Horse Breeds of the World

/ chuck / 27 March 2009 / Leave a comment

The horse is the favorite animal of many people of all ages, races, and cultures. Children grow up with fantasies that include horses, whether they are a cowboy riding into the sunset on a valiant steed or a princess upon a beautiful white stallion. There are many that bet on horses and horse races who study the Grand National odds and other horse racing events as well. Horses come in all shapes and sizes, as shown in the various breeds found around the world.

Appaloosa – The Appaloosa is an American breed that stems from the horses of the Native Americans. They are most commonly recognized by their coats, which are typically spotted on some portion of the body. The Appaloosa Horse Club has more information about this breed.

Arabian – Arabians stem from the Arab Bedou ins of ancient times. Today's Arabs all trace their bloodlines to five foundation mares owned by King Solomon of Old Testament fame. The characteristic dished face and tapered muzzle graced by wide nostrils is the defining feature of the breed, which is celebrated by the Arabian Horse Association .

Bavarian Warmblood – The Bavarian Warmblood is a new breed that is characterized by a large neck, sloping shoulder, and high withers. They are riding and sport horses that come in bay and chestnut colors. More information can be found at Equiworld's Bavarian Warmblood page .

Belgian – The Belgian is a draft breed that comes in a characteristic sorrel color, with chestnut body and flaxen mane and tail. They are one of the most popular American draft horses. The Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America has more information about the breed.

Clydesdale – Clydesdales are working draft horses that originated in England and Ireland. They are bay in color with four white legs. The feathering on the feet has soft white hair. Horsequest has an excellent profile on the breed.

The Don – The Don is a Russian riding horse with a wide, straight back. Chestnut is the most popular color, although bay and brown are acceptable. Horse Show Central has an excellent description of the breed.

Fjord Horse – Norwegian Fjord horses are small horses that look like small draft horses due to their large muscle and bone structures. The horses are dun in color with dark markings on the legs. They typically have a black stripe in the mane, tail, and forelock, with light hair surrounding it. The main is typically kept trimmed to show this off. The Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry has more information about the breed.

Haflinger – Haflingers have their origins in Austria where A rabians were crossed with the native Tyrolean Pony to establish the breed. The horses are sorrel or chestnut in color with a white or flaxen mane and tail. They are excellent jumpers with a long stride. More information can be found at the American Haflinger Registry .

Hungarian Warmblood – This breed comes from Hungary and is a powerful horse often used in show jumping and dressage. It can come in any solid color. More information can be found at the Hungarian Warmblood Registry .

Icelandic Horse – The Icelandic horse was brought to Iceland by the Vikings, and today the horses are a relatively pure breed with stocky, hearty builds. Long coats and a generous mane and tail are characteristic of the breed, which can come in any color. Icelandic horses have two extra gates, the Tolt and the Flying Pace. More information can be found with the United States Icelandic Horse Congress .

Lipizzaner – Lipizzaners are beautiful grey horses that are known as "ballet horses" due to the beautiful dressage displays they put on around the world. The breed stems from the horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. The official site of the World Famous Lippizaner Stallions has the best information about the breed.

Morgan – The Morgan is the first breed that was developed in America, and these horses trace their bloodlines to the sire owned by Justin Morgan of Vermont. These horses are small, with wide heads and prominent eyes. Many colors are acceptable, but bay, black, and chestnut are the most common. The AMHA has more information about the breed.

Mustang – Mustangs are the wild horses of America's west. There is very little breed standard for these animals, but any animal that is a descendent of a free-roaming steed is a Mustang. Paint is a common color for American Mustangs.   Mustangs4Us has more information about the breed.

Oldenburg – This German Warmblood breed is the heaviest and largest of the line. They are known for their energetic gaits and calm temperament. The Oldenburg Horse Breeders' Society has more information.

Paso Fino – Paso Finos are best known for their smooth gait. They are friendly horses that trace their lineage to the horses Columbus brought with him. More information is available at the Paso Fino Horse Association .

Quarter Horse – Quarter Horses are compact, muscled horses that are solid colored with few white markings. These quick horses are named for their ability to run a fast quarter of a mile, but they do not have the endurance of other racers. More information can be found at The American Quarter Horse Association .

Spanish Horse (Andalusian) – The oldest riding horse in the world, the Spanish Horse, or Andalusian, is a strongly built horse with a high gait, making it ideal for dressage. The most common color is gray, but bay, black, and chestnut are also allowed. More information can be found at the Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse .

Standardbred – The Standardbred is often used in harness racing and is a robust breed with a thick, deep chest and heavy muscling. They are well known for their unique pacing gait and smooth trot. More information is available at the U.S. Trotting Association.

Tennessee Walking Horse – Tennessee Walkers are known for their running walk, a fast, flat walk with a unique rhythm. They are large-boned horses with strong hindquarters and a long, high-set tail. More information is available at TWHBEA .

Thoroughbred – The Thoroughbred is a horse bred for the racetrack. Long and lean, these horses are bred for speed. They are typically quite spirited animals. More information is available at the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association .

These are just a few of the most popular breeds found around the world. To truly understand a horse is to understand its breed and lineage, so learning about different horse breeds is important for anyone who loves these noble animals.