American riding horse: description and features of popular breeds

American riding horses are one of the most popular breeds and are known for their versatility. They are suitable for sledding and riding. Animals are also used for work with livestock and horseback riding. Horses are easy to train and have a high degree of endurance. In addition, they have excellent running speed.

Popular American Horse Breeds

Today, many types of American horses are known, each of which has certain features.

American Horse

These animals were created to work in agriculture. However, as this variety of horses developed, they began to be used for exhibitions, competitions, and entertainment rings. Animals are popular with private owners. They are actively grown in equestrian centers. Horses are characterized by an excellent ability to learn and are considered very hardy.

At the withers, the growth of horses is 152-173 centimeters. On average, animals weigh 500 kilograms. American riding horses have a choleric temperament and are distinguished by their obstinate character. It can be difficult for beginners to control these animals.

American cream

This horse is the only draft horse bred in America. It is believed that it originates from heavy trucks. The breed was registered in the fifties of the last century. In appearance, the horses resemble heavyweights. They are animals with a height of 163-176 centimeters.Horses are distinguished by a strong back and powerful legs. Cream horses are characterized by a calm temperament, are considered obedient and hardworking. They are also easy to train.

Standardbred

These animals are found not only in North America. They can also be seen in Russia, Italy, Northern Europe. This species gradually formed in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, horses were officially bred only in the nineteenth century.

Initially, these animals are designed to participate in the race. At the same time, trotters have an attractive appearance. At the withers, they reach 155-170 centimeters. The colors of the horses are any. However, brown and bay varieties are most common. In general, the animals are similar to racehorses, but are characterized by rather short limbs.

American Curly

These animals look rather unusual.The history of the breed begins in 1898. At that time, the farmers of Nevada saw a small herd of horses with wool covered with large curls. They tried to crossbreed the animals with their horses. Selection work continued for a long time. The breed got into official documents in 1971.

The main characteristic of animals is wavy hair. In summer, horses partially shed it, and in winter it grows back. Animals perfectly withstand harsh winters and are able to withstand frosts down to -40 degrees. At the withers, they reach 138-150 centimeters. Animals are characterized by a powerful body. The legs are considered relatively short but powerful.

Curly-haired horses are considered docile animals, so they are often used for agricultural work and sports competitions.

American Petite

This is one of the oldest and at the same time original breeds.Horses of this species can differ in different colors. At the same time, their height at the withers is a maximum of 90 centimeters. Horses weigh only 50-70 kilograms. They are characterized by a small head with a protruding forehead and a long neck. Horses also have a muscular body. The animals are well trained. Therefore, they are often used for exhibitions. Horses are also able to participate in various show programs. In addition, the animals are distinguished by a meek and friendly character. They are often used as guides for the blind.

American Trotter

These animals were bred at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. Initially, breeding work was carried out to combine all the best qualities of individuals that participated in this process. The breed got into official sources in 1871. Horses are distinguished by their attractive appearance and can grow up to 170 centimeters. They are characterized by short legs and a narrow muzzle.The color is different - black, bay, Krakow. Animals can participate in races and races. Representatives of this breed were able to set a world record for races.

Mustang

This is the most common and well-known variety of American horses. At the same time, they did not originally appear in America. The ancestors of these animals were brought from Europe. It happened in the seventeenth century. Today, these horses are endangered. This is due to the hunting of wild animals, which was actively conducted in the last century. Today this breed is protected at the state level. Now horses can be seen in nature reserves and parks.

Mustangs are characterized by relatively short stature. Their height reaches a maximum of 150 centimeters, and their weight is 400 kilograms. Horses are of medium build and have strong legs. Animals are characterized by piebald, red or bay color. There are also black horses.

Other breeds

There are many other breeds of American horses. The most popular are the following:

Painthorse. This is one of the most common breeds. It was created on the basis of Spanish stallions that came to America in the time of Columbus. The basis of the breed is made up of quarter horses and riding horses. Representatives of this variety were registered in the first half of the sixties of the twentieth century. They have an attractive appearance and a powerful body. In height, horses grow up to 165 centimeters. They weigh 500 kilograms.
Morgan. This is an American variety that belongs to the group of draft horses. In the nineteenth century, it was one of the lines of the American Standard Breed. Horses were used for racing at the hippodrome. They were also used in agriculture and for solving transport problems. The subsequent development of the breed was in 1906.At that time, they began to conduct breeding work with her. Today, Morgans reach a height of up to 150-160 centimeters. Their weight is 450 kilograms. Horses can be red, bay, black.
Velara. This is a relatively new breed that was bred in America in 1981. The first representatives were obtained on the basis of an Arabian stallion and a Welsh mare. These animals are characterized by an attractive appearance and are often used to participate in horse shows. Horses are distinguished by a calm nature and high intelligence.
Quarterhorse. This breed originated in America. It is designed for cowboys who herd large herds of animals. Today, these animals are sometimes bred for racing at hippodromes. They are characterized by an average height of 148 centimeters. Horses are characterized by a wide and deep body, and also have powerful limbs.
Pinto. This is a heterogeneous category of riding horses, which is of Spanish origin. The Pinto is considered the traditional horse of the American Indians. A characteristic feature of the breed is the piebald color. Today, horses differ in height and color.

American horses have many virtues. Because these breeds are very popular with horse breeders. In order for horses to be raised and bred successfully, they are advised to create suitable conditions and provide quality care.