List and descriptions of the 40 best horse breeds, 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 and helped in performing many types of work. Already in the 11th century, stud farms appeared in Europe, where horses were bred and breeds were developed for various 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 separate a large number of different animals according to a number of parameters. Horses are classified:

• by origin;
• by use;
• by area of ​​distribution.

Within countries and regions, local classification is often used. 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 domestic horses for breeders and fanciers is the division according to the method of use.

Table of classification of breeds according to methods of use:

The character and temperament of the breed are of significant importance in the possibility of using horses for different purposes. Riding horses are usually hot-tempered and love to run fast; to be used for heavy work, the animal requires phlegmatism, friendliness, and a calm disposition.Let's consider the features and advantages of each type of horse.

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

Horse

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

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

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

• calm, graceful individuals - for walks (with an even step and peaceful character);
• aggressive, explosive and temperamental - for participation in sporting events, horse racing.

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

Horse-drawn

This type of horse can be used for riding, but its main tasks are transporting small loads. Their back is not too wide, comfortable for the rider. They were most often used on small farms and in the countryside. The size of the horses is medium, their character is calm, without temper. Horses are distinguished by their friendliness, intelligence, and efficiency. When walking, the legs are placed wide, the step is even, the limbs are dry, but strong and muscular.

Sled

These horses are not distinguished by grace; their wide backs are uncomfortable for the rider. Horses are trained to walk in harness and carry loads.The chest, back and legs are massive; perseverance and calmness are valued in character.

Heavy-duty

Heavy trucks are considered the most powerful and efficient - huge horses bred exclusively for transporting maximum volumes of cargo. Such horses were used in construction and agricultural work. The breed began to be cultivated during the times of chivalry, when it was necessary to transport heavy armor. Later they were used in the village. They are distinguished by their good disposition and unpretentiousness.

The most popular breeds

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

Shetland pony

The horse breed belongs to the pony group. Bred in the Shetland Islands (northeast Scotland). These short horses are similar to draft horses and are one of the most common breeds in the world. The first information appeared in the 1st-4th century. It is believed that the horses were brought to the archipelago from Europe and were ground on the islands. The breed was officially established in 1890.

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

Information: each breed requires certain conditions of keeping and feeding in order for the animals to achieve the required height and weight parameters and display specific qualities.

Shire

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

Frisian

The pride of Dutch horse breeders is the Friesian. The breed was identified in the 13th century, although it was known much earlier. The main advantage of representatives of the species is their versatility. The horse is ideal for carriages and walks at an easy trot. She showed excellent performance under saddle and easily overcomes obstacles.

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

Falabella

The smallest the 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 the proportionality of their body, similar to a miniature Arabian horse. Any color is allowed.

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

Tinker

Gypsies' best friends are horses. The nomadic people value and know the horse tribe. Tinker – gypsy draft horse. This breed was recognized recently, since the gypsies traditionally did not carry out breeding work.

The color pattern is dominated by piebald colors, the body is strong, with a pronounced arch of the back. The mane, brushes, and tail are lush and long. Heavy trucks have a wiry build, height 1.35-1.6 meters. Nomadic life made Tinkers strong and unpretentious. They walk in harness and under saddle.

Percheron

The breed originated in the Perche region of France in the 19th century. It quickly spread throughout the world. Large heavy trucks (height up to 175 centimeters) do not look heavy and clumsy. Many breeds have been developed based on Percherons in different countries.

The main color is gray (dappled), and black is also found. The Percheron has a particularly soft ride, which makes it popular and in demand at parades, holidays, and horse riding.

Peruvian Paso

The ideal horse for hunting, riding, and showing is the Peruvian Paso. Descendant of horses brought by the Spaniards to Peru from their homeland. Mostly red or bay. Horses are distinguished by a soft ride, the ability to walk with a special gait, which determines their breed and is very convenient for riders.

Oryol trotter

The breeding of trotter horses was started by Count Orlov, who founded a stud farm in the Voronezh province. Trotters have been around for over 200 years. The Orlovites were used as root guards 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, dun. Used in harness, under saddle, and driving.

Marwar breed

Originally from India, the Marwari is a rare horse species known for its unusual ears. The most valuable specimens are gray and piebald. Hindus use white horses for religious purposes.Marwaris took part in military campaigns, are hardy, and can go without water or food for several days.

Kuznetskaya

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

Cuban pacers

Mountain horses come from Azerbaijan; the Cuban district gave the name to the breed. The animals are distinguished by excellent health, live on pastures, and get their own food from under the snow. The main colors are gray, bay; height – 130-140 centimeters.

Peasant

In the 19th century, these horses made up 75% of the total livestock of Russian peasant farms. Unpretentious, short, accustomed to poor food and hard work. They did not differ in beauty or other advantages. Color, height, exterior are different. Vivid representatives of the peasant species were found only in rich houses, where the work was easier and the food was better.

Connemara pony

The Irish type of pony is considered one of the largest. Life in harsh conditions on the cold coast hardened the Connemara ponies and gave them excellent health. There are semi-wild species. Height is 133-154 centimeters, the predominant colors are dun and gray. Used for agricultural work.

Cleveland bay

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

Klepper

Strong, hardy horses were bred in Estonia and are common in Finland and the Baltic countries.The main colors are karak, red, dun. Head with a wide forehead, height - 136-146 centimeters.

Information: the development of technology has led to an increase in the demand and popularity of sporting breeds; horses have lost their economic importance.

Clydesdale

White-footed horses are native to Scotland. These are draft horses that were bred for heavy work in breweries and fields. Impressive height (up to 1.83 meters) and weight (up to 0.9 tons) are the main characteristics of the breed. The horses are distinguished by their cheerful, friendly character. The bulk of Clydesdales live in the USA and Canada.

Kladrubskaya

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 colors are black and white. Kladrubtsev is distinguished by endurance and the ability to walk together in multi-horse teams. Demanding about living conditions 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 and are able to find food on their own on scarce pastures. They grow up to 137 centimeters and have many pacers. Used as riding and pack. The rock is distinguished by a durable hoof that does not require forging.

Kiger Mustang

It is believed that Kiger Mustangs appeared due to the feralization of Spanish horses brought by the conquistadors. Discovered in Oregon (USA). Mustangs are distinguished by endurance, large heads, and strong hooves. Different heights are allowed – 135-164 centimeters and above. Color – gray-brown, red.

Caspian

The remains of a horse of the Caspian breed are dated 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) and the ability to withstand heavy loads.Correct physique distinguishes short Caspian horses from ponies.

Distinctive features are strong legs and hooves. Caspians are famous for their non-aggressive nature and are suitable for teaching children. Excellent jumpers, calm in harness. Stud farms for breeding - USA, UK, Australia.

Karachay breed

The homeland of mountain horses is the North Caucasus. Karachay horses overcome any distance along mountain trails and are famous for their amazing endurance. Horse hooves are able to withstand the transition that causes the horseshoes to come off. Mares are fertile and easily reproduce when kept in herds.

Dark colors predominate in color. Height – 1.5-1.55 meters. There is a slight hump of the nose. Karachay horses are distinguished by good health, balanced coordination of movements, and a light, soft step. They walk up to 12 kilometers per hour.

Karabairskaya

The name of the Karabairs combines two words – horse and camel. Uzbek horses are distinguished by equine grace, swiftness and camel endurance. Bred by crossing local and Arabian breeds. Karabairs are pacers with a light, even gait that prevents the rider from getting tired in the saddle.

The predominant colors are gray, bay, black; height – 1.45-1.57 meters. Karabairs can withstand heat, find food themselves, are hardy and hardworking. They are used as pack animals and ride under saddle.

Donskaya

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

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

Holstein

The first mentions of Holsteins date back to the 13th century, and the breed standard was established in the German state by the 15th century. Now breeding is carried out in Elmshorn.

The height of the horse is 168-172 centimeters, the colors are varied. Holsteins can gallop and trot, the step is soft, comfortable for the rider. They are distinguished by their jumping ability, balanced stride and smooth stroke. Often used in sports competitions due to their performance, perseverance and high intelligence.

Interesting: athletes riding the Holstein Meteor won awards at 3 Olympic Games in a row.

Hanoverian

German scrupulousness and pedantry helped to breed horses with an even temperament and ideal appearance. This is the most popular sports breed that successfully performs in competitions.

Their high height (up to 168 centimeters) allows horses to take on obstacles; they are used in show jumping and dressage. A long neck, strong legs, noble head carriage are the main features of the breed. During selection, only specimens with a consistent and balanced character are selected, which allows us to maintain the glory of the Hanoverians as ideal athletes who always demonstrate outstanding results.

Akhal-Teke

The handsome Akhal-Teke are the oldest cultivated breed; they have been breeding for 5 thousand years. The horses are distinguished by their exquisite grace and stature, dry lean body, thin skin under which muscles play.Akhal-Teke horses are compared to cheetahs and greyhounds; their lightness and swiftness evoke admiration. The homeland of horses is Turkmenistan. For many centuries they maintained the purity of blood, without crossing horses with representatives of other breeds. This is the best representative of riding horses; wars broke out over the possession of valuable horses.

The animals' fur is soft and silky; their manes are often cut off to reveal an exquisitely shaped neck with translucent vessels. The nature of the horses is hot and ardent; not every rider is able to cope with a restive horse.

Akhal-Teke dogs are bred in many countries, including Russia. The influence of Akhal-Teke horses can be seen in articles on English racing and Arabian breeds.

Information: Arabian and Akhal-Teke horses are classified as elite breeds.

Arden

Horses of this breed appeared in the Ardennes, a mountain range at the junction of several European countries. Heavy-duty trucks with broad bones and thick legs were used for draft work. Ardens are considered descendants of ancient Roman horses; the formation of the breed was influenced by Brabançons. Entered into the stud book in 1929.

Horses were used in cavalry to transport heavy weapons. Now they are grown for meat, for sports, and for cargo delivery. Height – 160-162 centimeters, weight – 0.7-1 ton. The suits are different; black is excluded in the breeding rules. They reach maturity early and do not require much feed, 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 type of horse, which became the ancestor of many famous breeds (Russian Saddlebred, English Thoroughbred). A special organization uniting 60 countries was created for breeding work with Arabian horses.

The constant wars of the Bedouins formed strong, short horses, distinguished by their endurance and dry, strong body. Arabian horses walk at any gait and are tightly knit. The death penalty was imposed on anyone who risked selling horses to foreign lands. Crossing with other horses was not allowed. The breed is visible in every Arabian horse.

Arabian 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. Colors – gray of different shades, bay, red. Small concave head, large eyes, strong legs, “rooster tail”. Mares are fertile.

Andalusian

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

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

American Horse

The Hollywood-famous American Saddlebred is an indispensable assistant for cowboys and the most common horse in the United States. It is used under saddle and in harness, has a soft ride, and is convenient for riding over long distances.

Developed in Kentucky in the 19th century. Height – 150-170 centimeters, different colors are allowed. Has a short, strong back. Participates in special competitions, demonstrating several types of gaits, including the signature racket.

Azerbaijani

Horses of the Azerbaijani breed are descendants of ancient Persian and Karabakh species. Cultivated in Azerbaijan and neighboring regions. The horse-pack type is relevant for mountainous areas.Animals are hardy, famous for their efficiency, longevity, and excellent health.

To improve the breed, Arabian and Terek horses are used. 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 man’s faithful friends; for centuries they have helped people survive, transported heavy loads, kept them warm and saved them from death in battle. Modern life has brought many breeds to the brink of extinction, as the need for horses has disappeared.

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

The following breeds are considered unusual:

1. American Paint Horse. The horses are short (140-160 centimeters), piebald in color. The main difference between the breed is the combination of spots of white and other colors. Painthorse literally means "painted horse".
2. Cream Akhal-Teke. The rare color gives the horses a special charm and increases the price.
3. Knabstrupper. Bred in Denmark. The spotted color of the skin is a characteristic feature of the breed. There are the following types of spotting: leopard, saddleback, marbled and trout.
4. Appaloosa. Divorced in the USA. Short horses with forelock color even have spots on their skin.
5. Marwari. The famous Indian breed is distinguished by its unusually shaped ears, which almost touch and rotate 180°.

Among the unusual ones are horses with an uncharacteristic, rare color. These colors include pearl, champagne, leopard, and raven roan.

Breed innovation

When mating horses of different breeds, the characteristics of the animals are improved and the necessary characteristics of the species are consolidated.The same method is used to breed new breeds. In simple productive crossbreeding, 2 breeds are used, in complex crossbreeding, 3 or more different species are used. In this way, the Oryol Trotter, Budenovskaya, Terek and other breeds of horses were obtained.

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

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

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