Horses are some of the most magnificent creatures to ever partner with humans and over the thousands of years that relationship has existed, people have developed many hundreds of different horse breeds. However, some of these breeds are more common, particularly in the modern world, than others.
Hotblooded horse breeds are the more spirited horse types, usually bred to be fast and firey, while coldblooded horses are the larger types, bred to be calm, dependable work animals. Warmbloods are the most common horse breeds kept today, and are a cross between hot and coldbloods, making them more suitable as family horses, or for horse shows or competitions.
Hotblooded Horse Breeds
- The Arabian
The Arabian is one of the best known breeds, and its history goes back for thousands of years. It has lent its bloodline to most other modern breeds. Arabians are known for their elegant appearance, their intelligence, their somewhat flighty, yet affectionate temperament and their speed. Arabians are versatile, and are used in competition, as well as for recreational riding. However, generally, they are not suitable for beginners.
- The Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds are often highly strung, and considered one of the fastest breeds of horse. They are also known for their agility. Unfortunately they can be prone to health problems and accidents, perhaps because they are willing to compete past their endurance levels. While traditionally considered a race horse, Thoroughbreds can also be used for horse shows, sports, such as polo and as family horses. They are often affectionate, although, due to their high spirits, are usually not suited to beginner riders.
Coldblooded Horse Breeds
Coldblooded horses are the larger breeds, usually bred for heavy work and sometimes called draft horses. They have become much less common since engines, such as cars and tractors, have taken over the draft horse's traditional role. Additionally, these enormous horses can be very expensive to keep, as they eat much more than an average horse and require larger stables.
Often modern draft horses are kept for pulling carriages, bred for strength competitions, or as a hobby, or by groups such as the Amish, who prefer to use horses rather than machinery. Some of the most common coldblooded horses in the States are Clydesdales.
Warmblooded Horse Breeds
- The Saddlebred or American Saddle Horse
The Saddlebred is often used in competitions, under a wide range of styles, but most commonly in Saddle Seat riding, and driving (pulling a carriage). They are usually sweet tempered horses with an easy, if flashy, gait, so they are often used as trail horses, and many people keep them for pleasure.
- The American Quarter Horse
The most popular breed of horse in the United States, Quarter horses are good all rounders and are popular for rodeos, horse shows and competitions and as work horses. They also make good family horses. Quarter horses are relatively small, compact and strong, and were originally used as a race horse, as they are very fast sprinters over short distances.
- The Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is well known for its distinctive, spotted coat. It was originally developed by Native Americans in the Northwest (the Nez Perce people). The Appaloosa is popular for rodeos and similar competitions, as well as horse shows and ranch work, but is also a good, all-round breed. Appaloosas come in many different sizes and temperaments as generally the coat is considered the important distinguishing feature, and other traits are not generally bred for.
Miniature Horses and ponies are also popular, and come in different types. Ponies are often used as mounts for children and teenagers, while miniature horses are kept as pets and for shows.
Horses of all kinds and breeds are fascinating creatures. Many of the most popular horse breeds are very versatile and suitable as a family horse. Choosing the right breed for the right purpose can help to avoid anxiety for the horse and the people around it, so choose a horse breed wisely.
Sources
Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University, "Breeds of Livestock: Horses"
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/ (Accessed 19th November, 2010)
International Museum of the Horse, "Horse Breeds of the World"
http://imh.org/horse-breeds-of-the-world/ (Accessed 19th November, 2010)
Rachel Sawaya - Rachel Sawaya is a freelance writer from New Zealand (who also has US citizenship), and currently lives in Auckland, the big smoke of New ...
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