Horse breeds: a list of the 40 best with descriptions, characteristics and names

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of horses in human life. For many centuries they were practically the only means of transportation, they helped in the performance of many types of work. Already in the 11th century, stud farms appeared in Europe, in which horses were bred, breeds were bred for different purposes. Animals are cultivated in all countries of the world, by the end of the 20th century there were more than 300 breeds of horses.

Varieties and classification of horses

Professionals have developed several classifications of horses that help to separate a large number of different animals according to a number of parameters. Horses are classified:

• by origin;
• on usage;
• by distribution area.

Local classification is often used within countries and regions. The first classification, developed at the end of the 19th century, divided horses into 3 groups - eastern, western, Mongolian. At the beginning of the 20th century, horses were divided according to habitat conditions (forest, steppe, mountain). Of all the breeds that exist in the world, about 50 are cultivated in our country. The most relevant form of classification for breeders and lovers of domestic horses is the division according to the method of use.

Table of breed classification by use:

Orlov lynx Ardenese Akhal-Teke Kazakh Shetland

Light draft	Heavy draft		Riding	Productive (meat and dairy)	Pony
Belarusian harness Torian Clepper		Clydesdale Percheron Brabancon	Arabic Terskaya Thoroughbred Budennovskaya	Altai Kyrgyz Yakutian	Hokkaido Gotlandic Icelandic Sardinian

In the possibility of using horses for different purposes, the character and temperament of the breed are essential. Riding horses are usually hot, they like to run fast, for use in heavy work, animals require phlegm, friendliness, and a calm disposition. Consider the features and advantages of each type of horse.

Reference: a significant number of breeds appeared in the 18-20 centuries, when signs began to be fixed and described in stud books.

Horsemen

To carry a rider is the main purpose of this group of horses. Mounted species have been cultivated for several millennia, cavalry troops have long been considered the elite of any army. According to tradition, horses of riding breeds are the most beautiful, graceful. The advantages of this species are agility, endurance, swiftness. Key differences:

• slender long neck with small head;
• withers pronounced;
• massive breasts;
• strong slender legs with strong hooves;
• muscles playing under the skin.

Riding horses have strong hearts and lungs to withstand fast running. Horses are traditionally bred in two ways:

• calm graceful individuals - for walking (with even step and peaceful character);
• aggressive, explosive and temperamental - to participate in sports events, horse racing.

In this group of horses, the main selection is currently underway, since all other species are less relevant.

Horse harness

This type of horse can be used for riding, but the main tasks are the transportation of small loads. Their back is not too wide, convenient for the rider. They were used more often than others in medium-sized farms, in the village. The size of the horses is medium, the character is calm, without temper. Horses are known for their friendliness, quick wit, and hard work. When walking, the legs are set wide, the step is even, the limbs are dry, but strong and muscular.

Sledding

These horses do not differ in grace, the wide back is inconvenient for the rider. Horses are brought up for walking in a harness, transporting goods. The chest, back and legs are massive, perseverance and calmness are valued in the character.

Heavy Harness

Heavy trucks are considered the most powerful and efficient - huge horses grown exclusively for transporting maximum volumes of cargo. Such horses were used in construction and agricultural work. Breeds began to be cultivated during the time of chivalry, when heavy armor was required to be transported. Later used in the village. They are distinguished by a good disposition, unpretentiousness.

Most popular breeds

Each region of the world is proud of its horse breeds, adapted to climatic, weather conditions, terrain features. These species are ideal for the conditions in which they have to live and work. People are proud of their animals, protect and preserve local species. But there are breeds that have earned world recognition for beauty, fast running or endurance and hard work.

Shetland pony

The horse breed belongs to the pony group.Bred in the Shetland Islands (northeast of Scotland). These short horses look like draft horses and are one of the most common breeds in the world. The first information appeared in the 1-4 century. It is believed that horses were brought to the archipelago from Europe, they were crushed on the islands. Officially, the breed was fixed in 1890.

Height - 65-110 centimeters, weight - 150-180 kilograms. Shetland ponies are friendly, famous for their endurance, not frisky, but jumpy. Unpretentious horses are distinguished by courage, endurance. They are often used in the circus to entertain children. Can act as guides.

Reference: each breed requires certain conditions of keeping, feeding, so that the animals reach the required parameters of height and weight, show specific qualities.

Shire

The horses of the British Shire breed are considered giants of the horse world.They repeatedly won competitions in height (165-185 centimeters, the record is 215 centimeters) and weight, growing up to 1.5 tons. Heavy trucks are distinguished by a calm character, endurance. With their help, they pulled barges along the canals, carried goods in agriculture, at breweries. According to the permitted standards, stallions can have a black, gray, bay color, mares are also allowed to have a roan. The back is muscular and short, the head is in proportion to the body. The studbook included at the end of the 19th century.

Frisian

The pride of the Dutch horse breeders is the Frisians. The breed was isolated in the 13th century, although it is known much earlier. The main advantage of representatives of the species is versatility. The horse is ideal for carriages, walks at a light trot. She showed herself well under the saddle, easily overcomes obstacles.

Color - only black, in mares sometimes supplemented with a star. The breed is distinguished by the presence of brushes that go down to the hooves (the concept of frisness comes from this horse). Horses are often used in dressage, in teams for performances and shows.

Falabella

The smallest horses are representatives of the Falabella species. They come from Argentina, where they were bred by a farmer with the surname Falabella. They differ from short-legged ponies in body proportionality, they look like a miniature Arabian horse. Any color is allowed.

The horses are not able to withstand the rider, but they can pull the wagon. Very smart, friendly, good with children, easy to train and train.

Tinker

Gypsy's best friends are horses. The nomadic people appreciate and know the horse tribe. Tinker is a gypsy draft horse. This breed has been recently recognized, since Gypsies traditionally did not conduct breeding work.

The suit is dominated by piebald colors, the body is strong, with a pronounced arch of the back. Mane, brushes, tail - lush and long. Heavy trucks have a sinewy build, height 1.35-1.6 meters. Nomadic life has made tinkers strong, unpretentious. They walk in harness and under saddle.

Percheron

The breed originated in the French region of Perche in the 19th century. Spread quickly around the world. Large heavy trucks (height - up to 175 centimeters) do not look overweight and clumsy. Based on Percherons, many breeds have been bred in different countries.

The main suit is gray (in apples), there are also black ones. Percheron has a special softness, which makes it popular and in demand at parades, holidays, and riding races.

Peruvian Paso

The ideal horse for hunting, riding, show - Peruvian Paso. A descendant of horses brought by the Spaniards to Peru from their homeland. Mostly red or bay. The horses are distinguished by a soft move, the ability to walk in a special gait, which determines belonging to the breed and is very convenient for riders.

Orlov trotter

The beginning of breeding horses of the trotting breed was laid by Count Orlov, who founded a stud farm in the Voronezh province. The trotters are over 200 years old. The Orlovites were used as rootmen in troikas. Trotters have won many prizes and are in demand at auctions all over the world.

Height - 165-170 centimeters, weight - 500 kilograms. The predominant color is gray, black, buckskin. Used in sledding, under saddle, driving.

Marwar breed

The Marwari is native to India and is a rare species of horse known for its unusually turned ears. The most valuable specimens are gray and piebald. Hindus use white horses for religious purposes. Marwari participated in military campaigns, are hardy, go without water and food for several days.

Kuznetskaya

The breed originated in Western Siberia thanks to immigrants coming from the center of Russia. When crossing local and European species, horses with outstanding endurance and strength appeared. The breed was born without the participation of breeding work - in a natural way. Later, stud farms appeared in Tomsk, engaged in breeding breeding horses of the Kuznetsk breed.

Cuban Pacers

Mountain horses come from Azerbaijan, the Cuban district gave the name to the breed. Animals are distinguished by excellent he alth, they live on pastures, they themselves get food from under the snow. The main suits are gray, bay; height - 130-140 centimeters.

Peasant

These horses in the 19th century accounted for 75% of the total number of peasant farms in Russia. Unpretentious, short, accustomed to poor food and hard work. Beauty and other advantages did not differ.Suit, height, exterior - are different. Bright representatives of the peasant species were only in rich houses, where work is easier and food is better.

Connemara pony

The Irish kind of pony is one of the largest. Life in harsh conditions on the cold coast hardened Connemara ponies, gave excellent he alth. There are semi-wild species. Height - 133-154 centimeters, the predominant colors are buckskin and gray. Used in agricultural work.

Cleveland bay

Cultivated in Britain since the Middle Ages. Use is universal. To improve the breed, they crossed with English thoroughbred horses. Height - 163-168 centimeters. Long muscular neck, excellent he alth. Due to the uniformity, the suits are used in teams.

Clepper

Strong hardy horses bred in Estonia, common in Finland, the B altic countries. The main suits are karakov, red, buckskin. Head with a wide forehead, height - 136-146 centimeters.

Reference: the development of technology has led to an increase in demand and popularity of sports breeds, horses have lost economic importance.

Clydesdale

White-footed horses come from Scotland. These are heavy trucks that were cultivated for hard work in breweries and in the fields. Impressive growth (up to 1.83 meters) and weight (up to 0.9 tons) are the main characteristics of the breed. Horses are distinguished by a cheerful, friendly character. The bulk of the Clydesdales live in the US and Canada.

Kladrubska

The oldest draft horse of Czech origin.Known since the end of the 16th century. Tall (up to 1.8 meters) powerful horses with a hook-nosed muzzle. The main suits are black and white. Kladrubtsev is distinguished by endurance, the ability to walk together in multi-horse teams. Demanding conditions of detention and care.

Kyrgyz horse

The ancestors of modern Kyrgyz horses appeared 4 thousand years ago. In the course of evolution and selection, horses have become hardy, able to find food themselves on scarce pastures. Grow up to 137 centimeters, many pacers. Used as riding and pack. The rock is distinguished by a strong hoof that does not need to be forged.

Kiger Mustang

It is believed that the Kiger Mustangs appeared due to the running wild of Spanish horses brought by the conquistadors. Found in Oregon (USA). Mustangs are distinguished by endurance, a large head, strong hooves. Growth is allowed different - 135-164 centimeters and above. Color - gray-brown, red.

Caspian

The remains of a horse of the Caspian breed date back to the 4th millennium BC. This is one of the most ancient types of horses of Iranian origin. Horses are characterized by short stature (1-1.2 meters), the ability to withstand heavy loads. Correct physique distinguishes short Caspian horses from ponies.

Distinctive features - strong legs and hooves. The Caspians are famous for their non-aggressive nature, suitable for teaching children. Excellent jumpers, calm in teams. Breeding studs - USA, UK, Australia.

Karachai breed

The North Caucasus is the birthplace of mountain horses. Karachay horses overcome any distance along mountain paths, they are famous for their amazing endurance. Horse hooves are able to withstand the transition, which leads to the demolition of the horseshoes.Mares are prolific, easy to breed when kept in a herd.

Dark suits predominate in color. Height - 1.5-1.55 meters. There is a slight hunchback of the nose. Karachay horses are distinguished by good he alth, balanced coordination of movements, light soft step. Walk up to 12 kilometers per hour.

Karabair

The name of the Karabairs combined 2 words - a horse and a camel. Uzbek horses are distinguished by horse grace, swiftness and camel endurance. Bred by crossing local and Arabian breeds. Karabairs are pacers with a light, even gait that does not allow the rider to get tired in the saddle.

Prevailing colors - gray, bay, black; height - 1.45-1.57 meters. Karabairs endure heat, find food themselves, are hardy and industrious. They are used as beasts of burden and are saddled.

Donskaya

Donchaks were bred by Cossacks on the southern borders of the Russian Empire. A great contribution to the improvement of the breed was made by trophy horses, which were brought from campaigns by atamans Platov, Ilovaisky.

Don breed is the pride of Russian breeding. The horse is tall (160-165 centimeters), with a beautiful harmonious body. The best representatives are distinguished by elegance, oriental thoroughbred beauty. Cavalry horses are hardy, immensely devoted to the owner. The predominant colors are golden-red, bay color. Grown for sporting events, police. Used under saddle and harness.

Holstein

The first mention of the Holsteiner dates back to the 13th century, and the breed standard was established in the German state by the 15th century. Currently breeding in Elmshorn.

The height of the horse is 168-172 centimeters, the suits are various.Holsteiners walk at a gallop and trot, the step is soft, comfortable for the rider. They differ in jumping ability, balanced step and smooth running. Often used in sports due to hard work, perseverance and high intelligence.

Interesting: Athletes on the Holsteiner Meteor won awards at 3 Olympic Games in a row.

Hanoverian

German scrupulousness and pedantry helped to bring out horses that are distinguished by an even character and ideal external data. This is the most popular sporting breed, successfully performing in competitions.

High growth (up to 168 centimeters) allows horses to take obstacles, they are used in show jumping, dressage. A long neck, strong legs, a noble head position are the main features of the breed. During selection, only specimens with a restrained and balanced character are selected, which allows maintaining the fame of the Hanoverians as ideal athletes who always demonstrate outstanding results.

Akhal-Teke

Handsome Akhal-Teke horses are the oldest cultivated breed, they have been bred for 5 thousand years. Horses are distinguished by exquisite grace and stature, a dry, lean body, thin skin, under which muscles play. Akhal-Teke horses are compared with cheetahs and greyhounds, their lightness and swiftness are admired. The birthplace of horses is Turkmenistan. For many centuries they kept the purity of blood, not crossing horses with representatives of other breeds. This is the best representative of riding horses, wars flared up for the possession of valuable horses.

The wool of animals is delicate, silky, the manes are often cut off to reveal an exquisitely shaped neck with translucent vessels. The nature of the horses is hot, ardent, not every rider is able to cope with a restive horse.

Akhal-Teke horses are bred in many countries, including Russia. The influence of Akhal-Teke horses can be traced in the articles of the English race and Arabian breeds.

Reference: Arab, Akhal-Teke horses are classified as elite breeds.

Ardenese

Horses of this breed appeared in the Ardennes - a mountain range at the junction of several European countries. Heavy trucks with a wide bone and thick legs were used for draft work. Ardens are considered descendants of ancient Roman horses; the Brabancons influenced the formation of the breed. Entered in the studbook in 1929.

Horses were used in the cavalry to transport heavy guns. Now grown for meat, for sports, delivery of goods. Height - 160-162 centimeters, weight - 0.7-1 tons. The suits are different, black is excluded from the tribal rules. They reach maturity early, do not require much food, despite their impressive size. The step is wide, the move is smooth.

Arabic

The Arabian Peninsula is the birthplace of Arabian horses. This is an elite species of horses, which became the ancestor of many well-known breeds (Russian riding, English thoroughbred). For breeding work with Arabian horses, a special organization was created, uniting 60 countries.

The constant wars of the Bedouins have formed strong, low horses, distinguished by endurance, a dry, strong body. Arabian horses walk in any gait, tightly packed. The death pen alty threatened everyone who risked selling horses to foreign lands. Crossbreeding with other horses was not allowed. Pedigree is visible in every Arabian horse.

Arab horses were brought to Europe during the Crusades. They served as the basis for the formation and improvement of many breeds. Height - 150 centimeters, weight - 450 kilograms. Suits - gray of different shades, bay, red. Small concave head, large eyes, strong legs, "cock's tail". Mares are prolific.

Andalusian

The horse of monarchs, the decoration of parades and ceremonial trips, the pride of Spanish horse breeders is the Andalusian breed. An ideal animal for riding, circus performances and holiday shows.

Proud posing of the head, slender neck, rounded body, lush mane and tail brought Andalusian horses the glory of exquisite beauties. Height - 155-160 centimeters, suit - gray, bay.

American Horse

The Hollywood-famous American horse is an indispensable helper to cowboys, the most common horse in the United States. Used under saddle and in harness, smooth ride, comfortable for long distance riding.

Brought to Kentucky in the 19th century. Height - 150-170 centimeters, different colors are allowed. It has a short strong back. Participates in special competitions, demonstrating several types of gaits, including the signature rack.

Azerbaijani

The horses of the Azerbaijani breed are the descendants of the ancient Persian and Karabakh species. Cultivated in Azerbaijan and neighboring regions. Riding pack type is relevant for mountainous areas. Animals are hardy, famous for their working capacity, longevity, excellent he alth.

Arab and Terek horses are used to improve the breed. Height - 138 centimeters, weight - 280-350 kilograms. With a load of 120 kilograms, they travel 70 kilometers a day.

Rare and unusual species

Horses are true friends of man, for centuries they helped people survive, transported heavy loads, warmed and saved from death in battle. Modern life has put many breeds on the brink of extinction, as the need for horses has disappeared.

One of the rarest breeds is the Sorraya. This is a short horse with an inexpressive gray color, originally from Portugal. About 200 heads of sorraia have been preserved. The nondescript appearance led to the fact that people did not breed sorrayi, the breed was on the verge of extinction.

The following breeds are among the unusual ones:

1. American Paint Horse. The horses are low (140-160 centimeters), piebald. The main difference between the breed is the combination of spots of white and other colors. Painthorse translates as "painted horse".
2. Cream Akhal-Teke. A rare suit gives the horses a special charm and increases the price.
3. Knabstrupper. Released in Denmark. The spotted color of the skin is a characteristic feature of the breed. There are the following types of spotting - leopard, black-backed, marbled and trout.
4. Appaloosa. Bred in the USA. In short horses of a chubar suit, spots are even present on the skin.
5. Marwari. The famous Indian breed is distinguished by unusually shaped ears that almost touch and turn 180°.

The horses with an uncharacteristic, rare suit are among the unusual ones. These colors include pearl, champagne, leopard, crow-roan.

Innovation of the breed

When mating horses of different breeds, they improve the characteristics of animals, fix the necessary features of the species. The same method is used to breed new breeds. With a simple productive crossing, 2 breeds are used, with a complex one - 3 or more different species.Oryol trotter, Budenovskaya, Terek and other breeds of horses were obtained in this way.

The result is impressive if they use outstanding representatives of their species, selected specimens.

After getting offspring, breeding is required "in itself", within the group. To form a new breed, certain methods of keeping, feeding, training and raising young animals are necessary. The basis for the completion of breeding work is the stable transmission of the required traits to offspring, a significant number of horses similar in appearance and character, and fixed productivity. A new breed is recognized after registration of the relevant documentation, the presence of 1-2 breeding farms and several breeding farms.

Horses have lost their original meaning, they were replaced by cars and agricultural machinery. But graceful, friendly and faithful animals remain the favorites of man. Horses of many breeds are bred for sporting events, walks, helping rescuers, and the police.Horses are still needed in remote areas where there are not even trails to deliver goods and people.

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