Breeds of Horses

Appaloosa

• Originated in the U.S. (Washington, Oregon and Idaho) by Nez Perce native Americans.

• They are known for their versatility in all disciplines (racing, pleasure, endurance, etc.).

• Color characteristics include an eye encircled with white (similar to the human eye), mottled skin, particularly on the muzzle, hooves that are striped vertically in black and white, and can have a variety of patterns with most having a blanket on the rear and/or dark spots. Leopard pattern can also be seen (quarter horse type).

Arabian

• Originated in the Middle East/Arabian Peninsula by the Bedouin tribes.

• Colors are the same as Thoroughbreds, so they can be bay, chestnut/brown, grey and occasionally a solid black, with a characteristic teacup muzzle.

• They are known for their endurance, courage and intelligence.

• They contributed to many European saddle breeds and most light horse breeds have some Arabian influence.

Hanoverian

• Originated in Lower Saxony of Germany (former Kingdom of Hanover).

• They typically have a good temperament, rideability, stamina, bone and substance.

• These characteristics have made it ideal for riding.

• They are typically sorrel and those variations in shade in color but can be bay or black.

Holsteiner

• Originated in Schleswig-Holstein province of Germany.

• Colors include bay, chestnut, black or gray.

• They are used in hunting, dressage, driving, or jumping.

• They are larger than the light breeds, but not as big as the draft breeds (medium frame).

Missouri Fox Trotter

• Developed in the Ozarks, particularly the Missouri territory.

• The rocky terrain showed that horses able to perform the fox trot were most useful, and horses were then selected for that trait.

• Horses today can maintain the fox trot for long periods of time with little fatigue, where many are still used in the Ozarks for cattlemen.

• The primary use today, however, is for pleasure. Variety of colors present and not part of the breed standard.

Morgan

• Originated in the U.S. by a single stallion known as “Justin Morgan”, named after his owner.

• They are a versatile, hardy, hard-working breed known for its elegance and conformation, but also strength and stamina.

• Variety of colors present and not part of the breed standard.

Paint

• Originated in the U.S., most likely from the two-toned horses brought by the Spanish explorers.

• Individuals must be descendent of horses registered in American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), American Paint Horse Association (APHA) or the Jockey Club (Thoroughbreds).

• They are a very versatile, stocky and athletic.

• Paint patterns include tobiano, overo or combination of both (called tovero pattern) with various base colors.

• They are similar in structure and use as Quarter Horses, but cannot be register with the American Quarter Horse Association.

• They can be registered in the Pinto Horse Association (which bases its registry on color), the American Paint Horse Association (which bases its registry on bloodlines that can be traced to the AQHA, TB, APHA), or both.

Palomino

• is a color variation of the Quarter Horse, but can be registered in a number of different associations.

• Originated in the U.S., and includes a variety of lighter and darker shades.

Peruvian Paso (Paso Fino)

• Originated in Spain most likely from Barb, Spanish Jennet, and Andalusian influences.

• They are known for the gait either as paso fino, paso corto, or paso largo speeds in addition to the typical walk and canter.

• They can be used for both English and Western riding.

• A variety of colors are present.

Quarter Horse

• Originated in the U.S. with some Spanish and thoroughbred influence.

• Colors vary and include bay, chestnut, brown, black, gray, palomino, dun, grullo, and buckskin.

• Spots or markings that indicate paint, appaloosa or albino breeding are not allowed.

• They are typically used in cattle production and are known for their speed at short distances.

Standardbred

• Originated in the U.S., Standardbreds vary in color, but bay, chestnut/brown, and black are predominant.

• They are used for harness racing as pacers or trotters.

• Pacers are more common (pacers move same side legs in same direction), but must meet the particular sta

Tennessee Walking Horse

• Originated in Tennessee, most likely by breedings between Standardbreds, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Canadian and Narrangansett Pacers.

• They were developed and selected for their distinct and natural running walk.

• The breed is also known for the flat-foot walk (slow, bold and even gait) as well as the canter (a.k.a. rocking chair gait).

• Primarily used for riding, driving and light farm work.

• A variety of colors are present and not part of the breed standard.

Thoroughbred

• Originated in England by crossing Arabian and Turkish stallions to native mares, the Thoroughbred can be bay, chestnut/brown, black (rare), or gray.

• They are used and selected for racing (intermediate distances).

Clydesdale

• Originated in Clydesdal district of Scotland.

• Their color can be bay, brown or black with a sabino pattern (although the Clydesdale breeders often call this a “roan” color).

• They have feathering on the feet. The breed is used as work horses, but also pleasure and show today.

Percheron

• The exact origin is unknown, but modern can tie their ancestory to the stallion Jean Le Blanc, which was developed by crossing Le Perche mares to Arab stallions in France.

• They can be black, gray, or, on a rare occasion, chestnut and roan.

• They do not have feathering on the feet.

• They are used for farm work, but more commonly used for pleasure and show today.