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse was created over 100 years ago
by early settlers in the Middle Basin of Tennessee, by
combining the traits of the Standardbreds, Morgans and
Thoroughbreds. The most prominent characteristic of Tennessee
Walkers is their "running walk". This gait is inherited and
cannot be taught to a horse who does not possess it
naturally.¹
Tersk
This attractive Russian horse originates from the northern
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