Perusing Popular Horse Breeds

In This Chapter

• Choosing the right breed for your needs
• Looking at the top ten breeds in the United States
• Finding out about other less common breeds
• Recognizing other equines

Horses have been domesticated for thousands of years, and in that time, scores of breeds have developed. Plenty of these breeds still exist today, giving newcomers to the equine world a swarm of choices to contemplate. Given this vast plethora of breeds, how in the world are you supposed to pick just one to ride or own? That’s where we come in.

Figuring out which breed is for you is the main objective of this chapter. Feel free to turn to the color section, too, to take a peek at what some of these breeds look like.

Picking the Best Breed for You

You may not need to settle on just one breed. Many horse owners have absolutely no preference for a particular breed. Instead, they simply look for individual horses that possess the character traits they prefer. If that horse turns out to be a Quarter Horse, fine. If the horse turns out to be a Paint, that’s fine, too. Basically, it doesn’t matter. You can go this route if you choose. You sure won’t be the only one out there who has.

In our humble opinion, however, one of the neatest things about the horse world is that you can choose from so many different breeds. We like the fact that the horse world is so diverse, and that each and every breed has a small subculture that surrounds it. That’s why we encourage you to find a few breeds that really strike your fancy. You may not end up buying a horse of one of these breeds, but at least you’ll have formed a strong opinion on the subject — and strong opinions are mandatory for all horse people!

All together now: Breed associations Breeds of horses don’t exist by themselves. Each and every one was created by human beings, and to this day, human beings continue to manage the breeds. Working together in clubs known as breed associations, these groups serve as watchdogs for their breeds and perform a number of vital functions, the most vital of which is to register horses. When a horse is registered with a breed association, its name along with its parentage and other vital information are recorded with the group. If you buy a purebred horse, chances are the animal already is registered with a breed association. By registering every horse that’s born in the breed — and thereby establishing each individual horse’s genetic purity — the associations are ensuring the continuation of their breed. Breed associations also work to promote the breeds they represent by offering information about the breed to the public, sponsoring shows that encourage people to own a specific breed, and performing other services that increase the breed’s visibility. Breed associations are valuable resources for information on specific horse breeds and can be a huge help to you when you want to find out even more about a breed than we tell you here. Write to the breed association of your choice, or visit its Web site for more information. (The addresses and URLs for all the major breed associations are listed in the Appendix.) If the horse you buy or lease is a purebred, consider getting involved with a local chapter of your breed association. You’ll meet plenty of other people who own and love the same breed you do, and you’ll have a chance to participate in a variety of activities with your horse. Most regional breed clubs give out year-end awards and stage shows, social events, and even educational clinics. Getting involved with a regional club is the best way to discover more about your breed of choice.

Remember

We can’t tell you which breed is best for you because every person is an individual with different wants and needs. But we can give you some advice on how to go about making your decision:

- Research, research, research: Do as much reading as you can about the different breeds. Narrow your likes down to a few breeds, based on the way the breed looks, its history — whatever strikes you. Then, write to the breed associations for more information, or visit their Web sites on the Internet (see the Appendix for addresses and URLs).

- Meet the horses: Find a horse show for the breeds you like and spend the day watching real horses in action. Go backstage to visit with the horses and their owners. (Always ask permission before petting any horse and never feed treats without a go-ahead from the owner.) This kind of close contact gives you a real sense of what the horses — and the people who care about them — are all about.

- Spend some time: If you find yourself getting serious about a breed and are thinking about buying a horse to show, spend time with a few representatives of the breed, both equine and human. Lease a horse of the breed for a while, or ask a breeder whether you can come over and spend time riding and handling the horses so you can get to know the breed. Meanwhile, start hanging around at breed shows and becoming acquainted with people involved with the breed. Horse people love to talk about their horses, so all you have to do to get a conversation going is ask questions and let people know you’re a fan of the breed. The purpose of all this socializing is to make sure that you really are in love with this breed before you make a commitment.

Meeting the Top Ten Horse Breeds

Hundreds of horse breeds exist in the world today, but only a handful of them are among the top ten most popular riding breeds in the United States. The reasons for the popularity of these breeds can be narrowed down to a couple of factors: Each breed has a strong registering organization that promotes it among the horse-owning public, and each breed has redeeming qualities that a large number of horse people have come to appreciate.

Tip

Owning or riding one of the top ten breeds has its benefits. Plenty of information and support is available on the animals that make up the breed. Horse shows for the breed also are common and so are an array of sources from which you can learn more about the breed. Additionally, if you want to buy a horse of one of these breeds, you won’t have too much trouble locating one. Fans of lesser-known breeds of horses don’t have these advantages and must fend for themselves in many respects.

Remember

As you read our breed descriptions, keep in mind that we speak in generalities when it comes to the personalities of different horse breeds. For example, we say that Arabians are friendly horses. However, you may meet one or two Arabians in your travels that are complete grouches. Remember that each horse is an individual, and as you get to know different horses, you’ll find horses that simply don’t match the personalities typically attributed to their breeds.

That said, we’re going to take a look at the top ten most popular riding breeds in the United States. Their popularity is determined by the number of horses that are registered in the breed each year. We list them here in alphabetical order, and you can see photos of each breed in the color section in the middle of the book. (Flip to Chapter Understanding Horses from Head to Hoof if you want general info about horse parts, colors, markings, and movements, and check out Chapter Competing on Horseback for details on equine competitions.)

Appaloosa

The Appaloosa horse first was kept by the Nez Percé Indians of northern Idaho during the 1700s and 1800s. When the Nez Percé were forced onto reservations, the Appaloosa breed nearly died out. However, in the 1930s, a concerned group of horsemen gathered together to start a registry to save the breed. Since then, the Appaloosa horse has grown to considerable popularity.

The Appaloosa horse’s most distinguishing characteristic is its spotted coat, particularly the white rump with dark spots, which is characteristic to the breed. That said, the Appaloosa horse is represented in several different patterns, including:

- Leopard — the popular white with dark spots over the body

- Blanket with spots — a dark body color with white over the rump that’s covered with dark spots

Other physical traits include white sclera — the tissue that surrounds the pupil and gives the eye an almost human appearance, striped hooves, and mottled skin. Some Appaloosas also have thin manes and tails. The height range for an Appaloosa is 14.3 to 16 hands.

Appaloosas are known for their quiet and willing temperaments. They excel in western events, three-day eventing, and trail riding, and are known for being athletic and versatile. Appaloosas make excellent and colorful companions.

Arabian

The Arabian is one of the oldest breeds of horse still in existence. Developed in the Middle East several hundred years ago, many experts consider the Arabian horse one of the finest and purest breeds alive. The Arabian also is the most influential: Throughout equine history, humans have used Arabians to improve the quality of other breeds. Some examples of half-Arabian breeds are the Anglo-Arab (half Thoroughbred, half Arabian), the Quarab (half Quarter Horse, half Arabian), the Morab (half Morgan, half Arabian) and the Ara-Appaloosa (half Appaloosa, half Arabian). The purpose of these matings is to create half Arabians that possess the refinement of the Arabian breed with the traits of another breed.

Arabian horses are known for their elegant and graceful beauty. Arabians have small heads, and concave (or dished) faces, small ears that curve inward, and long and arched necks. Most Arabian horses have only five spinal vertebrae as opposed to the six vertebrae typically found in most other breeds. Having one less vertebra gives Arabians a shorter back than many other breeds. (Horses that are part Arabians can have either five or six vertebrae, depending on the horse.)

Arabians are small horses that rarely measure much more than 15 hands in height. You can find them in a number of different colors, particularly gray, chestnut, bay, and black. Arabians are friendly and inquisitive horses, but they can be high-spirited. They perform especially well in endurance competitions and are shown in western, hunt-seat, eventing, dressage, and saddle-seat classes. Half-Arabians usually make excellent pleasure and show horses.

Miniature

Miniature horses are the dwarfs of the equine world (smaller than ponies), and number one in the adorable category. They are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, even though they are too small to be ridden. The Miniature horse has all the physical and psychological characteristics of a regular horse in a small package.

Miniature horses were developed in the United States in the 1800s to pull carts in and out of coal mines. This job required a tiny horse because mine tunnels rarely accommodated normal-sized horses.

The Miniature horse of today, which stands anywhere from 6 to 7 hands high, is kept primarily as a pet. Tiny tots can ride Miniature horses, but anyone older than 4 years of age probably is too big to ride a Miniature horse.

Despite their small size, Miniature horses can easily pull a fully grown human in a light cart. Many Miniature horses are used for pleasure driving, and you can see them at special Miniature horse shows pulling light rigs in competition. They also are shown in halter classes and other special events. You can check out a Miniature horse in the color section.

Morgan

The Morgan horse is a quintessential American breed that was developed in Vermont during the 1700s from one horse, a little stallion named Justin Morgan. Named after the man who owned him, Justin Morgan achieved considerable fame for his astounding strength and willing disposition. The Morgan breed was developed by breeding a variety of different mares to Justin Morgan. These mares produced foals that looked almost exactly like Justin Morgan, and so the breed was born.

Morgans today have small, elegant heads and strong, highly arched necks. Just like their founding sire, Morgans tend to be smaller horses and rarely reach more than 15.2 hands in height. They’re typically seen mostly in bay, black, and chestnut, and like their founding sire, Morgans are eager to please and willing to do whatever is asked of them.

Most Morgans are ridden simply for pleasure, although a good many are shown in saddle-seat, western, and hunt-seat classes. The breed also is popular as a light-carriage horse.

Paint Horse

The Paint Horse used to be considered an anomaly — a colorful but unwanted result of many Quarter Horse-to-Quarter Horse breedings. (See the following section for more about Quarter Horses.) Rejected by the Quarter Horse registry because of their coat markings, these patterned horses had no official recognition in the horse world. However, in the early 1960s, a group of horse lovers who appreciated the Paint for its unusual appearance created a registry for the breed that helped it survive and grow.

Paint Horse coats come in a variety of different patterns, most of which fall under the headings:

- Tobiano — a white base with dark patches

- Overo — a dark base with white patches

The breed’s conformation, or the way it’s horses are put together, is identical to that of the Quarter Horse, with a height range of 15 to 16 hands. Its temperament is much like that of the Quarter Horse too — mellow, easygoing, and eager to please.

The Paint Horse has become wildly popular during the last two decades and can be readily seen in stables and show arenas throughout the country. Most Paint Horses are shown in western classes, although an occasional Paint is seen in dressage, hunt-seat, and other English events. Paints also make excellent companions and trail horses.

Quarter Horse

In the 1600s, American colonists bred horses kept by the Chickasaw Indian nation to horses they had imported from England. The result was the beginnings of the American Quarter Horse, a breed that later developed to its present state in the American West. Used to herd cattle and carry cowboys across the arid desert in the 1800s, the Quarter Horse has a rich and glamorous history. The breed earned its name as a result of its ability to run a quarter of a mile distance faster than any other breed, a feat it still accomplishes today.

The Quarter Horse is a sturdy horse with a small head and muscular neck. The breed’s hindquarters are powerful, and its legs are straight and solid. Quarter Horses come in a number of different colors, including sorrel, chestnut, bay, black, dun, grulla, palomino, roan, and gray (see the color section for photos showing various horse colors). They have a big height range, standing anywhere from 14.3 to 16 hands tall.

One of the Quarter Horse’s most outstanding features is its disposition. This quiet temperament is a big reason behind the Quarter Horse’s huge popularity. Well-known for its steady, easygoing personality, the Quarter Horse makes a good mount for beginning riders who need a quiet and forgiving horse to help them learn.

In the show ring, Quarter Horses prevail in western events; you see them most often in cattle-working competitions, western-pleasure classes, and gymkhana events (see Chapter Competing on Horseback). The Quarter Horse is the most popular reed of horse in the world, and numbers in the millions.

Saddlebred

The American Saddlebred horse was developed in Kentucky in the early part of America’s history, using Morgans (see the section earlier in this chapter), Canadian horses, Narragansett Pacers (now extinct), and horses of Spanish breeding. The goal of the people who created the Saddlebred breed was to develop a horse that could comfortably carry riders across Eastern terrain.

The Saddlebred is a gaited horse, capable of performing a four-beat gait called a rack and a stepping pace in which the legs on each side move nearly in unison with each other, in addition to an animated walk, trot, and canter. Saddlebreds with these two extra gaits are called five-gaited Saddlebreds; they’re used in the show ring. Not all Saddlebreds are born with the ability to move at the rack-and-stepping pace. The ones that move only in the breed’s high-stepping walk, trot, and canter are referred to as three-gaited.

Saddlebreds typically have long, arched necks and fine heads that they carry rather high. The Saddlebred’s body is lithe and lean, almost like that of a human ballet dancer. Saddlebreds range in height from 15 hands to 17 hands high. The most common colors for this breed are bay, black, brown, chestnut, sorrel, and gray. Known for having spirited, but willing temperaments, Saddlebreds are easily trained, according to the people who ride them.

In the breed show ring, Saddlebreds are exhibited as either five-gaited or three-gaited and usually in saddle seat. Driving classes also are popular for this breed. Despite their innate penchant for being flashy, Saddlebreds also make good pleasure horses and are shown even in open-breed events like dressage and gymkhana.

Standardbred

If you’ve ever seen harness racing, then you’ve seen a Standardbred horse. Standardbreds originated during the early part of American history and were created specifically to race under harness at either the trot or the pace.

Standardbreds have an inborn ability to move at great speeds without galloping. Some members of the breed are natural born trotters and can trot at nearly 30 miles per hour. Others are born pacers (where the legs on one side move in unison) and can attain the same speeds. The early training of prospective Standardbred racehorses fine-tunes these innate skills while discouraging the urge to gallop. However, Standardbreds are physically capable of galloping, as is evidenced by the many Standardbred pleasure horses that do so every day.

The Standardbred is closely related to the Thoroughbred (which we cover later in this chapter), although the Standardbred is considerably more muscular. Standardbreds have rather large heads and powerful thighs. They usually measure anywhere from 15 to 16 hands, and come in bay, chestnut, brown, gray, and black. The Standardbred’s disposition typically is gentle and trainable.

Although the majority of Standardbreds are used for harness racing, many retired racehorses are used as show horses and pleasure mounts. You can see them competing in a variety of different events including western classes and even dressage.

Tennessee Walking Horse

A group of American breeds was used to create the Tennessee Walking Horse in the early part of the 18th century. Southern plantation owners needed a mount that was capable of covering quite a bit of ground and doing so comfortably. Early Tennessee Walking Horses worked in the fields, carried their owners long distances, and pulled the family wagon on weekends.

The Tennessee Walking Horse is a gaited horse that can perform the walk, trot, and canter, in addition to the four-beat running walk for which it is famous. A well-gaited Tennessee Walking Horse gives its rider the impression of floating on air.

Tennessee Walking Horses have a straight head with larger-than-usual ears. The breed has a gracefully arched neck, prominent withers (or front shoulders), and large hooves. They come in just about any horse color. Ranging in height from 15 to 16 hands, Tennessee Walking Horses tend to be easygoing in personality.

Shows featuring the Tennessee Walking Horse emphasize the breed’s gaited aspects. However, in open shows where many breeds compete together, you find Tennessee Walking Horses in all kinds of varied events. Many Tennessee Walking Horses are used as trail horses, too.

Making the grade horse Oh sure, everyone wants a purebred. But what about grade horses, those mutts of the equine world whose parentage is unknown? Does horseland hold a place for them? You’d better believe it. Although everyone makes a fuss about purebred horses, the fact of the matter is that most companion horses are grade horses. These horses make wonderful, loyal, and loving equine companions despite the fact their individual heritages are one of life’s great mysteries. Experienced horse people can usually spot a breed type in any grade horse, and can tell you whether a particular grade is a Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Arabian, or Morgan horse type. But regardless of the breed type evident in any grade horse, what’s most important is the horse’s health and personality. Although the purebred world sometimes looks down on grade horses, grade horses perform the role of companion just as well or better than any purebred. Some of the best trail and pleasure horses in the world are grade horses. People who love these special horses don’t mind living with the mystery of the horse’s parentage.

Thoroughbred

The Thoroughbred was developed in England in the 1700s strictly for the purpose of racing. The breed later was imported to the American colonies, where it ultimately influenced other breeds such as the Standardbred and Quarter Horse (see the sections about these breeds earlier in this chapter).

Thoroughbreds are the fastest horses in the world, and can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour on the racetrack. But racing isn’t their only talent. You typically see Thoroughbreds in the show ring, where they make terrific jumpers and dressage mounts.

The typical Thoroughbred has a straight head, high withers, and long, fine legs. Standing anywhere from 15 to 17 hands high, Thoroughbreds have a lean, lanky appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. The colors you most often see in this breed are bay, chestnut, black, brown, and gray.

Warning!

Although Thoroughbreds are willing horses, they can be somewhat complicated in temperament, meaning they can be hard for some people to figure out. Beginning riders sometimes have trouble handling Thoroughbreds because of their spunky personalities.

The Thoroughbreds you most commonly see in stables and backyard pastures are retired racehorses and horses bred specifically for the show world. Most of the horses shown in hunt-seat competitions are Thoroughbreds, although this breed also does well in other English events, such as dressage, three-day eventing, and show jumping.

Going Beyond the Top Ten

Not all breeds have substantial numbers of horses in their ranks. Plenty of smaller, lesser-known breeds exist and are popular among certain factions of the horse world. These types of horses have characteristics that set them apart and make them attractive to people who want something specific from their horses.

We cover several types of smaller breeds in the following sections. Check out Chapter Understanding Horses from Head to Hoof if you want general information about horse parts, colors, markings, and movements, and see Chapter Competing on Horseback for the scoop on equine competitions.

Crossbreds

Although purebreds are the name of the game for many people, some prefer crossbred horses. Crossbred horses possess characteristics from both of the breeds in their parentage, which is why some people prefer them to purebreds. They believe they’re getting the best of two breeds instead of one.

Some crossbreds have their own registries, such as the Morab (Morgan/ Arabian), Azteca (Andalusian/Quarter Horse), and National Show Horse (Standardbred/Arabian). Others are recognized by the registry of one of the parent breeds, such as the Appaloosa (may have one Quarter Horse, Arabian or Thoroughbred parent), Quarter Horse (may have one Thoroughbred parent) and Paint (may have one or two Quarter Horse parents).

Other crossbreds are just experiments conducted by individual breeders that can feature any two breeds that someone decided to put together. Crossbreeding has been a staple of the equine industry for centuries and has resulted in the development of a number of pure breeds. It also results in grade horses, which are the well-loved mutts of the equine world (see the nearby “Making the grade horse” sidebar).

Draft breeds

Draft horses are living relics of humanity’s agricultural past. Originally bred for hundreds of years to pull heavy loads, draft breeds were used only until recently to work farms around the globe. When motorized tractors replaced draft horses in agricultural society, these magnificent creatures nearly died out. The work and dedication of people who love these horses saved draft horses from sure extinction.

Today, draft horses are used mostly for showing and exhibition, although some still are used to work small farms and perform other hauling jobs not suited to trucks and tractors. Draft horses are also ridden, and because of their docile temperaments, make wonderful — if not rather large — companions.

Although draft horses still are considered rare, you can find several breeds of them in North America. Each of the breeds in the following sections has an American registry and a good number of devotees in various countries.

Belgian

American Belgians differ somewhat from their European counterparts. Belgians in the United States are larger, heavier horses than those seen in the breed’s native country. American Belgians stand around 18 hands and are mostly seen in one coloration: sorrel with a flaxen (blond) mane and tail.

These days, Belgians are used primarily in the show ring and for pulling contests. Some Midwestern American farmers still use Belgian teams to work their fields, as do many of the Amish in the United States. You can see a Belgian in the color section.

Clydesdale

The Clydesdale probably is the most well-known of all the draft breeds, thanks to Anheuser-Busch. Clydesdale horses have been pulling the Budweiser beer wagon for decades, and are regularly seen in the company’s TV commercials and in exhibitions around the country.

Clydesdales usually come in a bay coloration, although they can also be seen in chestnut, black, brown, and roan. These horses can be anywhere from 16.1 to 18 hands in height. They have wonderful dispositions and are often used for riding as well as pulling.

Percheron

Percherons are seen only in gray or black, and average around 16 hands in height — a little on the short side for a draft horse. What they lack in height, they make up for in bulk. They are strong and stocky horses.

You can ride Percherons or use them to pull carts and wagons; this breed is shown extensively in the United States. They’re known for having calm personalities and being trainable.

Shire

Shires are attractive horses with heavy feathering around their fetlocks (ankles) see Chapter Understanding Horses from Head to Hoof for a diagram on parts of the horse) and long fuzzy beards on their jaws. They are medium height for a draft breed, measuring anywhere from 16 to 17.2 hands.

Shires are shown in harness and at halter in the United States and in other countries. The breed is often seen pulling beer wagons at events in Great Britain, and some people still use Shires to haul goods in other parts of the world.

Suffolk Punch

The Suffolk Punch, or simply Suffolk, is a smaller draft horse, measuring in at around 16 hands. An unusual aspect to the breed is its single color; Suffolks only come in chestnut (which devotees of the breed spell chesnut in the archaic way).

Suffolks are still used to do field work and pull wagons for exhibitions, but they’re also shown and ridden.

Gaited horses

Gaited horses are those breeds possessing one or more additional gaits in addition to or instead of the usual walk, trot, and gallop found in so-called nongaited horses (see Chapter Understanding Horses from Head to Hoof for more about these movements). These unusual gaits were developed in these breeds by humans to make long-distance riding more comfortable. Equestrians who love gaited horses claim these horses are the most enjoyable mounts to ride.

Three-gaited breeds are among the most popular horses in the United States: the Tennessee Walking Horse and the American Saddlebred (covered in earlier sections of this chapter). Other, lesser-known gaited breeds are found in the United States, each with its own fascinating history and characteristics. Although the breeds highlighted in the following sections aren’t as common as the ones that made it to the top ten, they are nonetheless available in many parts of the country.

Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic Horse is a small but sturdy creature with its roots in Viking history. The breed developed in complete isolation for more than 1,000 years and was the horse the Vikings used in their mounted exploits.

The Icelandic Horse is known for having either four or five gaits. In addition to the walk, trot, and gallop, all Icelandic Horses possess a gait called the tolt, which is similar to the Tennessee Walker’s running walk. Some Icelandics also have a gait called the flying pace, where the legs on each side of the horse move in unison.

The Icelandic looks somewhat like a pony and measures only 12.3 to 14 hands in height. However, despite its small size, the Icelandic is considered a horse breed and not a pony breed. Full-grown men can easily ride this rugged little animal. (See the section on pony breeds later in this chapter for more about ponies.) These horses are ridden for pleasure and are good in the show ring.

Missouri Fox Trotter

The Missouri Fox Trotter was created by Missouri cattlemen in the 1800s to carry riders across long distances of rough terrain and to work cattle. Because the Missouri Fox Trotter was intended to be ridden for long periods of time, a comfortable gaited aspect was bred into this willing horse. As a result, the Missouri Fox Trotter has a special trot exemplified by a four-beat gait instead of the usual two beats found in a typical trot.

Missouri Fox Trotters are handsome horses, measuring between 14 and 16 hands. They have easygoing personalities and generally are considered a good horse for beginners to ride and to show.

National Show Horse

The National Show Horse is a relatively new breed created in the 1980s by crossing Arabians to American Saddlebreds. The resulting horse turned out to be a flashy and refined animal perfect for the show ring.

As a result of its Saddlebred heritage, the National Show Horse possesses two other gaits besides the walk, trot, and gallop. National Show Horses are capable of performing the slow gait and the rack, both four-beat gaits that are comfortable to ride.

National Show Horses are on the taller side, standing 15 to 16 hands in height. They come in a variety of horse colors, and tend to be spirited. Their primary use is in the show ring (hence the name), where they can show off their high-stepping gaits.

Paso Fino

You most often see the Paso Fino breed in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, although it has quite a few fans in the United States, too. Paso Finos originally were created by crossing Spanish Andalusians (see the “Rare breeds” section later in this chapter) with the now extinct Spanish Jennets a couple of centuries ago.

The Paso Fino gaits include the paso fino, paso corto, and the paso largo. Each gait varies in speed and is a four-beat lateral gait (each foot hits the ground separately, and the legs on each side move in unison) is extremely comfortable to ride, and covers considerable ground. Some Paso Finos can also canter.

Paso Finos typically measure around 14 to 15 hands in height and have a pleasing and distinctive conformation. Paso Finos possess a personality trait known as brio, which means controlled spirit. Horses with brio are full of energy but are completely under the rider’s control. Superb on the trail, Paso Finos also are shown extensively in their special gaits.

Peruvian Paso

Peruvian Pasos have found a devoted following in the United States. Developed in Peru in the 1800s to carry landowners across vast areas of the country, the breed contains the blood of Spanish Andalusians, Arabians, and Thoroughbreds.

Peruvian Pasos possess three gaits: the paso llano, the sobreandando, and the huachano. Each of these gaits is a four-beat lateral gait and is designed to be comfortable while covering considerable ground. Peruvian Paso horses that are in top condition can maintain these gaits for hours on end.

Peruvian Pasos are on the small to medium side, measuring 14.1 to 15.1 hands in height. They have well-muscled necks and long, thick manes and tails. They make excellent trail horses, and are shown under saddle in their natural gaits. You can see a Peruvian Paso in the color section.

Racking Horse

The Racking Horse is not as easy to define as most other breeds of horses. Racking Horses shared a history with the Tennessee Walking Horse (covered earlier in this chapter) until 1971, when a group of Alabama horsemen broke off from the Tennessee Walking Horse breed for political and economic reasons, and started a registry for what they dubbed the Racking Horse. A few years later, in 1975, the House and Senate of the Alabama Legislature named the Racking Horse the official state horse of Alabama.

What makes the Racking Horse so special is that it is a gaited breed, able to perform a four-beat racking gait, in addition to a walk and a canter.

Racking Horses have graceful builds, with long, sloping necks. Their legs are smooth and their hair finely textured. The typical Racking Horse averages around 15.2 hands, and comes in a number of colors including sorrel, chestnut, black, roan, white, bay, brown, gray, yellow, dun, and palomino. You may also see a pinto coloration, known within the breed as spotted. These horses are willing to work and eager to please their handlers.

Riders exhibit Racking Horses in saddle-seat and driving classes that are meant to show off their racking gait, but they also show less flashy individuals in more traditional pleasure classes. Racking horses make good trail horses and are popular for simple pleasure riding.

Pony breeds

By definition, a pony is a small type of horse standing less than 14.2 hands at the withers. However, a distinction exists between a true pony and a horse that is simply on the short side. Not every horse under 14.2 hands is considered a pony, and not every pony over 14.1 hands is considered a horse. Ponies are members of distinctive pony breeds. In other words, you can’t breed two Thoroughbreds or two Arabians and get a pony. Breeders produce a pony by breeding two ponies, or by breeding a pony to a small horse.

Ponies tend to be hardy little creatures. Most pony breeds developed in harsh European climates with rugged terrain; they had to become durable and levelheaded to survive.

Most adults are too big to comfortably ride a pony (neither the pony nor the adult will be happy), although a smaller adult can do fine with a larger pony. If you want a mount for your child, however, a pony can certainly do the job.

The following pony breeds are popular in North America:

- Shetland: The Shetland pony is the creature people most often think about when they hear the word pony. This breed is one of the smaller ponies around. Shetlands make excellent mounts for young children as long as the ponies — and the kids — are properly trained. American Shetlands are usually around 11 hands high and come in a wide variety of horse colors.

- Welsh Ponies: These ponies come in four different types: the Welsh Mountain Pony, the Welsh Pony, the Welsh Pony of Cob Type, and the Welsh Cob. Each of these four names represents different heights and conformation types within the Welsh breed. Okay, we know it’s confusing, but stay with us. If you think of each type in terms of its height, it gets a little better: The Welsh Mountain is 12.2 hands or shorter; the Welsh Pony 12.2 to 13.2 hands high; the Welsh Pony of Cob Type is 13.2 hands high or less; and the Cob Type is actually horse-sized at 14 to 15.1 hands tall. All versions of Welsh Ponies make excellent equine companions for children. The taller ones are big enough for some smaller adults. Check out a Welsh Pony in the color section.

- Connemara: The Connemara is a refined-looking pony that excels in jumping. Measuring on the tall side (13 to 14.2 hands), Connemaras make suitable mounts for some adults and for children.

- Pony of the Americas: The Pony of the Americas, or POA as it is commonly called, originated from crossings with the Appaloosa horse and the Shetland pony. POAs typically have Appaloosa markings, and are good ponies for kids. In fact, the American POA breed association has one of the most extensive youth show programs in the country. POAs typically stand anywhere from 11.2 to 14 hands high.

Warmbloods

In the 1980s, a European type of horse called the warmblood became popular in the United States. Seen for years in international jumping and dressage competitions, the warmblood suddenly became the horse of choice for Americans who wanted to compete in the upper levels of Olympic disciplines like dressage, jumping, combined training (or three-day eventing), and driving.

Several different warmblood breeds exist, each named for the region it comes from, with its own distinct characteristics. What they all have in common is a large stature, profound athletic ability, and a high price tag. Some of these breeds are common in the United States and Canada, while others are only available in Europe.

Here’s a list of the warmblood breeds you see most often in North America:

- Belgian Warmblood: Averages around 16 hands; good in show jumping, eventing, and dressage

- Dutch Warmblood (check out one of these horses in the color section): Average around 16.2 hands; known for talent in dressage and jumping

- Hanoverian: German breed known for abilities in dressage, eventing, and jumping; averages 16 to 17 hands

- Holsteiner: Developed in Germany; averages 16 to 17 hands; excels in driving, eventing, jumping, and dressage

- Oldenberg: Hails from Germany; averages 16 hands high; talented jumping, dressage, and eventing horse

- Swedish Warmblood: Averages 16 hands; used for show jumping, dressage, and eventing

- Trakehner: German breed used for jumping, dressage, and eventing; averages 16 to 17 hands

Rare breeds

The world is full of horse breeds, many of them rather rare. Despite their small numbers, a handful of these breeds have managed to capture the hearts of horse lovers everywhere. You frequently see horses of these breeds in motion pictures or at equine fairs and exhibitions around the world. Though their numbers are scarce, they’re important members of the horse community and worth taking a look at.

Andalusian

The Andalusian horse, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse, is one of the most spectacular studies in horseflesh on the planet. You see this horse in museum pieces and paintings from the Middle Ages: Leonardo da Vinci sculpted this horse, and the winged Pegasus was based on this breed. Because Andalusians have been around for so long, they have been instrumental in the development of other breeds such as the Peruvian Paso, Spanish Mustang, and Lipizzaner.

Andalusians have a distinctive look. Their necks are heavy and arched; their manes and tails are long and wavy. With a regalness about them that’s hard to equal, even a relatively untrained eye can easily spot this breed.

Andalusians are spirited horses used for showing and pleasure riding. The majority of individual Andalusians in the United States are located in California, although a number of other states have small populations of this beautiful horse. Flip to the color section to see a photo of an Andalusian.

Friesian

The Friesian horse is hard to miss in a crowd. This regal, all-black equine has been around for centuries, developed first in Holland. The Friesian has had a great influence in the horse world, having been used to create a number of European breeds.

Friesians usually stand around 15 to 16 hands in height, although their proud carriage gives the impression that they are taller. Their manes and tails are long and flowing, and they have heavy feathering on their fetlocks. The high-stepping movement of the Friesian is a sight to behold.

During the last several years, the Friesian’s numbers have grown in the United States, where the breed now sports around 2,000 individuals. Friesians are being used successfully in dressage and in carriage work.

Lipizzaner

Lipizzaners are among the most well-known of all breeds, thanks to the famous Lipizzaner stallions of Vienna. These highly trained stallions have gained notoriety the world over for their skill at performing classical dressage movements also known as airs above the ground.

Lipizzaners originated in Austria as war horses and are now seen mostly in Europe. A handful of Lipizzaners exist in the United States where they are shown and used for exhibitions.

Lipizzaner foals are born dark brown or black and mature to a light gray (nearly white). Adult Lipizzaners typically have thick, wavy manes and tails and heavy, arched necks.

Lusitano

The Lusitano, a Portuguese breed, is closely related to the Andalusian horse (covered earlier in this chapter). The two breeds had identical histories until modern times, when Portuguese breeders developed the Lusitano into a separate horse from the Andalusian.

Although Andalusians typically are seen in a grey coloration, Lusitanos often come in palomino, buckskin, dun, bay, chestnut, and other colors. Lusitanos have a rounder head and body than the Andalusian and are more compact and agile.

Lusitanos are seen in shows and exhibitions and are used for dressage and pleasure riding.

Spanish Mustang

In the 1500s, Spaniards entered what is now the United States through New Mexico, bringing with them a number of their horses to populate the New World. The descendants of these original Spanish mounts are believed to be a breed now known as the Spanish Mustang.

Spanish Mustangs once roamed wild in the American West and have come to be exceptionally hardy and intelligent. They tend to be on the small side, measuring around 14 to 15 hands. Known for their incredible endurance, Spanish Mustangs make great trail horses and companions.

Wild horse

One of the most romantic histories in horsedom belongs to the American wild horse, a creature that still inhabits certain parts of the United States. Believed by many to be escaped descendants of those horses used to build the American West, wild horses are protected by federal law. Consequently, horse wranglers can no longer capture the wild ones and sell them for pet food, a deplorable action that was rampant until the 1970s, when the Wild Horse Protection Act was passed.

Despite official protection, wild horses still are at the center of political controversy. Ranchers who use public lands to graze livestock want wild-horse herds kept to a minimum to allow more cattle to be grazed on the land, but many horse lovers believe the wild horse has first rights to the land. Ranching interests usually win out of late, and the Bureau of Land Management periodically reduces the number of horses present on the land by rounding them up and putting them up for public adoption. Anyone who can prove they have access to proper horsekeeping facilities can pay a small fee to adopt a wild horse. (See Chapter Making the Big Buy for more about wild horse adoptions.)

Warning!

Although young wild horses can be trained in much the same way as domestically born horses, adult wild horses need special handling to adapt to captivity. For that reason, full-grown wild horses are not recommended for beginning equestrians.

by Audrey Pavia with Janice Posnikoff,DVM