Types & Breeds

Types & Breeds

INTRODUCTION

There are hundreds of breeds of horses that have been developed over the centuries. In many cases, breeds were developed to serve a specific need or purpose. Although most horses are capable of doing most of the activities we participate in with horses, some breeds and individuals have specific characteristics which make them better suited to particular tasks.

Whenever possible, it is best to match a horse's physical and mental characteristics with the activity the rider wishes to pursue. There is general information, and pictures, for many of the common breeds in this learning lesson. For detailed information on many of the breeds of horses in the world, visit Oklahoma State's breed website.

LIGHT HORSE

Most horses that are used for riding are classified as light horses. This is a nonspecific term, and use will vary depending on geographic region and the background of the individual horse person.

Some of the most well known types of horses today are those that we commonly refer to as light horse breeds. Throughout history, humans have adopted light horse breeds for their swift, efficient travel, and in more recent years, their ability to provide leisure on the trail, speed on the racetrack, style in the show ring, and agility on the ranch.

Major light horse breeds will be covered below and classified as stock type, hunter type, or saddle type horses.

Stock type horses exhibit western qualities and are more heavily muscled than other light horse breeds and can perform traditional ranch work. See figure 1. The Quarter Horse is a common breed of a stock type horse.

Figure 1: Stock Type Horse

Hunter type horses are longer and leaner than stock type horses and more suitable for activities requiring a longer, more ground-covering stride. See figure 2. The Thoroughbred is a common breed of a hunter type horse.

Figure 2: Hunter Type Horse

In most cases, saddle type, or fine breed, horses begin to show more dramatic conformational differences by having a higher-tying neck, a flatter croup, and higher knee action. (Refer to equine anatomy to learn where parts of the horse are, such as the croup and the knee.) The American Saddlebred is a common breed of a saddle type horse.

Figure 3: Saddle Type Horse (photo courtesy of Pat Johnson)

In addition, some light horse breeds are also considered color breeds. Depending on the specific color breed, these horses can exhibit: 1) more white, 2) a varied coat pattern, or a 3) a specific solid color coat such as palomino or buckskin. See figure 4. 

Figure 4: Palomino Color Breed (Photo courtesy of Reg Corkum

American Paint Horse

AMERICAN PAINT HORSE

The Paint Horse was introduced into the United States by Spanish explorers. It is primarily comprised of stock type horses such as Quarter Horses. Some have Thoroughbred influence.

The two characteristic coat patterns of the Paint Horse are tobiano and overo.

• The overo pattern has no white crossing over the back; has one or more dark legs; is often bald-, apron-, or bonnet-faced; has body markings that are randomly spotted or splashy; and has a tail that is usually one color.
• The tobiano pattern is white with colored spots and does have white crossing over the back; includes a solid-color face with traditional markings; has white on all legs; has regular body spots, and is dark in one or both flanks.

Figure 1: American Paint Horse (Tobiano) (Photo courtesy of Kersti Nebelsiek)

The Paint Horse usually stands 14.2 to 15.2 hands tall at the withers, with a body style very similar to that of the American Quarter Horse. Paint Horses are short in their heads and have very powerful, short-coupled bodies.

Paint Horses are versatile and very colorful, which makes them eye-catching while being ridden, useful for ranch work, and competitive in rodeos, showing, or racing. See figure 1.

For more information on the American Paint horse visit the American Paint Horse Association website at APHA.com.

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American Quarter Horse

Figure 1: Palomino Quarter Horse

AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE

Unlike the imported Arabian and Thoroughbred, the American Quarter Horse (stock type) is the oldest surviving American horse breed. This horse was developed by the colonists and was often raced down the main streets of early American towns. The Quarter Horse quickly earned the reputation of being the fastest at one-fourth mile, thus leading to its name. The American Quarter Horse was instrumental in settling the West and possessed excellent cow sense for ranch work.

The American Quarter Horse has a characteristic short head and sloping shoulder. Powerful muscling is strengthened by a strong, short, compact body. Quarter Horses are known for their good temperament and generally stand 14.2 to 15.2 hands tall. Like the Thoroughbred, they, too, have solid coat color patterns (See figure 1).

Speed, athleticism, and versatility are qualities possessed by the American Quarter Horse. Today, the Quarter Horse is used for racing, riding, ranch work and rodeos (see figure 2).

For more information about the American Quarter Horse visit the American Quarter Horse Association.

Figure 2: Quarter Horse used for Roping 

(Photo Courtesy of Pitzer Ranch)

American Saddlebred

AMERICAN SADDLEBRED
The American Saddlebred (a saddle type horse) was developed in Kentucky by mixing influences of the Narraganset Pacer, Morgan, and Thoroughbred breeds of horses. Although the American Saddlebred was introduced around 1776, these horses gained in popularity and fame during the Civil War that lasted from 1861-1865. Saddlebreds served as the mounts of many famous generals; Lee on a saddlebred named Traveller, Grant on Cincinnati, Sherman on Lexington, and Stonewall Jackson on Little Sorrell.

American Saddlebreds stand 15 to 16 hands tall and are of solid coat colors, such as black, brown, bay, gray, or chestnut. See figure 1.  The Saddlebred’s travel is exemplified by extreme animation and style. 

A unique quality of the American Saddlebred is its suitability for show and pleasure riding, along with the ability to perform unique gaits.

For more information visit the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

Figure 1: American Saddlebred

(Photo Courtesy of Kersti Nebelsiek)

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Arabian

ARABIAN

The Arabian, (saddle type) originated in the wild desert of the Middle East in 5000 B.C. making it one of the oldest and most influential breeds. The Arabian is known for its endurance, speed, and overall toughness.

Arabians are small in stature, with a concave face (also referred to as a dished face) and large dark eyes. Their characteristic arching neck comes high out of their withers and ties into a sloping shoulder. Arabians have a flat croup that enhances their endurance capabilities. On average, they stand 14.3 hands tall on large feet. The chestnut color is their original color pattern; however, Arabians may also be bay, brown, gray, or black. See figure 1.

The fast, free-floating stamina of modern-day Arabians makes them highly suitable for riding and racing.

For more information visit the Arabian Horse Association.

Figure 1: Gray Arabian with dished face 

(Photo Courtesy of Trescastillos)

Thoroughbred

Figure 1: Thoroughbred Race Horse

(Photo Courtesy of Jeff Kubina)

THOROUGHBRED

The Arabian played a major role in the development of the Thoroughbred (hunter type), which originated in England in the 1600s. All Thoroughbreds can be traced back to three sires (the term sire refers to a horse's father) . The three sires were the Darley Arab, Byerly Turk, and Godolphin Barb. These sires were imported to England for the purpose of increasing the speed of horses for sport racing. The sires were bred to mares to produce the characteristics that are now known by Americans as the Thoroughbred. The Thoroughbred was introduced to America in 1773.

The Thoroughbred is a lean horse that has a long neck and elegant head. Powerful hindquarters and a sloping shoulder help give the Thoroughbred speed and endurance. Most Thoroughbreds stand approximately 16 hands and have solid coat colors such as bay, brown, chestnut, black, or gray.

Thoroughbreds are fast and spirited, which makes them extremely suitable for racing, jumping, hunter riding, and improving genetic traits through crossbreeding. See figure 1.

For more information visit the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

DRAFT HORSE

In contrast to pony and light horse breeds, draft horses are the gentle giants of the industry. These horses may also be characterized as a heavy horse breed that stands from 15 to more than 18 hands tall and can weigh more than 2,000 pounds. They were the workhorses used for agricultural production and hauling freight in days gone by. Today, many draft horses are used on farms and ranches across North America and in exhibition hitches in the show ring or in parades. Some examples of draft horse breeds include the Clydesdale, Percheron, Shire, and Belgian.

(Photo Courtesy of USDA)

Clydesdale

                                               

                                        Figure 1: Clydesdale Draft Horse (Photo Courtesy of Kersti Nebelsiek)

CLYDESDALE

Clydesdales are well noted for their white faces and leg markings as well as the bell-bottom effect created by the excessive feathering on their lower legs (see figure 1). Six to eight horse hitches are used for advertising a well-known beer brewery and other companies (see figure 2). The Clydesdale's long, springy stride, with extreme flexion of the knees and hocks (this means that the horse has smooth movements with great flexibility), makes this horse ideal for an amazing hitch.

Clydesdales are taller, weigh less, and are cleaner and flatter in their bone structure than other draft horses. Although attractive, these draft horses tend to be more nervous than other draft breeds. They can be registered through the Clydesdale Breeders Association of the United States.

Figure 2: Budweiser Clydesdales 

(Photo courtesy of Paul Keleher)

Percheron

PERCHERON

The Percheron was imported into the United States in 1839, and the Percheron Horse Association of America was established in 1876.

This breed is primarily composed of black and gray horses, with some having white markings. Percherons lack the heavy feathering behind the fetlocks characteristic of most draft breeds. Percherons are light on their feet and have high knee action and a bold trot that makes them desirable for draft-horse shows. 

Figure 1: A team of Percherons

(Photo courtesy of Marjon Kruik)

Belgian

BELGIAN

Originally from the country of Belgium, the Belgian became loved by many American farmers. The predominant color of Belgian's is sorrel or chestnut (refer to coat colors to learn about the different colors of horses). Lighter shades of these horses soon became known as blonde sorrels. See figure 1.

Their very quiet nature and uniformity in coat color made Belgians ideal for pulling contests. They have very slow motion and do not have much knee action. Knee action refers to how high they raise their legs while moving. However, some have been crossed with breeds that have increased the amount of action in their gait.

These horses are registered with the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America (established in 1887), which currently has more registered horses than other draft breed registries.

Figure 1: Belgian Draft Horse

Shire

SHIRE

The Shire originates in England, and its ancestors were the "great horses" of medieval times. They were used in battles and tournaments, but were also great for use in agriculture because of the great amount they are able to pull.

This breed can come in brown, bay, and grey. But is it widely known for its rich black color and thick feathering in its legs.

These horses are registered through the American Shire Horse Association.

(Photo courtesy of gotequine.com)

PONIES

Ponies are popular children's mounts because their smaller size makes them less intimidating and more appropriately matched to a child's body build and strength than a full-sized horse. Well-trained, even-tempered ponies can bring top dollar as a child’s mount. Generally, horses that are 14.2 hands in height or under are considered ponies, although individual breed associations may have different standards for height. Common pony breeds include Shetland, Connemara, Pony of the Americas, Welsh, and Hackney Pony.

(Photo courtesy of Arno Grimm)

Shetland Pony

SHETLAND PONY

One of the most popular pony breeds is the Shetland. The Shetland is a smaller pony with a maximum height of 46 inches (11.6 hands); however, most Shetlands stand approximately 40 inches tall at the withers.

This hardy breed was developed in the highland country 100 miles north of Scotland near the Arctic Circle (Scotland Island). The Shetland's strength and size made it ideal to work in the mines in England and Scotland. Due to the isolation of Scotland Island and the desire of its inhabitants to keep small ponies for children, Shetlands were not heavily crossed with other horses and were able to maintain their breed characteristics relatively well.

In 1888, the American Shetland Pony Club was organized. It recognizes the colors of black, dark brown, bay, and chestnut as the breed's official colors. A color unique to Shetlands is the silver dapple–-a dappled chestnut with silver or white mane and tail. 

Figure 1: Shetland pony under saddle

(Photo courtesy of Kallerna)

Pony of the Americas

Figure 1: Pony of the Americas

PONY OF THE AMERICAS

The mating of a Shetland pony stallion to an Appaloosa mare resulted in an "in between" pony that inspired its owner from Mason City, Iowa, to establish a breed association of western-type ponies that would be small enough for children yet large enough for adults to break and train. See figure 1.

The registry, founded by Leslie Boomhower, was the Pony of the Americas (POA) in 1955. To be considered a POA, the pony must be 46 to 56 inches in height. POA's can be a result of a cross between many many breeds of horses, although Appaloosas are usually a part of the cross.

This is a color breed that requires Appaloosa-type coloring, according to the POA rulebook (See figure 2).

White sclera is required but does not have to encircle the eye. Sclera of the eye means the iris of the eye is encircled with white like a human eye (see figure 3). All horses have sclera, but POA's and Apaloosa's is white and more easily seen than in other breeds. Striped hooves are desirable but not required (see figure 4).

For more information visit Pony of the Americas.

Figure 2: Appaloosa Markings	Figure 3: Sclera of the eye	Figure 4: Striped Hoof

(Photo Courtesy of Appaloosas)

MINIATURE HORSES

Miniature Horse

There are no specific breeds of miniature horses. Miniature horses that are registered in the International Miniature Horse Registry have a maximum height of 34 inches. These horses are used by very small children and some adults for driving and riding. Unlike many of the pony breeds, the miniature horse is known for its very horse-like conformation. It is thought that this horse was primarily selected from Shetland ponies. Miniature horses come in a variety of colors that range from the solid to the very loud painted hair coat.

For more information visit the American Miniature Horse Association.

DONKEYS AND MULES

MULES

Mules and donkeys are also prominent in the equine world. While mules and donkeys are not specific breeds of horses, they are related to horses and are commonly found in equine events.

A Mule is a cross between a jack (donkey stallion) and a mare (female horse).  See figure 1. A hinny is just the opposite - a hinny is the result of a cross between a stallion horse and a donkey jennet (female donkey). Both male and female mules are typically sterile, meaning they cannot reproduce. Mules are characterized by their long ears, coarse mane and tail, and their bray. Mules come in various shapes and sizes ranging from miniature to draft. Mules can be ridden in a variety of disciplines and are popular trail riding mounts.

Figure 1: Mule

DONKEYS

A male donkey is called a jack and a female donkey is called a jennet. Donkeys are characterized by their long ears, coarse mane and tail, and bray. While most donkeys are known for their gray color, other ranges of colors include gray, varieties of sorrel, black, roan and spotted patterns. Donkeys come in a variety of sizes, from the Miniature donkey, standing 36 inches and under, to the Mammoth donkey which stands 56 inches and over. Donkeys can be used under saddle and harness just like horses. Donkeys are also known for their guarding behavior and are sometimes used to guard herds of cattle, sheep or goats. See figure 2.

Figure 2: Donkey 

More information about Mules & Donkeys can be found by visiting the American Donkey and Mule Society website.