Horse Breeds

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Horse Breeds

Horse Breeds

Akhal Teke
An older breed from Turkmenistan. These horses have been renowned as cavalry mounts and racehorses for some 3,000 years. The Akhal-Teke has superb natural gaits, and is the outstanding sporting horse from this area.

Alter Real
Warmblood from Alentejo Portugal. The purpose was to provide horses for the Royal Stables at Lisbon that were suitable for classical equitation, and also, good carriage horses. Known for high knee action, its high strung temperment.

Andalusian
Ancient breed from Europe. The roots of the Andalusian reach back to prehistoric times. Cave paintings of horses have been discovered on the Iberian Peninsula in southern Spain dating to 20,000 to 30,000 BC. These prehistoric horses are considered the foundation of the Andalusian.

Appaloosa
A native American breed with irregular spot patterns. Today, the beautiful spotted horse is one of the most beloved of American horse breeds and can be found throughout the world, excelling in disciplines including western pleasure, games, working cow horse and dressage.

Arabian
An ancient breed, that is small agile, known for speed, endurance and jumping. Some say the breed began in the wild deserts of the Arabian deserts. Others say the existence of these horses can be traced to northern Syria and Southern Turkey.

Belgian Warmblood
Breed originating in Belgium has been carefully developed over several decades through the selective breeding of Belgium's finest cavalry and light agricultural horses to Thoroughbreds, Anglo-Arabs and other proven European Warmbloods (Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Selle-Francais and Dutch).

Clydesdale
The Clydesdale is a breed of heavy draft horse developed in the early nineteenth century by farmers in the Lanarkshire (previously Clydesdale) district of Scotland. It was bred to meet not only the agricultural needs of the local farmers, but also the demands of commerce for the coalfields of Lanarkshire and for all the types of heavy haulage on the streets of Glasgow. Also known for being the Budweiser horses.

Dutch Warmblood
A modern sport horse derived from the selective breeding of German, French, and English horses crossed with the native Dutch stock.

Hanoverian
Large breed developed in Germany as draft horses that have become popular in show jumping and dressage.

Lippizan
Originally from Austria known for grace. Though they can be any color they are known as being white or grey.

Morab
The Arabian breed is the purest breed in the world and oldest pure strain of horse. This ancient breed has been used to help formulate almost every known light horse breed in the world. Arabian influences can be seen in breeds from Thoroughbred to Welsh.

Morgan
All purpose small breed generally used for saddlebred showing. During the Civil War Morgans were dependable cavalry mounts and artillery horses. Again, their easy-keeping qualities and ability to endure grueling condition allowed them to outlast other types of horses.

Oldenburg
Heavy German warmblood looks similar to draft breeds. Oldenburg horses lead in all disciplines and are right at the top of international sports.

Paint Horse
Built for versatility, the American Paint Horse is generally short-coupled, strong-boned and well balanced. Paints display unusual display of coat patterns along with conformation, intelligence, and a willing attitude.

Paso Fino
Bred in Latin America typically small and known for their four-beat gaits. Today they are being used in all equine disciplines and are unequalled when it comes to the luxurious ride that they produce.

Percheron
The breed derives its name from the place that served as its cradle. Le Perche is an old province about 53 by 66 miles located some 50 miles southwest of Paris. Used for heavy pulling and farm work. Extermely wide.

Quarter Horse
Heavily muscled horse that contains Thoroughbredlines. The American Quarter Horse was not recognized as an official breed until 1940 when several people got together to discuss keeping a record of the bloodlines of their horses so as not to have anymore out-crossings.

Saddlebred
The first Thoroughbreds were imported in 1706. They had been developed in England by crossing the Galloway and Hobby mares with stallions from the Middle East. By 1776 an all-purpose riding horse, commonly called the American Horse, was recognized as a definite type. Characterized by a long arched neck, and high stepping action.

Thoroughbred
Known for racing, speed and stamina. Originated in England. They tend to be flighty and high strung, though many can be gentled to work quite well in other disciplines. They are used to working with people and having many handlers, because they are started so young. The Thoroughbred has also been known to be very corageous.