Horses are the most significant and most useful animals and have been from time immemorial the indispensable element of human history. They have served as good companions sport competitors and beloved pets. Horses play an important role in various purposes in human history. Over thousands of years people created different breeds by mating horses for their specific purposes. These have desirable traits. The look of the breeds is often related to what it is used for. When these traits are passed down over many generations a new breed is produced.

In this article we will discuss the world of horse breeds their classification characteristics and the most notable breeds across different categories.

Understanding Horses Breeds and Classification

Horses are classified on the bases of size temperament purpose and physical characteristics. The main categories includes:

The ponies: ponies are usually small in size and stocky looking. These breeds have been developed for use in specific environments. They are known for their strength intelligence and versatility. The horses' body length is commonly found to be the same as their leg length.

Light breeds: these horses are bred for various purposes like racing jumping and herding. Their long thin legs are designed for speed. These horses are agile fast and often spirited. The long flexible neck of these horses help them stay balanced while running and work. The high and sharp withers make it a breeze to saddle the tingle horses. The compass breeds that are the lightest usually have sharp bones which causes them to weigh between 800 and 1500 pounds (363 to 680 kilograms).

Heavy breeds: these breeds also known as draft horses. They are big and massive. One of the main assignments in which horses are used is to pull plows and wheeled carts and transport heavy goods. The majority of them are strong and big horses with not so long and sturdy legs that help them grip better while pulling, and thus can run slower. Because of the fact that they possess very short muscular backs and a great deal of power in hindquarters which enable them to manage very heavy loads. The heavy horse breeds are very heavy and they can weigh from 1400 up to 2700 pounds (635 to 1225 kilograms).

Warmbloods: They are a mix of heavy and light draft horses. These breeds are primarily used outdoor activities and contests.

Gaited horses: Smooth four-beat gaits is a term used to refer to a breed of horse that can naturally perform a gait. Preparation for longer rides is required by individuals. Hence, this gait is not causing the horses any problem while they are walking for miles. When I was nothing but a kid I knew nothing about the horses.

Let's explore these breeds into detailed categories.

Light Horse Breeds

As we know light horses are known for their speed and endurance and commonly used for racing riding and competitive sports. Here's the categories of light horses:

1: Arabian

Arabian horses have been one of history's most dominating and ancient breeds of horse. These equines are Middle East in origin and they not only excel in intelligence but are also full of life. This particular breed is characterized by the following traits: its high stamina domed neck and its high tail carriage. They are boldly sculptured animals as well. The Arabian horses are commonly used for racing endurance riding show and general riding. They come in grey chestnut bay and block colors. They have light body type and are 14-15 hands high. Many famous  generals rode on Arabians. Napoleon Bonaparte’s horse was Marengo a gray Arabian stallion.

2: Thoroughbred

The Thoroughbred breed comes from England and around the world, they are one of the most often associated horse breeds with the horse racing task. They are tall and slim, their muscle mass provides them with a deep chest. They are 16-17 hands tall, with all solid colors and light body types as they can run at  the rate of forty miles per hour. The horse can cover a distance of twenty feet with a single motion. The breed is famous for races, however they are quite versatile in other equestrian sports like jumping, dressage and eventing.

3: American Quarter Horse

This breed has their origin in the United States. They are muscular compact and agile with a calm temperament. They are 14-16 hand high and have solid color. The Quarter horses are sprinter and also the fastest breed over short distances. They can run 50 miles per hour. These horses are favorite among cowboys and rodeo riders. These horses are commonly used in ranch work rodeo and pleasure riding.

4: Morgan

They originate from the United States. They are muscular compact with refined heads and expressive eyes. They are 14-15 hand high and come in a variety of colors like bay chestnut brown and black. The Morgan are a versatile and hardy breed. It makes them excellent horses for riders of all levels. The Morgan horses are used in driving dressage and pleasure riding.

5: Appaloosa

These breeds also originate from the United States. They are famous for their colorful coats and hardiness. Due to this they have a strong connection to Native American history. They have spotted coat patterns strong build and great endurance. They are 14-16 hand high with light body type. The Nez Perce Indians were the first people to breed Appaloosa a long time ago. Today these breeds are used in western riding and ranch work.

Heavy Horse Breed ( Draft Horse)

Draft horses are heavy horses that are large and strong. They are commonly used for heavy work such as farming logging and carriage pulling.

1: Clydesdale

These are the most recognizable draft breeds that originate from Scotland. They have large feathered legs and gentle nature. They are up to 18 hands high and have a variety of colors. They are often associated with Budweiser’s iconic advertising. These horses are commonly used in farm work and carriage pulling.

2: Percherons

The breathtaking and strong Percheron horse is a native of France and is worth to be looked at. It has high performance because of its strength and team play in farm works. They can be 15 to 17 hands high, while they are mostly two colors bay and black. It may be a fact that the females and males of this breed weigh as much as 24000 pounds. The Percheron can be involved in this work such as: farming, pulling and also as a riding horse that must be paired off during travels.

3: Shire

These breeds are one of the biggest horse breeds. They originate from England. They are one of the largest horse breeds with calm temperament and feathered legs. Historically they were used to carry knights in armor and pull heavy carts. They are 18 hands high and have a variety of colors. The shire horses are commonly used in heavy work parades and carriage driving.

4: Belgian Draft Horse

 They originate from Belgium. They are muscular and stocky. They are often chestnut with a flaxen mane. They are 16-17 high and have a variety of colors like sorrel chestnut and red-roan. They  are powerful workhorses and commonly used in farming logging and carriage driving.

Warmblood Breeds

Warm-blooded racing horses are generally sporty so they are participating in regular events such as riding and dressage.

1: Dutch Warmblood

This breed is one of the most successful in modern equestrian sports. They originate from the Netherlands and are most intelligent athletic and graceful. They are 16-17 hands high and have light body type. They come in a variety of colors and are used in dressage show jumping and eventing.

2: Trakehner

They originate from Germany and are refined elegant and athletic. They are prized for their willingness to work. Trakehner are often used in dressage and eventing

3: Hanoverian

Germans were the first to breed them, and over the years, Hesser horses has grown into one of the most successful breeds in the universe. They are the most vital part of the horse breed developed on these mountain farms which are of Iowa origin. They are 16-17 hands in height as well as available in all solid colors. Before consideration for the process of selling them as horseback or as a cart horse, the foal is checked for genetic inherited diseases. They are being used for such purposes as dressage, show jumping, and eventing.

Gaited Horse Breed

Gaited horses have natural ability to perform smooth gaits. It makes them ideal for long distance riding.

1: Paso Feno

They originate from Puerto Rico. They are small and refined with smooth natural gaits. They are known for their distinct rhythmic four-beat gaits. They are used for trail riding and endurance.

2: Tennessee Walking horse

They have their origin in the United States. They have smooth gaits strong build and calm temperament. They are used for trail riding and show competitions.

Conclusion

There are many kinds of horses. Each breed has characteristic properties that are suitable for different tasks. There is the breed which best suits your style, be it a sturdy workhorse or a friendly mate. Knowing these breeds will lead you to recognize and enjoy the elegance and diversity of horses. Wherever you are on the horse spectrum, in case you are the competitors riding or the one who is just watching them from the distance, the knowledge of different breeds of horses will be useful in all fields.