Horse Breeds
The horse has been a fixture in the global community for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. There is proof of their existence even in prehistoric times. In ancient societies they were used to aid in farm work and for transportation.
Horses and ponies have much in common as a species, but each breed has its own special use and has been developed over years of breeding specific character traits and body types. Some are fast and sleek and some breeds are stout and strong. Some are good in several different applications depending upon how and what they are trained for.
In some cases a breed that was originally developed for one purpose has been discovered as the best breed for a different purpose instead. A great example of this concept is the American Quarter Horse. It was bred to be a race horse for short races but is now a favourite on ranches for work with livestock and trail rides.
The Arabian horse is compact and sleek with a graceful neck. Their original purpose was to carry their human friends across the desert in very harsh conditions. Since they became known as a breed that is affectionate and friendly toward people, they are now also used in special therapy riding programs.
Warmblood breeds are generally very large and cross bred between military horses and agricultural work horses. This gives them an excellent reputation throughout the world as performance and competition horses. Belgians and Clydesdales are two examples of Warmblood breeds. Perhaps the most recognized are the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. These breeds are also famous for their ability to pull fire equipment wagons and other heavy loads. Shires are well known as the draft horses that pull the brewery wagons for Tetley's and Samuel Smith.
Hackney horses were nearly rendered extinct by the 1930's but have been resurrected and are a breed that drives well. Their original purpose was for harnessed driving. Crossed with the Hackney Pony, they now enjoy a renewed popularity. The ponies are considerably shorter than the Hackney horses, and are commonly used in shows. Their nature is to be cooperative and alert, which gives them their popular status in the carriage community. They are easily trained and intelligent.
Another popular breed originally bred for carriage pulling is the Hanoverian. Carriage driving was their purpose in Germany, but they have become quite popular in the competitive sport world. They are most often seen in Olympic competitions.
Gaited horses and horses with unusual ways of walking or moving out, such as the Tennessee Walker or the Morgan, are extremely comfortable to ride because of their specially designed ways of carrying the rider. There is a gait that lies between the canter and the trot that allows for little movement of the horse's body, creating an unusually smooth ride.
There are several different types of pony breed. Ponies are smaller than horses and have just as many variable characteristics depending on breed specifics. They are known to have generally cooperative personalities, but in a more compact package. They are very often used for children due to their size.
Paint and Pinto horses are beautiful variations of patterns and colours and were first depicted in ancient Egyptian drawings. Native Americans used these horses and considered them sacred because they felt that the coloured patterns held magical qualities.
Whatever the breed may be, from the wild Mustang to the exotic Fjord, horses have their particular specialties and all recognized breeds can and should be cherished for their unique qualities.
American Painted Horse
American Painted Horse - A breed with mystical powers
The American Painted Horse was introduced by the Spanish. They are usually up to 16 hands. Native Americans widely used the Paint, believing them to possess magical powers. The Paint was cherished by cowboys for cattle work because they were nimble and hard working.
They are easy-going, friendly and intelligent. As their name might suggest, the Paint has distinctive colouring and markings. Their coats fall into two classes - tobiano (white with dark markings) or overo (dark with light markings). However there are exceptions to the rule as not all coat patterns fit into the tobiano or overo categories. For this reason, a third classification - tovero - has been used to describe horses that have characteristics of both the tobiano and overo patterns.
The American Painted Horse is an excellent horse for ranch work, rodeo, trail riding, showing, jumping and dressage. For a quote click here and feel good >> American Painted Horse Insurance Quote
American Quarter Horse
American Quarter Horse - A true riding horse, strong and agile
Again introduced by the Spanish and now one of the longest standing breeds. This horse was originally bred to race short distances and they are now used for many different purposes including ranch work and competitions.
They are usually a solid chestnut in colour and measure up to 16 hands. They have always been reviewed as quite a majestic breed of horse. They have short wide head with small muzzles, large wide set intelligent eyes and medium length alert ears. Their necks are quite long and flexible. They are a compact, broad and sturdy breed.
The American Quarter Horse is intelligent, docile, agile, strong and versatile. They are easily broken and handled. They are now used as general riding horses, for cattle work, rodeos and polo. For a quote click here and feel good >> American Quarter Horse Insurance Quote
Andalusian
The Andalusian or Spanish Horse - One of the oldest horse breeds on the planet
This is known to be one of the oldest equine breeds. They are within the Iberian category and are also known as the Spanish horse, closely related to the Portuguese Lusitano horse.
As their category name suggests, they are all located in a particular area. This area includes the south western part of Europe, Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain.
The Iberians date back to 25,000 BC developed from the first ancestor, the Sorraia or Purebred Spanish Horse. Spanish breeders prize themselves on maintaining the Andalusian pure.
Andalusians are used in many areas including show jumping, dressage, cattle herding and also in the bull ring. They are quite compact, usually being 15 to 16 hands in height. They are strong and elegant. Their elegance is why they are so often used for dressage. Most Andalusians are grey, but occasionally black, bay or chestnut.
These horses are intelligent, sensitive and sometimes stubborn. They do respond well to gentle but firm handling. Andalusians are lovely companions and enjoy being around others and their handlers. For a quote click here and feel good >> Andalusian Horse Insurance Quote
Appaloosa
The Appaloosa Breed - Native American breed with a spotted coat
This equine breed is known for its distinctive spotted coat. They were developed by the Native American tribe Nez Perce in the late 19th century. As the US took over the native lands, almost all of the Appaloosas were destroyed, those that weren’t had other bloodlines introduced to the breed. However in the 1930’s the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed and they began reintroducing the distinct characteristics of the mottled skin and striped hooves.
The mottled skin is easiest seen at the muzzle and eyes, usually showing a white ring around the eye. The rest of the coat is usually black, brown, chestnut, palomino, dun or white. The spotted areas are contrasting in colour. The Appaloosa stands between 14.2 and 15.2 hands in height.
They are strong, hardy and intelligent horses. They are great for distance trekking and ranch work as well as dressage. For a quote click here and feel good >> Appaloosa Horse Insurance Quote
Arabian Horse
Arabian Horse - Not the biggest, but certainly the most elegant
Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian horse is a lean and compact horse breed, measuring between 14 and 15 hands. With their delicate heads, narrow muzzles and expressive wide-set eyes the Arabian horse's distinctive features make it easily identifiable from other breeds of horse. Other common characteristics of the Arabian horse are its long, sleek neck, it's large nostrils and high-set tail. The Arabian horse is also different in bone structure from all other breeds, having 17 ribs instead of the usual 18 and having 16 tail vertebra as opposed to the standard 18.
Originating from the deserts of Asia, the Arabian horse has, through the ages, been used both in battle, trade and in more recent times for racing and various other equine activities such as endurance riding. The late Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze and his wife owned Arabian horses for many years, and the Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF) has set up a horse riding scholarship in his honour.
The Arabian horse is most commonly chestnut, white, black or grey in colouring. They are seen as highly adaptable as they excel in various areas including endurance, competing at a high level; this is due to their stamina and agility. This supreme physique and ambient nature stems from the desert climate in which they were descended. The history of the Arabian horse stems back further than most other breeds and it is for this reason that the Arabian horse has been so acutely bred to be extremely agile, tough and striking in appearance. The Arabian horse is said to hold a close bond with humans which has allowed such a breed to become obedient, quick learners.
Arabian horses are globally one of the most popular breeds; they were first imported into Great Britain in the late 19th century and can be found worldwide inclusive of the Americas and Australia. Most other breeds of horse can be traced back to the Arabian, with its distinctive features being prevalent in several modern breeds.
Arabians were first bred to travel long distances in desert conditions. They are elegant yet resilient, affectionate, and bond well with humans, also making them a popular choice for instructional programs as well as therapeutic riding. For a quote click here and feel good >> Arabian Horse Insurance Quote
Belgian
Belgian Horse - Descended from the old Flemish horse
The Belgian is a draft horse from Belgium, descended from the old Flemish horse and are also known as a Brabant. They are one of the largest horse breeds and can weigh up to a ton and stand up to 19 hands.
They are stocky and muscular, yet their small hooves give them superb agility. They excel in heavy work, including farming. They are very docile and gentle, yet eager to work.
They are very versatile are also used for show jumping and dressage. They are superb companions, unassuming and obedient. For a quote click here and feel good >> Belgian Horse Insurance Quote
Belgian Warmblood Horse Breed
Belgian Warmblood - Great jumping abilities
The Belgian Warmblood is a magnificent horse that is known for its jumping abilities and is also a popular horse for dressage. In Belgiam before 1954 breeding of any type of horse besides the Belgium Draft Horse was prohibited. Once the ban was lifted horse breeders began developing a horse made for riding.
The breed was created by breeding selective light agricultural horses and the best cavalry horses.
The Belgian Warmblood comes in a variety of colours and pedigrees. This breed is more about performance and jumping abilities.
Before a horse can be deemed a true Belgian Warmblood it must pass a careful inspection. Some of the things included are testing the horse's jumping abilities and a thorough vet examination. The horse must have a good natural stride and a strong rectangular frame.
This horse breed is one of the top performance breeds in the world. For a quote click here and feel good >> Belgian Warmblood Horse Insurance Quote
Brumby Horse Breed
Brumby Horse Breed - Free of pedigree the Brumby runs wild
The Brumby breed of horse is what is known as the wild or feral horses of Australia. The breed originated around 1851 when once domesticated horse were abandoned or escaped their owners. This breed is known to be temperamental and can be any colour. They have a short back and neck with a heavy head and strong legs. They have a strong sense for survival and can endure extreme climates.
Unfortunately, the Brumby breed, like the American Mustang, has caused quite a controversy over the horse's rights to roam free. On one side, people believe the Brumby breed is an Australian icon and should be protected. On the other side people think of them as a pest and think they should be eliminated.
Thankfully, there are many organisations that are helping to protect and provide suitable places for the Brumby horses to roam and be free. One such organisation is Save the Brumbies Inc.; they run adoption programs to rehome rescued Brumbies which are RSPCA approved.
You can read more about the history of this breed by visiting their site. Perhaps you will then understand the unique place which the Brumby has in the hearts of an entire continent, and beyond. For a quote click here and feel good >> Brumby Horse Insurance Quote
Caspian
The Caspian - An ancient breed, we have just 1000 or so left
These are an ancient breed, dating back some 5,000 years. Today they are extremely rare, only approximately 900 are in existence. They were rediscovered by an American in Ira in 1965 called Louise Firouz.
They look similar to the Arabian and are as exotic. They are very elegant and refined. They only stand between 10 and 13 hands. They are usually bay, chestnut and grey in colour. On occasion, there may be a buckskin or black colour. The grey Caspians can also turn white or develop dappling. Their coat is silky and fine during the warmer months and denser in the colder months making them adjustable to most climates.
Caspians have oval hooves enabling them great agility, endurance and speed. They are intelligent, gentle, sweet natured and easily trained. This makes them ideal for children.
For a quote should you be fortunate enough to have bought one click here and feel good again >> Caspian Horse Insurance Quote
Cleveland Bay Horse
Cleveland Bay Horse - The only British clean legged breed of horse
The Cleveland Bay horse originated in the Cleveland area of the North Riding of Yorkshire and is the only British clean legged breed of horse. It was originally used as a pack horse. It carried the coal, ore and iron from the moors down to the coast. When the horses returned they would be carrying fish, salt and other commodities.
These horses were liked because they were clean legged, hardy and sturdy. The farmers in the area used the Cleveland Bay horse because the clay soils of the area would not stick to their legs. They were used for all purposes including plowing, pulling carts, hay making, and ridden by children to school.
When the tractor became popular the Cleveland Bay horses became almost extinct. The horse was placed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust Register at Category 1. The Queen bought Mulgrave Supreme a pure breed Cleveland Bay to prevent him from being exported to America. The breed was thus preserved and was maintained for use as carriage horses in the Royal Mews.
Horsemen throughout the world have recognised the potential of this hard working and even-tempered horse. It has been exported to many places including Australia, America, Japan and South America to improve native stock. Japan has used the Cleveland Bay horse for many years for their carriage horses.
The Cleveland Bay horse has been the ideal cross for producing competition and hunting horses all over the world. Currently there are some pure bred Cleveland Bay horses that have competed in many disciplines. There have been many part bred Cleveland Bay horses that have competed in dressage, eventing and show jumping for Britain. The part bred horse is also been successful in competitions in New Zealand, Australia and America.
This is a beautiful horse that can be used for many purposes and is well respected as a good work horse. The Cleveland Bay is an even tempered, sturdy and well bred horse. For a quote click here and feel good >> Cleveland Bay Horse Insurance Quote
