subject: The Top 10 Most Popular Horse Breeds In The World [print this page] There are approximately 267 horse breeds throughout the world, with each horse breed having differing abilities and temperament that make different horse breeds suitable for different purposes.
There is no definitive list of popular horse breeds, in part as the definition of popularity and how it is measured varies hugely from survey to survey. Below is a list of the top 10 horse breeds and some information about the breed and temperament (based on the 2007 iDakotaOne survey which was compiled through a survey of individual breeders and breed association websites).
When we talk about the temperament of a horse, we talk about its attitude, its natural mental strengths and weaknesses. We're referring to how a horse behaves when under saddle or in relation to being handled, stabled etc.
It's important to remember though that whilst these characteristics may be typical to most horses of that breed they're not hard and fast rules, and each horse has his or her own very own personality as well.
1. Arabian / Arab Horse
The Arab horse is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world! The Arab was born into a desert and was prized by the Bedouin nomads used to cover long distances and also for raiding and war. Arabians lived in such close association with humans, with owners even bringing in their horse to the family tent for protection and shelter!
Only the prized horses with the best qualities and naturally good disposition were allowed to reproduce, resulting in an extreme example of survival of the fittest! It is these roots that have given the Arab some of its most desirable qualities like it's intense loyalty, quick learning nature, intelligent and high enduring.
A testament to this breeds good disposition is that they are one of the few breeds that the US Equestrian Federation allows children to exhibit stallions in most show rings, including those limited to riders under 18.
Arab horse have a very distinct look with a small head with concave profile, large eyes and small muzzle and a high tail carriage.
Height: Stands 14.1 to 15 hh.
Colour: Usually bay or chestnut but grey is also seen.
2. American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse originates from the US and is the oldest surviving American horse breed. Quarter horses are known for their docile, gentle nature making them an extremely popular choice.
Quarter Horses are excellent for children because they aren't prone to sudden bursts of energy. In fact, many Quarter Horses are quite lazy, despite for their proven speed at the quarter-mile!
Height: Stands 14.3 to 16.1 hh
Colour: Can be any solid colour, most often chestnut.
3. Paint
The American Paint Horse is not strictly a breed but to qualify for registry as a Paint Horse, horses must come from Quarter Horse, US Thoroughbred, or Paint Horse breeding with at least one parent being a Paint Horse and must be of stock-type conformation.
Because American Paint Horses are very much related to Quarter Horses, they have very similar temperaments to the horses of that breed. Paint horses are quite relaxed with good cattle sense. They tend to excel in Western disciplines, but can be used for some English events too, such as hunter.
Paint horses are popular working horses, they are trustworthy, quiet and not prone to spooking.
Height: Can be up to 16 hh.
Colour: American Paint Horses exist in any colour with varying amounts of white forming a pattern over the body.
There are 2 types of white pattern:
Overo which is bold white head markings, irregular colours patches over the body and often with dark legs.
Tobiano where the head is coloured, the coloured patches are regular, oval or round and at least all of the lower legs are white.
However horses can show characteristics of both types of pattern together and these horses are called Tovero.
4. Miniature Horse
With this breed size really is everything! The miniature horse must not measure more than 38" in height, this is measured from the last hairs of the mane. Unlike their bigger counterparts miniature horses are often measured in cms and inches rather than hands, to give a more exact showing of their size.
Miniature horses are too small to be ridden by anyone, except maybe the smallest of children, so they are just for companionship, but what companions they make! By nature, miniature horses are gentle and affectionate, and generally have quite a relaxed attitude.
They are hardy and accustomed to living out of doors, as long as there is a suitable cover for them, a three sided run-in shed should suffice. They also make excellent companion animals for larger horses, but it is recommended that they be turned out separately to avoid injury from exuberant play with big buddies!
Height: The American Miniature Horse Registry recognizes two divisions of Miniature Horses. "A" Division Minis are 8.2 hands high (34 inches) and under; and "B" Minis are 8.2 hands high (34 inches) up to and 9.2 hands high (38 inches).
Colour: Miniature Horses come in every color and coat pattern imaginable. You'll find solid coats, pintos, and spotted coats.
5. Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is most commonly used for horse racing. Originally Thoroughbreds were developed in England for racing and have since been exported across the world.
Interestingly Thoroughbred horses are so inbred that the pedigree of every horse can be traced back to one of three stallions, Byerley Turk (1680-1696), Darley Arabian (1700-1733) and the Godolphin Arabian (1724-1753), and these are known as the "Foundation sires".
To be called a thoroughbred horse you must be from natural mating. You cannot artificial inseminate a mare with a stallion sperm. Bred for agility and speed they are the perfect racehorse, but can also make good candidates for polo, hunters and jumpers.
Thoroughbreds are often dismissed for general riding, often thought of as too highly strung, however they can be used for pleasure riding and can make great riding horses if handled well and their nature channelled properly but best for skilled, experienced riders.
Height: Stands 14.2 to 17.2 hh
Colour: Can be any solid colour. Thoroughbred horses may have white face markings and/or white leg markings.
6. Appaloosa
The term Appaloosa is often used to describe the pattern of any spotted horse, regardless of it's breeding. The Appaloosa breed was developed by the Nez Perce Indians who bred Mustangs with spotted horses to product horses which were fast, strong, docile and agile. The breed took its name from the Palouse River which the Indians lived near, originally the breed was called the A Palouse which then turned into Appaloosa.
Appaloosas are very versatile having great endurance and excellent dispositions. Although they can be stubborn, most Appaloosas are extremely intelligent and willing. Appaloosas are generally very gentle and are suitable for every level of rider. They are intelligent and have trustworthy temperaments, making them the perfect mount for children and novice riders.
Height: Stands at 14.1 to 15.2 hh
Colour: The most prominent feature of the Appaloosa Horse is their spotted coats. The Appaloosa Horse Club recognises thirteen base coat colours, and 6 overlying patterns. No two horses are exactly the same though, each has a unique version of pattern.
7. Morgan Horse
The Morgan Horse is one of the earliest breeds to be developed in the United States. Originated from a single stallion named Figure the breed was named after the owner Thomas Justin Morgan.
The origins of Figure are not known but it is thought that Welsh Cob, Thoroughbred, Arab and Bard all feature in his background. Figure won many ploughing and pulling competitions in his time, this strength is still present in the breed with Morgan horses often being used as harness horses.
A Morgan is distinctive for its stamina and vigor, its bold personality, willing nature and strong natural way of moving. This breed excels in many disciplines and is known for its versatility, the Morgan has great adaptability making is fantastic for a variety of disciplines being used as for pleasure riding, sport and as a harness horse.
Height: Stands at 14 to 15 hh
Colour: Can be any solid colour
8. Tennessee Walking Horse
Originally bred as utility horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse, became popular with plantation owners because of it's extremely smooth gait. The breed is known for its unique four-beat 'running-walk' which can achieve a speed of 10 to 20 miles per hour.
The Tennessee has a very calm, docile nature which combined with its smooth, easy ride makes it a very popular horse with all levels of rider. The breed is rarely seen in any sport disciplines but are often used for horse show events, and is popular in trail riding because of their smooth gait and good stamina.
Height: Stands 13.2hh to 17.1hh.
Colour: Can be a number of colours including palomino, cremello, black, bay, dun, chestnut, roan, grey, piebald and skewbald.
9. Welsh Pony and Cob
The Welsh Pony originiates from Wales. There are four breed registries for the Welsh pony:
The Welsh Mountain Pony (section A), the Welsh Pony (Section B), the Welsh Pony of Cob type (Section C) and the Welsh Cob (Section D). The divisions are distinguished primarily by height.
The Welsh Pony is well known for its great temperament and stamina. Today, many regard the Welsh Pony as the ideal trekking pony. These horses need good protection in the winter - they love the stable and need a good selection of turnout rugs to get them through the cold winters
Height: The Welsh Pony and Cob (Section B, C & D)stands up to 13.2hh, except the Welsh Section A Pony which stands up to 12 hh
Colour: Can be any colour except Piebald and Skewbald
10. Andalusian
The Andalusian horse was developed in the Iberian Peninsula, and is one of the oldest horse breeds. They have been recognised as a breed since the 15th Century! Andalusians were originally used for warhorses because of their strong build and agility. They were also the mounts of bull fighters. Today Andalusians are used in a wide variety of disciplines such as dressage, show jumping and driving. The breed is also used extensively in movies, especially historical pictures and fantasy epics.
In Spain Andalusian horses are known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Espanola) and PRE horses are registered in the Spanish Stud Book maintained by the Military and Government of Spain.
Height: Stands 15.2 to 16.2 hh.
Colour: They are most commonly grey but other colours such as bay, chestnut, black, palomino, dun also exist.
