American Paint Horse

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: The American Paint Horse is extremely popular in traditional stock-horse western events as well as a variety of other riding disciplines.
Color: American Paint Horses sport a combination of white and any other color of the equine spectrum
Height: 14.2 to 16.2 hands

Profile: In 1519, the explorer Hernando Cortes carried two horses described as having pinto markings on his voyage. This is the first known description of such horses in America. By the early 1800s, horses with Paint coloring were well-populated throughout the West. A favorite among American Indians, the loud-colored Paint horses were particularly well-liked by the Comanche Indian tribe. Evidence of this is found in drawings painted on buffalo robes. Throughout the 1800s and into the late 1900s these painted horses were called pinto, paint, skewbald and piebald. In the early 1960s, interest grew in preserving and promoting horses with paint coloring and stock horse builds. In 1965 the American Paint Horse Association formed, and today, the American Paint Horse is extremely popular in traditional stock-horse western events as well as a variety of other riding disciplines.

Characteristics: American Paint Horses sport a combination of white and any other color of the equine spectrum: black, bay, brown, chestnut, dun, grullo, sorrel, palomino, buckskin, gray or roan. Markings come in any shape or size and can be located anywhere on the horse’s body. The variety of colors and markings appear in three specific coat patterns: overo, tobiano and tovero. American Paint Horses average 14.2 to 16.2 hands high.

American Quarter Horse

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: The American Quarter Horse can be seen in virtually every riding discipline and still races a quarter mile at tracks throughout the United States.
Color: Colors include sorrel, bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, perlino and cremello.
Height: 14 to over 16 hands

Profile: The American Quarter Horse traces its roots to early America, where settlers crossed English horses to those of Spanish ancestry, producing a compact and muscular horse. These horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than any other horse, and also served as multi-use work horses and family mounts. In the 1600s, English colonists began calling these horses “Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses.” Later, Thoroughbred blood was also introduced. The American Quarter Horses moved west with the settlers and grew in popularity among ranchers, showing an inherent sense for working cattle. In 1940, the American Quarter Horse Association was founded, and the breed received its official name.

Today, the American Quarter Horse is the most popular American breed and can be seen in virtually every riding discipline. In addition, American Quarter Horses still race a quarter mile at tracks throughout the United States. They are also gaining popularity in Europe and around the world.

Characteristics: There are 16 recognized colors of the American Quarter Horse. The most prominent color is sorrel (brownish red). Other colors include bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, perlino and cremello. American Quarter Horses range in size from 14 to over 16 hands high.

American Saddlebred

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: Horses are exhibited in driving, English—most notably saddleseat—and western classes.
Color: All colors are found, including pinto.
Height: 15 to 17 hands

Profile: The American Saddlebred originated from Galloway and Hobbie horses imported from Britain during the early part of America’s history. These two breeds were crossed to create the Narragansett Pacer, which was crossed to the Thoroughbred in the 1700s to produce the elegant “American Horse,” used for both riding and driving. Arabian and Morgan blood was later added to create the American Saddlebred. The American Saddlebred is considered the ultimate show horse. Horses are exhibited in driving, English—most notably saddleseat—and western classes.

Characteristics: The American Saddlebred is either three-gaited or five-gaited, which includes the standard gaits and the slow gait and rack. Both gaits are highly animated and elegant. The hooves hit the ground individually in both gaits, but the rack is much faster. The American Saddlebred must posses an elegant appearance, with bright facial features, a long arching neck and a high-stepping movement. All colors are found, including pinto. Horses stand 15 to 17 hands.

Andalusian

Country of Origin: Iberian Peninsula
Use today: The Andalusian excels in dressage and traditional Spanish equestrian pursuits, such as bull fighting and ranch work.
Color: The majority of Andalusians are gray; less common, although found, is bay, black, dun and palomino.
Height: 15 to 16.2

Profile: Hailing from the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian takes its name from the Province of Andalucia, where it was most famous. This living antiquity is purported to be an ancient breed; 20,000-year-old cave drawings show a similar type of horse and Homer mentions the horses in the Illiad (1,100 B.C.). During the Moorish invasion in 711 A.D., Andalusians were bred to the invader’s horses, the Spanish Barbs. In Spain, the horses are called Pura Raza Espanola (Pure Spanish Race). The Andalusian is the foundation for the Lippizzaner and many other world breeds, such as the Peruvian Paso. The Andalusian excels in dressage and traditional Spanish equestrian pursuits, such as bull fighting and ranch work.

Characteristics: Because the Andalusian has an uncanny ability to bring his haunches far underneath his body to elevate the forehand, it is highly talented at the upper movements of dressage, such as piaffe, passage and airs-above-the-ground. Elegant and robust, the Andalusian moves with distinctive upright steps in the trot and canter. Height ranges from 15 to 16.2 hands high. The majority of Andalusians are gray; less common, although found, is bay, black, dun and palomino.

Appaloosa Horse

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: Today, Appaloosas can be found at gaming events, horse shows and on the trail.
Color: With coat patterns, countless numbers of color and pattern combinations exist.
Height: 14.2 to 16 hands

Profile: The Spanish introduced horses to Mexico in the 1500s, and spotted horses have been depicted in images as far back as prehistoric cave paintings. However, it wasn’t until the 1700s when horses first reached Northwest America that horses with Appaloosa coloring gained recognition in the United States. The Nez Perce tribe of American Indians helped propel this recognition. Originally sedentary fishers, the Nez Perce tribe soon discovered the mobility and power that horses could bring. With their yet-unnamed Appaloosa horses, they soon became notorious for their hunting skills and craftsmanship. In reference to the Palouse River nearby, settlers began referring to the spotted Nez Perce horses as “a Palouse Horse,” later “Palousey,” “Appalousey” and eventually “Appaloosa.” The Nez Perce war of 1877 resulted in the Appaloosa herds being dispersed throughout the West. The Appaloosa horses’ flashy coats soon caught the eye of the public, and they grew in popularity. The Appaloosa Horse Club was chartered in 1938 to preserve and improve the Appaloosa breed. In 1975, the Appaloosa horse was officially named the Idaho state horse. Today, Appaloosas can be found at gaming events, horse shows and on the trail.

Characteristics: Appaloosa horses are known for four identifiable characteristics: coat pattern, mottled skin, white sclera and striped hooves. With coat patterns, countless numbers of color and pattern combinations exist. Base coat colors include bay, brown, black, buckskin, grulla, dun, palomino, cremello/perlino, chestnut, bay roan, blue roan and red roan. Appaloosa coat patterns include leopard, snowflake, blanket, marbleized and frost. Appaloosas range from 14.2 to 16 hands high.

Appendix Quarter Horse

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: Appendix Quarter Horses can be found racing and performing in the western and English disciplines.
Color: Colors include sorrel, bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, perlino and cremello.
Height: 15 to 17 hands

Profile: Until the 1940s the American Quarter Horse existed as a type rather than a breed, but in 1940 a group of breeders discussed the idea of forming an association. However, there was disagreement about what constituted a Quarter Horse. Many types existed and some horses had a lot of Thoroughbred blood, while others did not. One solution was to grade the horse types as A, B, C or D. Although never implemented, the Appendix Quarter Horse registry rose from this idea. The C type horse is now an Appendix. This describes a horse with a Thoroughbred sire or dam bred to a Quarter Horse dam or sire.

Characteristics: The influx of Thoroughbred blood helped the Quarter Horse evolve from the heavily muscled, shorter bulldog horse of the 1930s and 40s. The Thoroughbred added size, refinement and withers, which is important for saddle fitting. The Appendix Quarter Horse continues to mix the unique aspects of the Thoroughbred with the Quarter Horse.

Arabian

Country of Origin: Arabia
Use today: Arabians are famed for their stamina, and although they can be found in many disciplines, they rule the long-distance sport of endurance.
Color: Arabians can be found in the following colors: chestnuts, bay, gray, black and roan.
Height: 14 to 15.3 hands

Profile: Theorized to be the oldest breed in the world, Arabians were constant companions of the first documented breeders of the Arabian horse, the Bedouin people--nomadic tribesmen of Arabia who relied on the horse for survival. High religious significance in addition to harsh climates often led the nomads to share food, water and sometimes even their tents with their horses. For many of these reasons, the Arabian horse thrived in near isolation and are known for their sociable personalities. As religious wars erupted, the Arabian horse made its way into Europe and other parts of the world. European crusaders crossed the lighter Arabian Horse with their heavier breeds, influencing nearly every modern breed today. In 1725, Nathan Harrison of Virginia was the first of many to import the Arabian horse to North America. In 1908, a national registry was recognized for the Arabian Horse. Today, more Arabian horses live in the United States than in all the other countries in the world combined. Arabians are famed for their stamina, and although they can be found in many disciplines, they rule the long-distance sport of endurance.

Characteristics: The Arabian horse has a distinctive dished profile. They have giant, wide-set eyes on a broad forehead, small, curved ears, and large and efficient nostrils. Arabians are also known for their arched necks and short backs. They stand 14 to 15.3 hands high and can be found in the following colors: chestnuts, bay, gray, black and roan.

Barb 

Country of Origin: Middle Asia
Color: The Barb is found in many colors, including dun and palomino.
Height: 13.2 to 15 hands

Profile: The Barb is an ancient breed that was established in the Fertile Crescent of Middle Asia. The fast and agile Barb was a favored mount for the Berbers. In fact, the animal draws its name from this group of “barbarous” people. The Barb was originally a prized warhorse, which explains its worldwide distribution. As the Berbers conquered new lands, the horses left behind were bred with native stock. Barbs were most plentiful along the coast of Africa and the Moors used them to invade Spain. The horses were later taken by the Conquistadors to the New World and “liberated” by American Indians. Blood of the Barb flows through the veins of many breeds, including the Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse, Standardbred and Mustang. Few original Barbs remain in the world; most were gathered from the wild in the United States by Barb Horse Registry founder Richard Painter in the 1950’s to recreate the original type.

Characteristics: The Barb is a stocky, yet expressive horse standing 13.2hh to 15hh and is found in many colors, including dun and palomino. The Barb has fewer lumbar vertebrae than other horses and sixteen or seventeen rather than eighteen ribs.

Belgian

Country of Origin: Belgium
Use today: Today, the horses are used for hobby and historical farming, forestry work and pleasure driving.
Color: The Belgian is instantly recognized by its common sorrel color, usually with a white mane and tail, white face markings and four white socks or stockings.
Height: 16 to 18 hands

Profile: The Belgian draft horse was developed in the fertile pastures of Belgium. It was also there that the forefather of all draft horses was first bred—a heavy black horse used as knights’ mounts called the Flemish. The Belgian draft horse developed from this horse and carries many characteristics of the Flemish even today. The Belgian was primarily used for farm work but also in cities to work alongside other draft breeds in warehouses, freight stations and fishing wharfs. In 1866, the first Belgian arrived on American soil. In 1885 men in Wabash, Ind., started a business importing Belgian stallions and selling them to horse breeders throughout the Midwest. Today, the horses are used for hobby and historical farming, forestry work and pleasure driving.

Characteristics: The Belgian is instantly recognized by its sorrel color, usually with a white mane and tail, white face markings and four white socks or stockings. Roan is also seen as well as the occasional throwback bay. The Belgian stands from 16 to 18 hands and can pull a wagonload of 6,000 to 8,000 pounds and work eight to 10 hours a day.

Budenny

Country of Origin: Russia
Use today: Today, the Budenny excels in show jumping, dressage and eventing.
Color: The Budenny is found in various shades of chestnut with some white markings.
Height: 15 to 16 hands

Profile: The Russian Budenny (bood-yo-nee) was created to replace the mass equine casualties of World War I and the Russian Revolution, and to breed a horse that a Soviet officer would be proud to ride. The top cavalry riders were the Cossacks who rode the native Don. The new horse had to have the Don’s attributes yet be taller and possess beautiful movement and stamina. Thoroughbreds were crossed with Dons to create the Budenny. Today, the Budenny excels in show jumping, dressage and eventing. Because of restrictions during the rise of the Soviet Union, the breed is not common worldwide and only a few exist in the United States.

Characteristics: The Budenny stands 15 to 16 hands and is found in various shades of chestnut with some white markings. Careful breeding of the Don and the Thoroughbred created a horse with large bone and muscle, and agile and flowing movement. The Budenny looks like a sturdier Thoroughbred with the same long neck, slender yet strong legs and pretty head. The Budenny is also spelled Budonny and Budennovsky. The Russian spelling is Budennovskaia. Although no breed association represents the Budenny, the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of the Horse (VNIIK) based near Moscow oversees the breed and manages the studbook

Camargue

Country of Origin: France
Use today: Traditionally, Carmargues are ridden by the local cowboys who look after the feral bulls in the area, which are used for bullfighting.
Color: All are born dark and fade to light gray as they age.
Height: 13 to 14 hands

Profile: The Camargue originated in the marshy plains of the Rhone delta in the South of France. It has existed since prehistoric times. Although the breed has largely developed through natural selection, over the years, soldiers passing through the area bred their own mounts to the Camargue resulting in improved horses all-around. The Camargue horses still run wild in the marshes and are overseen by the Biological Research Station of la Tour du Valat. Horses are rounded up each year and some stallions are gelded. The Carmargue Regional Park protects horses. Traditionally, Carmargues are ridden by the local cowboys who look after the feral bulls in the area, which are used for bullfighting. The horses are also used for endurance racing and English sports, such as dressage.

Characteristics: The Camargue has evolved into a uniform horse and one looks similar to the next; very stocky with stout legs, hooves and haunches. The horses have primitive features with heavy manes and tails and large square heads with eyes flush to the skull. All are born dark and fade to light gray as they age. Horses stand from 13 to 14 hands height.

Canadian Horse

Country of Origin: Canada
Use today: Jumping, eventing, dressage, driving
Color: Most commonly black, but dark brown, bay and chestnut are also found
Height: 14 to 16 hands

Profile: In the late 1600s, King Louis XIV of France brought Breton and Norman horses to the region of North America now known as Canada. They are believed to be the ancestors of the modern Canadian Horse, which still possesses traits similar to the Arabian, Andalusian and Barb bloodlines that the Breton and Norman horses also displayed.

These French horses bred with little interference for hundreds of years, and the resulting breed became known as the Canadian Horse, or Cheval Canadien. Met with harsh weather and sparse food supplies, the Canadian Horse became a sturdy animal and remains hardy today.

In the mid-1800s, the Canadian Horse could be found in Canada and the United States, and was crossbred to improve the strength of other breeds. The Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, Standardbred and American Saddlebred are said to trace back to the Canadian Horse.

Canadian Horses were exported to southern Africa for the Boer War, to work on sugar plantations in the West Indies, and for the Civil War in America. With this exportation and the introduction of machinery replacing horse power, the Canadian Horse nearly became extinct.

The first studbook was produced in 1886 by a group of concerned enthusiasts, and the Canadian Horse Breeders Association was formed in 1895. Today, the breed is still listed as critical by the American Livestock Conservancy.

Characteristics: The Canadian Horse has a beautifully arched neck with a long, flowing mane and tail. Its head is refined with a short forehead and small throatlatch. The chest is deep and the back is short and strong. Long, sloping shoulders and broad hindquarters give way to muscular legs with clean joints and bone structure.

Caspian

Country of Origin: Iran
Use today: Caspian horses excel in carriage driving, particularly scurry driving where speed and handiness is a bonus.
Color: All solid colors are common.
Height: 10 to 12 hands

Profile: In 1965, Louise Firouz, an American living in Tehran, Iran, discovered a small Arabian-like horse in the Elborz Mountains that she named Caspian. Through bone, blood and DNA testing, archeo-zoologists proved the horses were direct descendants of the miniature Mesopotamian horse of antiquity thought to be extinct for the past 1,300 years. These horses had survived in small numbers because they were hemmed in by the mountains on one side and the Caspian Sea on the other. Caspian horses excel in carriage driving, particularly scurry driving where speed and handiness is a bonus.

Characteristics: Caspian horses posses several characteristics that differ from modern breeds, such as the shape of the scapula, which is wider at the base than at the top and an extra molar in the top jaw. The Caspian is very similar to an Arabian in appearance with large almond shaped eyes and small but graceful tipped-in ears. All solid colors are common. The breed stands 10 to 12 hands.

Chincoteague

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: The ponies are ridden English and western.
Color: The Chincoteague pony is seen in all colors but most common is a very colorful pinto.
Height: 12 to 14.2 hands

Profile: The Chincoteague pony was made famous in Marguerite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague. The ponies live on the barrier island of Assateague in Maryland and Virginia. It’s thought that their decedents were either from animals that swam to the islands from a shipwrecked Spanish boat in the 1600s or from animals turned out in the 1700s. Life on the island is hard, and the ponies have adapted to eating beach and marsh grasses. The ponies on the Virginian side are owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. Those on the Maryland side are owned by the Maryland Park Service. Each year the ponies in Virginia are swum across the channel; the foals are auctioned and the mares and stallions returned. The ponies are ridden English and western.

Characteristics: The island environment shaped the pony into its modern appearance. They have strong hooves, thick manes and tales, and light fetlock feathering. The Chincoteague pony is seen in all colors but most common is a very colorful pinto; strawberry roan on white and palomino on white create some of the brighter patterns. They stand from 12 to 14.2 hands high.

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Use today: Cleveland Bays are used throughout the world for general riding and driving.
Color: The color is always bay with a black mane, tail and legs, but rare, chestnut horses are possible.
Height: 16 to 16.2 hands

Profile: The Cleveland Bay developed in the Cleveland area of Northern Yorkshire in northeast England. In medieval times, the Cleveland Bay was valued as a packhorse for the church, carrying goods to and from various monasteries and convents. When the first roads were developed, Cleveland Bays were coach horses. The Cleveland Bay is the oldest breed of native horse in the United Kingdom, and one of the rarest and endangered equine breeds in the world. The Royal Family has been breeding Cleveland Bays for the past 100 years. Her Majesty is the patron of the United Kingdom Cleveland Bay Society and currently breeds her own horses. Cleveland Bays are used throughout the world for general riding and driving.

Characteristics: The Cleveland Bay stands 16 to 16.2 hands. The color is always bay with a black mane, tail and legs, but rare, chestnut horses are possible. Traditionally a draft horse, the Cleveland Bay isn’t high stepping like other coach horses. The motion can vary. Some have long, flowing movements and others are shorter in their strides.

Clydesdale

Country of Origin: Scotland
Use today: Today, the horses are used for hobby and historical farming, and pleasure driving.
Color: Clydesdales can be bay, brown, roan, black or gray, with white feathers and white markings
Height: 16 to 18 hands

Profile: The Clydesdale originated in the Clyde Valley, Scotland, and is the youngest of all the United Kingdom heavy breeds, finding its full development in the last 150 years. In the late 1700s, Native horses of Lanarkshire were put to Flemish horses, imported by the Duke of Hamilton, to increase their height and bulk. Clydesdales were imported throughout the world and helped build the cities and towns of Canada, Australia and America. Today, they are extremely familiar in the United States because of their use in advertisements by Anheuser Busch. Teams of ‘Budweiser’ horses are kept and displayed at Anheuser Busch theme parks throughout the United States.

Characteristics: Clydesdales stand from 16 to 18 hands and can be bay, brown, roan, black or gray, with white feathers and white markings. The Clydesdale is a flashy, high-stepping horse with strong, large feet. In fact, their feet were so big that in days past farmers couldn’t fit them in plow furrows. Therefore, Clydesdales were often worked in towns rather than farms.

Connemara

Country of Origin: Ireland
Use today: Today, the Connemara is the ultimate sport pony, and jumping is its forte.
Color: Colors are grey, black, brown and dun, and occasionally, palomino, chestnut and roan.
Height: 13 to 15 hands

Profile: The Connemara Pony is Ireland’s only native breed. It comes from and is named for an area on the west coast of Ireland bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Galway Bay; a wilderness of bogs and rugged moorland. In the early days of the breed, about 5th century B.C., the Connemara resembled a Shetland pony. Later, Celtic raiders bred the horses to the Spanish Jennet and the Irish Hobby. Welsh Cob, Arabian, Thoroughbred and Irish Draught helped establish the modern Connemara. Traditionally, Irish Farmers valued the Connemara, and almost all of them owned only one mare. Today, the Connemara is the ultimate sport pony, and jumping is its forte. When the Connemara is crossed with the Thoroughbred, it creates a sturdy and speedy event horse.

Characteristics: The Connemara is a large pony, with heights ranging from 13 to 15 hands. Colors are grey, black, brown and dun, and occasionally, palomino, chestnut and roan. The Connemara has thick and hardy forelegs and strong hocks and thighs. The neck is very long and arched, and the sloping shoulders are perfect for jumping.

Curly

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: Among other things, the sure-footed and nimble Curly often participates in gymkhana and western sports.
Color: Nearly all colors and coat patterns are found
Height: 14.1 to 15.1 hands

Profile: The majority of the Curly Horses, also known as the American Bashkir Curly Horse, descend from a herd of three horses found by the Damele family in 1898 roaming the mountain ranges of Nevada. How they came to be on the continent remains a mystery. Theories suggest the horses were brought with early settlers such as Spanish Conquistadors, Russians or Vikings. Modern blood typing shows that the Curly Horse is not a distinct breed; its genes comprise many breeds, such as the Morgan and the Missouri Foxtrotter. Today, curly coated horses occur in many types: gaited, sport, draft, pony and even a few miniatures. The sure-footed and nimble Curly often participates in gymkhana and western sports.

Characteristics: Born with tight curls everywhere, even in its ears, a curly horse’s coat settles down as the horse matures. Some Curlies have a running walk. Nearly all colors and coat patterns are found and the height varies according to type. The Curly Horse saddle types are the most numerous and range in height from 14.1 to 15.1 hands high. Curly Horses are often hypo-allergenic, and the hair is suitable for spinning.

Dales

Use today: Today, the Dales is a versatile pony and is both ridden and driven. Its surefootedness makes it a good mount for trail riding.
Color: The Dales Pony is usually black, although brown and gray are sometimes seen.
Height: 14 to 14.2 hands

Profile: The Dales Pony originated in the dales of northeast England. The Dales Pony was the ultimate farmer’s horse, pulling a plow, a cart, or working under saddle helping to herd sheep. The Dales Pony was valued as a pack pony working in the lead mines carrying the ore to cargo ships. Welsh Cobs and Clydesdales were used to help better the breed, although Clydesdale features were later bred out. Known for their super-equine strength, the Dales can carry 220 pounds in weight. The Dales is a speedy pony, trotting an average three-minute mile. Today, the Dales is a versatile pony and is both ridden and driven. Its surefootedness makes it a good mount for trail riding.

Characteristics: The Dales Pony has hard dark-colored hooves with thickly boned feathered legs. Short-coupled with strong hindquarters and a well-muscled neck, the Dales also sports fine features with wide-set eyes and tiny ears. Average height is 14 to 14.2 hands high. The Dales Pony is usually black, although brown and gray are sometimes seen.

Danish Warmblood

Country of Origin: Denmark
Use today: Danish Warmbloods excel in show jumping and dressage.
Color: Horses are found in all solid colors, most predominately black, chestnut, bay and dark brown.
Height: 15.3 to 17 hands

Profile: The Danish Warmblood is the youngest of all the European warmblood breeds, beginning in 1962. There were two Danish saddle horse breed associations—the Danish Sport Horse Society and the Danish Light Horse Association. But these were later merged in 1978 to form the Dansk Varmblood (the Danish Warmblood Society) in Denmark. To create the perfect sport horses, breeding animals were carefully chosen from among European stallions of various breeds, including warmblood and Thoroughbred, and put to Danish mares. Although the studbook remains open, Denmark is very choosy with the inclusion of stallions. The stallions must be easily ridden and have a strong competitive aptitude. Prior to 2004, the goal of the Danish Warmblood Society has been to breed an all-around sporthorse, but now breeding is more specifically pinpointed to create a top show jumper or dressage horse.

Characteristics: The Danish Warmblood is a large, elegant riding horse, very similar to the Thoroughbred but with a more substantial build. Horses are found in all solid colors, most predominately black, chestnut, bay and dark brown, and stand 15.3 to 17 hands high. Danish Warmbloods are branded with a wave topped by a crown.

Dartmoor Pony

Use today: Today the Dartmoor is a top English show mount in both jumping and flatwork.
Color: The Dartmoor comes in all colors except pinto.
Height: 11 to 12.2 hands

Profile: Any visitor traveling from the south toward Stonehenge in the southwest of England will most likely drive through Dartmoor, home to Sherlock Holmes’ “Hound of the Baskervilles” and the Dartmoor Pony. The geographic location of their early native land (close to the sea, in this case) meant that native ponies were easily crossed with travelers’ mounts creating a diverse animal. Shetland ponies were later turned out in the moors to produce a tougher mining pony. This crossbreeding was a disaster because it nearly meant the end of the Dartmoor. But breeders realized what was happening and turned out Welsh, Fell, and even a polo pony, with the Dartmoor. Later, Arabians were released as well. World War II nearly caused the breed’s extinction when their native Dartmoor was turned into a field to train soldiers instead of a place for ponies to breed. Today the Dartmoor is a top English show mount in both jumping and flatwork.

Characteristics: The Dartmoor stands 11 to 12.2 hands and in all colors except pinto. The breed is sturdy but elegant, possessing a lovely long action.

Dutch Warmblood

Country of Origin: Netherlands
Use today: The Dutch Warmblood excels as a sporthorse.
Color: Dutch Warmbloods are found in all solid colors.
Height: 16 to 17 hand

Profile: After World War II, Dutch farms were becoming mechanized and horses were no longer needed to work the land, but two lighter farm horses, the Gelderlander and the Groningen were used to help establish a new breed. Equestrian sports were on the rise, and the Dutch developed a sporthorse of their own called the Dutch Warmblood. The Groningen had the impressively strong hindquarters needed for jumping and collection. The Gelderlander had a beautiful action highly desired for the basic movement for all sports. Thoroughbred blood was later added to give the horse speed and stamina.

Characteristics: There are three types of Dutch Warmbloods: Riding (dressage and jumping horses), harness (carriage horses) and Gelders (traditional Dutch horses used for harness and under saddle). Elegant, strong and possessing beautiful movement, the Dutch Warmblood stands 16 to 17 hand and is found in all solid colors.

Exmoor

Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Use today: Its best known for its driving abilities, but it also is used for riding and for conservation purposes to graze brush and other foliage down in parks and protected areas.
Color: They are ancient in color, such as dull brown, bay or dun with mealy markings on the muzzle, legs and belly.
Height: 11.3 to 12.3 hands  

Profile: The Exmoor Pony is the oldest of the nine British breeds and is least influenced by outside breeding. The Exmoor was first prized as a chariot horse by invading Roman forces. Its best known for its driving abilities, but it also is used for riding and for conservation purposes to graze brush and other foliage down in parks and protected areas. Today, many Exmoor ponies are bred on the moors. The theory is that if the Exmoor is pampered in stable life, it loses its ancient characteristics.

Characteristics: The Exmoor has primitive features: hooded eyes, a double coat and an “ice” tail, which is thicker and wider at the top, protecting the pony against the fierce wind and cold of the moors. It possesses a seventh molar, which is a primeval pony characteristic. The Exmoor stands 11.3 to 12.3 hands high. They are ancient in color, such as dull brown, bay or dun with mealy markings on the muzzle, legs and belly.

Use today: The ponies truly shine in combined driving. With their small sizing, they are extremely nimble in the cross-country phase.
Color: The most common color is black, although brown, bay or pale gray is also seen.
Height: 12.2 to 14 hands

Profile: The Fell Pony arrived in Great Britain as an ancient Wild European Pony type that came across the land bridge during the ice age. The ponies dispersed throughout the United Kingdom, and the resulting habitat helped form and shape the modern Fell Pony. The word “fell” describes the hills surrounding the Lake District in Cumbria in northwestern England. Fifteen herds of Fell Ponies still run wild on these hills. Small adults and children can ride Fell Ponies. The ponies truly shine in combined driving. With their small sizing, they are extremely nimble in the cross-country phase. <

Characteristics: The Fell ranges in height from 12.2 to 14 hands high. The most common color is black, although brown, bay or pale gray is also seen. There are some white markings, usually a star and/or socks. The Fell retains many of its prehistoric characteristics. The thick forelock and mane, and feathers on the legs help shed water away from the skin. The Fell moves with comfortable, easy gaits.

Florida Cracker

Country of Origin: North America
Use today: Today, the horses are used for endurance riding and traditional western ranching pursuits.
Color: All colors are found.
Height: 13.2 to 15.2 hands

Profile: The Florida Cracker descends from Spanish horses such as the Barb and the Spanish Jennet that arrived in the southern United States in the 1500s. Although it is genetically similar to the Mustang, Paso Fino and other modern Spanish breeds, the Florida Cracker’s geological isolation meant that the horses evolved to have its own distinctive features. The horses were ridden by cowboys called “crackers” because of the whips they used to round up cattle; their horses were given the same name. The Florida Cracker’s use in Florida was usurped in the 1930s by the American Quarter Horse, which due to its stouter size could deal with the necessary roping needed to administer screwworm medications to the cattle. Efforts to revive the Cracker are ongoing in Florida. Today, the horses are used for endurance riding and traditional western ranching pursuits.

Characteristics: Florida Crackers are small riding horses with heights ranging from 13.2 to 15.2 hands high. All colors are found. Although not all Crackers are gaited, many are and gaits include: the flatfoot walk, running walk, trot and amble.

Friesian

Country of Origin: Friesland
Use today: The Friesian is one of the best carriage horses in the world. Today the breed is an accomplished dressage horse.
Color: Only black horses are registered, but the color can range from black/bay, dark brown or true black.
Height: 14.3 to 16 hands

Profile: The Friesian is one of Europe’s oldest breeds and gets its name from the Friesland region in the north of the Netherlands. The breed almost became extinct worldwide during the turn of the 20th century, as many Friesians were crossed to other breeds to create a faster horse for trotting races. In fact, only three purebred stallions were left. While World War II very nearly destroyed other breeds, it actually brought the Friesian back from the brink of extinction. Due to the fuel shortages, Dutch farmers turned to horses for transportation and fieldwork. The Friesian is one of the best carriage horses in the world. Today the breed is an accomplished dressage horse.

Characteristics: The Friesian stands 14.3 to 16 hands high. Only black horses are registered, but the color can range from black/bay, dark brown or true black. The only white allowed is a small star. The arched topline of the Friesian is the hallmark of the breed’s conformation. The Friesian’s head is rather expressive and well-sculpted with tiny elegant ears.

Gotland-Russ

Country of Origin: Sweden

Use today: The Gotland-Russ is popular in Sweden for eventing, show jumping, dressage, driving, harness racing and pleasure riding.
Color: Bay, black, buckskin and sorrel are the most common colors. Albinos, piebalds and roans are not allowed
Height: Ideal height is 12.1 hands

Profile: The Gotland-Russ Pony thrives in forest regions on the island of Gotland in Sweden. The inhabitants of Gotland also call the ponies skogsbaggar, meaning "forest rams." Russ is the Gutnish word for horse. In the early 19th century, the Gotland-Russ pony was used for farming. Later, numbers declined due to the cultivation of forest areas, and many ponies were sold in England, Germany and Belgium for mining.

Although stud farms were established in the 20th century to breed the ponies, their numbers continued to drop, as they were hunted during World War II. The Gotland Agriculture Society and farmers who were eager to save the breed enclosed 200 acres of land, where several ponies were allowed to roam free. They formed a herd that continues to maintain the purity of the breed today, and every three years, a different stallion is introduced to the herd to prevent inbreeding. The ponies are rounded up a few times each year for health assessment.

The Gotland-Russ Pony is still new in the United States. The Gotland Russ Association of North America was formed in 1997 and works with the Swedish Russ Breeders' Association. The ponies can also be found in Denmark and Finland.

Characteristics: The Gotland-Russ Pony is known to be strong, healthy, energetic and intelligent with a gentle temperament. These qualities and its size make the pony an ideal children's mount.

Gypsy

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Use today: Gypsy horses are best known as driving horses in the United Kingdom, but in North America they have become popular trail and show horses, ridden both English and western, as well as carriage horses.
Color: Although not a color breed, piebalds (black and white pinto), skewbalds (red/brown and white pintos) and blagdon (solid color with white belly splashes) horses are popular.
Height: 14 to 15.2 hands

Profile: Gypsy horses, registered as Gypsy Vanner Horses, Gypsy Cobs and Gypsy Drum horses, are a relatively new concept to most people, but not to the Romany (gypsy) “Traveller” of Great Britain. Today, colorful Gypsy horses can be seen at times moving with their owners as they travel to their annual gathering places. Although many of the Gypsy's horses are not specifically bred, an increased number of the horses have been selectively bred over the last 50 years to exhibit characteristics that create the perfect caravan horses. The genetic makeup of the breed most likely comes from Shire, Clydesdale and native British ponies, such as the Dales Pony. The horses originate in Great Britain but are now being imported and bred in the United States and Canada. Gypsy horses are best known as driving horses in the United Kingdom, but in North America they have become popular trail and show horses, ridden both English and western, as well as carriage horses.

Characteristics: Gypsy horses are flashy enough to turn heads. Although not a color breed, piebalds (black and white pinto), skewbalds (red/brown and white pintos) and blagdon (solid color with white belly splashes) horses are popular. A thick mane and tail, and abundantly feathered legs are desired. Gypsy horses are strong, small draft types with short backs, heavily muscled hindquarters and large hooves. Horses are found in all heights, but 14 to 15.2 hands high is the classic size.

Hackney

Country of Origin: Great Britain
Use today: The Hackney is known for its tremendous trotting ability and is a popular driving horse.
Color: The common colors are black, brown, bay and chestnut, and there are even some spotted Hackneys.
Height: 14 to 15.3 hands

Profile: The Hackney was developed in Great Britain in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and was descendant of the Norfolk Trotter, Yorkshire Roadster, the Arabian and the Thoroughbred. Their early ancestors were even thought to be Friesians. The English-bred Hackney was the replacement to its equine counterpart--the heavy coach horse--smooth and well-maintained roads replaced rough tracks. People wanted to get places quickly and so the light carriage horse came into favor, and the Hackney began to show its worth. But they were more than just pretty faces; word soon spread about the horses’s tremendous trotting ability. The Hackney was easily capable of trotting 60 miles in one day.

Characteristics: The Hackney (both Hackney ponies and horses) ranges in height from 14 – 15.3 hands high. The common colors are black, brown, bay and chestnut, and there are even some spotted Hackneys. Both pony and horse possess an extremely elegant appearance with a small head, delicate muzzle and well-shaped ears. The hallmark of the Hackney is its natural, high-stepping gait.

Hanoverian

Country of Origin: Germany
Use today: Hanoverians often top the leader boards in dressage, jumping, and even in the hunter ring. They are also found in eventing and in combined driving.
Color: The Hanoverian is found in the following colors: chestnut, bay, brown, black and gray.
Height: 15.3 to 17 hands

Profile: Like most German warmbloods, the Hanoverian is named for its region of origin: Lower Saxony in northern Germany was formerly the kingdom of Hannover. In 1714, King George I of England—originally the elector of Hannover—sent several English Thoroughbreds to Germany to refine the native stock. His son, George II, created a state stud at Celle in 1735, with the purpose of creating a breeding program that would supply farmers with superb working horses, as well as top cavalry mounts. Fourteen black Holsteiners dominated the original breeding program; then Thoroughbred blood was added. The original Celle stallion station is still the center of Hanoverian breeding. Hanoverians often top the leader boards in dressage, jumping, and even in the hunter ring. They are also found in eventing and in combined driving.

Characteristics: The Hanoverian stands from 15.3 to 17 hands high and is found in the following colors: chestnut, bay, brown, black and gray. Since the horse is bred for sport, conformation of the haunches is particularly important since they are the power source of the horse. The Hanoverian is a renowned mover, covering the ground with plenty of spring and impulsion. This gorgeous movement and presence make them specialists in jumping and dressage.

Highland

Country of Origin: Scotland
Use today: Today it is a prized pack pony, trail mount and family pony.
Color: The Highland Pony is mainly dun in color, but may also be gray, brown, black, and a dark chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.
Height: 13 to 14.2 hands

Profile: The Highland pony is one of the two native pony breeds hailing from the north of Scotland. It is the largest and strongest of all the native ponies of Great Britain. The Highland Pony was never purposely cross-bred to other animals to create a type; instead the environment shaped the breed’s unique characteristics. The Highland Pony was considered an “all-rounder” prized by Scottish crofters (farmers). Not only was it willing to work the farm, the Highland pony’s surefootedness and strength made him a prized pack animal with a talent toward carrying a hunter’s kill, easily toting 200 pounds of deadweight. Today it is a prized pack pony, trail mount and family pony.

Characteristics: The Highland Pony stands from 13 to 14.2 hands high and is mainly dun in color, but may also be gray, brown, black, and a dark chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. Most have primitive markings, such as a dorsal stripe and zebra markings on the legs. The Highland Pony has a short fine-featured head with a broad forehead, muscled arched neck and short legs with light feathering.

Icelandic

Country of Origin: Iceland
Use today: The Icelandic Horse is still treasured in its homeland today, and many people still use the horses for sheepherding, local transportation and competition.
Color: The breed comes in more than 100 colors and color combinations, except spotted.
Height: 12 to 14 hands

Profile: The Icelandic Horse was most likely brought to Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th century. Although the breed shares characteristics with the Mongolian horse and the Lyngen or Nordland, little is actually known about its ancestry. Because of the remoteness of the area where the horses originated, the Icelandic Horse has remained a pure breed, unchanged for over 1,000 years. The horses were prized by inhabitants for their all-around ability, working for their owners and providing transportation. The Icelandic Horse is still treasured in its homeland today, and many people still use the horses for sheepherding, local transportation and competition.

Characteristics: The Icelandic horse is best known for its unusual gaits. In addition to trot and canter, there is also the tolt, which is a four-beat gait, similar to the rack, with high-stepping, beautiful movement. The tolt is a very smooth gait and can be as slow as the walk or as fast as the gallop. Some Icelandic Horses have a flying pace, which is a two-beat gait where both legs on the same side move together. The breed comes in more than 100 colors and color combinations, except spotted, and stands from 12 to 14 hands high.

Irish Draught

Country of Origin: Ireland
Use today: The Irish Hunter and other Irish Draught crosses are successful in the show jumping and eventing world.
Color: Any solid color is acceptable.
Height: 15.1 to 16.3 hands

Profile: The Irish Draught Horse is one of the two native equine breeds found in Ireland. Its ancestry is unclear. Thoroughbred stallions may have been put to local mares whose origins were a conglomeration of whatever swam to shore after shipwrecks (perhaps from Spanish galleons) and French and Flemish stock brought by Anglo-Norman invaders. The Irish Draught was more likely developed from local horses and adapted to the work that was required. Historically, the Irish Draught breed was an all-around utility animal for the Irish farmer. Today, the Irish Draught is often crossed with the Thoroughbred to produce the Irish Draught Sport Horse, a faster, smaller horse with all the wonderful attributes of the Irish Draught. The Irish Hunter and other Irish Draught crosses are successful in the show jumping and eventing world.

Characteristics: The average height of the Irish Draught is 15.1 to 16.3 hands high; any solid color is acceptable. This powerful looking breed acts the part with bold, strong, ground covering movements. The Irish Draught possesses natural jumping ability, and due to its kind and intelligent nature it is easily trained.