For many centuries, and even millennia of horse breeding, horse lovers have bred hundreds of breeds that are perfectly adapted to various needs - from agricultural work to hunting. If earlier horses were used mainly for practical purposes, today they are kept for competitions, participation in various shows or just for aesthetic pleasure.
Through the efforts of breeders, handsome men, distinguished by their article and rare color, or unusual miniature breeds, which are kept as pets, were bred. Each breed has its own character and characteristics. Introducing the top 10 most beautiful horse breeds in the world.
10. American painthorse
American painthorse Translated from English means "American Paint Horse" (American Paint Horse). This is a short, strong and muscular horse, at the same time beautiful and hardy - a popular western star.
- Growth at the withers: 145-165 cm.
- Weight: 450-500 kg.
Suit of pies, motley. The basis of the suit can be different: painthorse are found bay, black, red, brown, Savras, mice, isabella (i.e. cream), as well as silver and champagne - the rarest.
The American painthorse was bred on the basis of the Quarter Horse and thoroughbred riding horses brought back to the American continent by conquistadors. In 1962, the Association of American Painthorses was formed to preserve the purity of the breed. Today, most of the livestock are bred in the southwestern United States, particularly in Texas.
Interesting! For a horse to be included in the general register, it must have at least one congenital spot of white color, at least 2 inches long, and the skin under it must also be deprived of pigment. If the horse is white, then the spot on the contrary should be painted.
American painthorse is famous for its calm, friendly disposition. Easy to learn, obedient. Patient with inexperienced riders, therefore ideal for beginners.
Previously, this breed was actively used in farming, in work on the ranch.
Due to their striking appearance, painthorses found their application in cowboy shows, rodeos, show jumping, horse racing, and equestrian tourism.
9. Falabella
Falabella - The smallest breed of horses in the world.
- Height: 40 - 75 cm.
- Weight: 20-60 kg.
The body structure of this horse is proportional, elegant. The head is a bit large. The color can be any: bay, piebald, forehead, roan.
The breed was bred in Argentina and received the name in honor of the family name, which was engaged in breeding these miniature horses. To keep the size, the smallest stallions were included in the breeding program. Falabella is a success in many countries. It is bred mainly in the USA.
Important! Falabella should not be confused with a pony. Despite their miniature size, horses of this breed are distinguished by the proportionality of their high riding relatives: they have long, thin legs. The pony has a massive physique and short legs.
This mini-horse is very playful, light, loves to jump and frolic. Possesses a good disposition, lends itself well to training.
This is not a worker, but a decorative animal. Falabella horses are often kept as pets. With the owner they establish a strong connection. They are not intended for horse riding, but they can pull off small children's sleds - which is used in games.
8. Appalusian
Appalusian - This is a small black horse, graceful build, but very hardy, with strong, muscular legs.
- Height: 142 - 163 cm.
- Weight: 450 - 500 kg.
It was bred by non-Persian Indians. The descendants of the horses of the Spanish conquistadors were taken as a basis. After the defeat in the war of independence and the eviction of the Indians on the reservation, the horses were left to their own devices. The breed was restored only in 1938, when a club for lovers of appaloosa was formed. The basis - the fore-color - can vary from dark with light spots to white with dark spots, and the color has not only wool, but also skin.
The first mention of spotted American horses dates back to the cave paintings left by cavemen. This indicates the antiquity of the breed.
Appaloosa docile, good-natured, with a soft temper. Smart, playful and courageous. Quickly learn.
They are used when teaching horseback riding (including for young children), in sports, in competitions, in circus performances. They have a beautiful gallop, jump well and overcome obstacles.
Interesting! The mild nature and goodwill allow the use of appaloosa horses in hippotherapy, which is useful for people with neurosis, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, as well as children with autism.
7. Haflinger
SuitHalflinger not to be confused with any other, thanks to its golden color and thick snow-white mane.
- Height: 132 - 150 cm.
- Weight: up to 415 kg.
This is a strong horse, with a wide powerful chest and strong legs. The high withers of the halfling ensure a good saddle position when riding.
The first mention of this breed dates back to the Middle Ages. It got its name from the Tyrolean village of Hafling.
This horse is distinguished by an unusually kind disposition, love of people. She is smart, agile, complaisant.
The rhythmic paces make her a great riding horse. And efficiency and unpretentiousness - an unrivaled assistant in the farm. The halfling also participates in runs, competitions, and is used in hippotherapy. Stability and a strong psyche led to the fact that during the war years the halflings were actively used in the cavalry. And today they are used to equip horse regiments.
6. Scottish cold-blooded
Scottish cold-blooded - This breed came from Flemish and Dutch stallions brought to Scotland and crossed with local mares.
- Height: 163 - 183 cm
- Weight: 820 - 910 kg
The suit is usually bay, but there is also karaka, piebald, black, gray. Most individuals have white marks on the face and body. There are horses "in socks".
The name of the breed was first mentioned in 1826. In the last quarter of the XIX century, these many individuals were exported to New Zealand and Australia, where, thanks to their popularity, in 1918 a special society was created in their honor.
Today in Great Britain this breed is under special observation due to the fact that in the second half of the last century the number of their livestock was greatly reduced.
Scottish cold-blooded people have a cheerful and energetic disposition. At the same time, they are calm and accommodating. Initially, they were withdrawn as heavy trucks and used for agricultural purposes. Today they are used not only for work, but also for riding, also in harness. Glue-sticks are used because of their beautiful white legs and in the British cavalry during parades. They are shown at state fairs and major exhibitions, and are used to improve other breeds.
5. Knabstruber
Knabstruber - this breed is distinguished by an unusual coat color - of different colors and with fancy leopard spots, black, bay or red on a white background.
- Height: 155cm.
- Weight: 500-650 kg.
The breed was bred in Denmark, the first records date back to 1812. Today, knabstruppers are divorced in Norway, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and other European countries, as well as in the USA and Australia.
These are strong horses with a kind, humble character. Easy to learn, obediently execute commands. They are alien to aggression and stubbornness. Get along well with children.
Due to their endurance and beautiful ride they are used for riding, in show jumping, in circus art.
4. Connemara pony
Connemara pony - the highest of all pony breeds.
- Height: 128 -148 cm
The suits are different - gray, bay, black, bulan, red, roan. The head is small, with a square muzzle, large kind eyes, muscular strong body, short strong legs.
It was bred in Ireland and is the only national breed of horse. It is not known exactly who the Connemara ponies came from. There are versions that they are descendants of Spanish horses imported to Ireland 2500 years ago. And it is possible that the ancestors of these ponies fell on the island after the flooding of the Spanish warship from the Invincible Armada in 1588. The society of breeders of this pony was formed in 1923. Today, the Connemara pony is popular not only in the UK, but also in other European countries, as well as in the USA.
These ponies are kind and balanced. Easily adapt to different conditions. They can hold on to a child or a light adult. Usually obedient, but sometimes unpredictably offended and stubborn.
They have long been involved in agriculture - they are hardy, unpretentious. Today connemaras are used in sports.
3. Gypsy harness
Gypsy harness known under various names - tinker, irish cob, gypsy cob.
- Height: 135 - 160 cm.
- Weight: 240 - 700 kg.
Of medium height, with a wide body and massive head. The profile is somewhat hunchbacked, there is a beard. The tail and mane are thick and lush. The legs are strong and strong, covered with hair until the hoofs - such a coating on the legs is called "friezes".
The suit is usually pint. There are also black individuals with white marks. The skin under the bright spots is pink.
The breed first appeared on the British Isles in the 15th century with the advent of gypsies. It was because of crossbreeding with local horses that the gypsy harness for a long time - until the middle of the 20th century - did not receive the status of an independent breed. Targeted breeding began only after World War II.
Interesting fact: the second name of the breed - tinker - in translation from English means "tinker", "tinker". So - by the nature of their main occupation - in the old days Gypsies were dismissively called.
Tinkers are hardy and unpretentious, they have excellent immunity. Calm, somewhat phlegmatic. Suitable for a beginner or a child who is just starting to get acquainted with equestrian sports - such a horse will not buckle and will not bear.
Universal breed. It can walk both under saddle and in harness. Running is smooth, but get tired quickly at a gallop. Good jump. They are also used in hippotherapy.
2. Akhal-Teke
Akhal-Teke - This unique riding breed of horses, whose history goes back more than 5000 years - with the preservation of all the signs of the breed. The appearance of the Akhal-Teke distinguishes him from the rest of his brothers.
- Height: 147-163 cm.
- Weight: 400-450 kg.
The Akhal-Teke horse was bred by the Teke tribe on the territory of modern Turkmenistan, in the Akhal oasis - so it got its name. Among the peoples inhabiting this area in ancient times, the horse was revered as a special animal, and the goal was to breed a breed superior to all others in strength and beauty. Akhal-Teke gold suit was especially revered, which is obviously associated with sun worship.
Today, Russia has the best stock of horses of the Akhal-Teke breed - they are bred in the Stavropol Territory, in the Moscow Region.
The Akhal-Teke’s body is elongated, dry, with graceful lines. The muscles are well developed. The legs are long and thin. Profile humpbacked, eyes are large, expressive, slightly slanting in shape. The neck is straight or S-shaped - the so-called "deer". The hairline is thin and silky. The mane is rare or practically absent.
Akhal-Tekeans are red and gray, isabella, tin suits are rare. Regardless of the color, there is a golden or silver sheen of wool.
Akhal-Teke horses are called “golden” horses. Because of the splendor or the ancient legend, according to which in ancient times they gave as much gold for the Akhal-Teke as he weighed.
As formed in a hot desert, this breed, despite its exquisite refinement, is characterized by great endurance: it easily tolerates thirst and temperature range from −30 to + 50 ° C.
Akhal-Teke’s temperament is ardent. This proud handsome man knows his worth and relationships require appropriate. Rudeness and neglect will never forgive. Shrew, needs a special approach: not everyone can work with him - a person needs a smart and patient. Sometimes he doesn’t let anyone near him, except the owner.
Akhal-Teke horses are very good for riding - their running is easy and tireless for the rider. Participate in many equestrian sports. All classic prizes are established for them, in particular, Derby.
1. Icelandic
The only Icelandic breed of horses.
- Height: 130 - 144 cm.
- Weight: 380 - 410 kg.
A small, stocky horse with a large head, long bangs and a thick tail. The body is elongated, legs are short. It looks like a pony. Suits are different - from red to black. The coat is thick and dense.
Icelandic horses possess five types of gait, instead of four. To the traditional step, lynx, gallop, two types of amble are added - the Icelandic names skade and tolt.
These horses appeared in Iceland in the 9th-10th centuries. thanks to the vikings. At the end of the XVIII century. a volcanic eruption occurred on the island, which killed a significant part of the livestock. To date, its number has been restored. These horses are popular not only in Iceland, but also far beyond its borders.
Interesting! According to the law adopted back in 982, Icelandic horses exported from the island, even for competition, are forbidden to return back. The same applies to ammunition. This rule is valid to keep the breed clean and to protect horses from disease.
Icelandic horses are very calm, friendly. They are smart, easily overcome obstacles - slippery ice or sharp stones.
Despite their small size, these horses are hardy. But they are rarely used for work, mainly for horse racing (including on ice), hunting and hippotherapy.