Light and gaited horse breeds

What distinguishes the Arabian?

Desert origin, dished head, fine bone, short back, high tail set.

What is the Arabian's typical size?

14–15 hands; 800–1,000 pounds.

Where was the Thoroughbred developed?

England.

What distinguishes the Thoroughbred?

Fast, versatile, long strides, refined head, hotter temperament.

What is the Thoroughbred's average racing speed in the notes?

40–45 mph.

Where was the Standardbred developed?

United States.

What is the Standardbred best known for?

Fast trotting and pacing; also Amish buggy use.

What is the Standardbred's average racing speed?

30 mph.

How did the Quarter Horse develop?

Spanish-descended mustangs crossed with English running horses in the US.

What is the Quarter Horse known for?

Powerful, compact, calm and extremely fast up to a quarter mile.

What Quarter Horse speed is given?

55 mph over distances up to a quarter mile.

Where did the American Saddlebred develop?

Kentucky.

What distinguishes the American Saddlebred?

High head carriage, arched neck, high tail; three- and five-gaited forms.

Why was the Tennessee Walking Horse developed?

Comfortable plantation transportation in Tennessee during the 1800s.

What distinguishes the Tennessee Walker?

Very comfortable gaits and easygoing temperament.

Where did the Paso Fino develop?

Puerto Rico from Spanish horses.

What distinguishes the Paso Fino?

Extremely smooth, natural and distinctive gaits.

What is a Mustang?

A feral descendant of horses left by Spanish explorers.

What distinguishes the Mustang?

Sturdy, hardy, variable in color and conformation, excellent feet.

What horse founded the Morgan breed?

Figure, owned by Justin Morgan.

What distinguishes the Morgan?

Compact, muscular body, short back, expressive head and excellent feet.

What was the Gypsy Vanner originally used for?

Pulling caravans.

What breeds contributed to the Gypsy Vanner?

Shire, Clydesdale, Dales Pony and Friesian.

What is the Gypsy Vanner's temperament?

Intelligent, unflappable and affectionate.

Where did the Missouri Fox Trotter originate?

Missouri and the Ozark Mountains.

What is the Missouri Fox Trotter used for?

Long-distance riding, ranch work and pleasure riding.

Where did the Rocky Mountain Horse originate?

Kentucky.

What gait does the Rocky Mountain Horse have?

Natural ambling four-beat gait.

What distinguishes the Rocky Mountain Horse?

Sure-footed, sensible, compact and often dark-colored.

What characterizes the Curly/Bashkir Curly?

Tight curly coat at birth, hardy, sure-footed, level-headed.

Is the Curly described as a distinct breed?

No; notes say its genes come from many breeds.

What gait do most Curlies have?

Running walk.