List of 40 Horse Breeds w/ Pictures, Description & Registry Links (2024)

Did you know that there are many different breeds of horses and ponies in North America? Horses first arrived in the 1500’s with Spanish explorers – and they’ve secured a place in our hearts and minds ever since. Here is are 40 of the most common horse and pony breeds that you can find in America today.

American Paint Horse

The flashy American Paint Horse is one of the most common horse breeds in America today. When our equine companions arrived in the Americas with the Spanish conquistadors, many of the indigenous tribes began adopting them into their cultures. Many of these tribes favored loud-colored animals, and settlers often caught and used wild spotted mustangs.

Eventually, breeders began selecting traits beyond just aloud coat color. Today, the American Paint Horse is a stocky athletic littlehorse that is well suited for a variety of disciplines. They excel at ranchwork, rodeo events, but they also make a splash in stuffy English show rings aswell.

American Quarter Horse

Average Height: 14.2 – 17 hands

Common Colors: sorrel, bay, black, brown, chestnut, dun, palomino

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Ranch work, rodeo events, trail riding, performance,pleasure riding, racing

Registry: American Quarter Horse Association

The American Quarter Horse is one of America’s most versatile and popular horse breeds – a well-deserved honor. The humble beginnings of the quarter horse began in the original American colonies.

For fun on the weekends, settlers raced their imported English farm horses down short, rough tracks – or sometimes down the center of town!

As time passed and horse racing became more serious (andlegal), breeders began to select small, tough horses with powerfulhindquarters. These “quarter-miler horses” became unmatched during shortsprints over a quarter-mile distance.

As settlers moved west, the quarter horse became a popular ranch horse. With an innate “cow sense” and natural athletic ability, these horses became excellent at working cattle.

Today, you can find a quarter horse nearly anywhere – working the ranch, competing at rodeo events, crossing the open range on a long-distance trail ride, or even as a backyard family companion horse.

American Saddlebred

Average Height: 15-17 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut, bay, brown, black, gray with various whitemarkings.

Type: Light Horse

Common Uses: Performance (riding and driving), pleasure riding, trailriding

Registry: American Saddlebred Horse Association

Known for their smooth gaits and good-natured personalities, American Saddlebred horses excel in the show ring and the lesson barn.

As English settlers brought their sleek carriage-pulling Thoroughbreds to America, they crossed them with the now-extinct Narragansett Pacer. This produced a high-stepping, elegant carriage horse that was well-suited for riding and driving.

In the South, the “American SaddleHorse” became bigger, flashier, and provided a more comfortable ride. The“Kentucky Saddler” developed to carry plantation owners efficiently andcomfortably across their lands, and they were a favorite mount of officers inthe Civil War.

Saddlebreds are often gaited – theycan walk, trot, canter, but many can perform ambling gaits as well (mostly therack or slow gait). While you might generally see them in saddle seatperformance rings, they are often shown in hunter classes or Western tack. AmericanSaddlebreds are true pleasure horses – fun to ride, and a pleasure to bearound.

Andalusian and Lusitano

Average Height: 15-16 hands

Common Colors: Only solid colors – mostly bay, gray, and black

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Dressage, bullfighting (overseas), ranch work, performance

Registry: United States P.R.E Association and International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association

Some of the oldest horse breeds, these fine Spanish horses were some of the first to cross the vast Pacific Ocean into the Americas. Even before Roman times, elegant warhorses were used in Spain (and Lusitania) for hundreds of years for ranch work and bullfighting.

During the middle ages, horses were classified by type – and the light riding horses eventually became the fine Andalusian and Lusitano horses we see today.

These horses have a regalappearance, elastic gaits, and an excellent cow-sense. Affable and agile, theyrespond well to light aids, which is a necessary trait during a high-pressuresituation (such as a bullfight) and for dressage.

There are herds of wild mustangs today that trace their ancestry back to these fine riding horses. Today, Andalusian and Lusitano horses make excellent dressage horses, although they are also popular in parades and in rodeos in South and Central America.

Appaloosa

Average Height: 14.2 – 16.2 hands

Common Colors: Solid body color (black, bay, chestnut, brown) with a recognizedcoat pattern (snowflake, blanket, leopard, etc.)

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Ranch work, trail riding, performance, endurance

Registry: Appaloosa Horse Club

The uniquely spotted Appaloosa horse is a truly American breed. The Nez Perce people acquired spotted horses from descendants of Spanish bloodstock.

They began what would become a sophisticated breeding program for scrappy, hardworking range horses with good sense and tough feet.

An Appaloosa’s spots are caused by theleopard-complex, which is a set of genes that controls coat pattern expression.There are several different types of coat patterns including blanket,snowflake, leopard, or even solid! In fact, not all Appaloosas have spots – andnot all spotted horses are Appaloosas.

In the 1800s, conflicts between the Nez Perce and the US government nearly wiped out the Appaloosa breed. Thanks to the concerted efforts of breed enthusiasts, the Appaloosa made a comeback.

Today, Appaloosas are one of the most popular breeds in the US, with over 650,000 registered individuals.

Arabian

Average Height: 14 – 15.3 hands

Common Colors: bay, gray, black, chestnut, roan

Type: Hot-blood

Common Uses: Endurance, dressage, jumping, performance, pleasure andtrail riding

Registry: Arabian Horse Association

The Arabian horse is one of theoldest and most elegant horse breeds in the world. Thousands of years ofmeticulous breeding by the Bedouin tribes of the Arabian peninsula created ahorse that was swift, loyal, and had excellent stamina. Arabians were soprized, the Bedouins often kept them in their tents to protect them from theelements, or thieves.

Today, Arabians are a versatile breed that excels in nearly any discipline. They dominate the field of competitive endurance riding and racing, and they can cover 50 miles of terrain in one day.

Shagya Arabians especially make excellent jumpers, and many can be trained for dressage.

You will more than likely find these intelligent and sensitive horses in the pleasure class division of local horse shows.

Their versatility and good temperaments make them one of the most popular horse breeds in the world – over 10,000 Arabian foals are registered every year in the US alone.

Belgian

Average Height: 16-18 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut or sorrel, with white mane and tail and whitestockings

Type: Draft

Common Uses: Driving, pulling, agricultural work, performance, pleasureriding

Registry: Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America

The Belgian breed arrived inAmerica in the late 1800s, but in 1904, Belgium sent “an impressive array ofhorses” to the World’s Fair. This sparked a public interest in these heavy,docile horses that continues to this day.

In America, Belgians are oftenlighter and longer-legged than their Belgian-born cousins. You’ll often seethem pulling carriages down city streets, or sleighs in winter. These gentlegiants are relatively easy to handle, and can often be found under saddle inlesson programs or out on the trails.

Clydesdale

Average Height: 16.2-18 hands

Common Colors: Bay and brown, usually with wide face markings and white feet

Type: Draft

Common Uses: Pulling, driving, pleasure riding

Registry: Clydesdale Breeders of the USA

Originally from Scotland, the Clydesdale is a popular draft horse for agricultural work, driving, and also riding.

The Clydesdale breed was made famous in the US by the famous Budweiser horses – an 8-piece driving team that still appears in Super Bowl commercials today.

Many of the Clydesdales in America are actually descended from the Budweiser Clydesdale breeding program, which has had a significant impact on the breed as a whole. Clydesdales are tall and handsome, with large feathered feet and flashy high-knee action.

Colorado Rangerbred

Average Height: 14 – 16+ hands

Common Colors: Any color, often spotted with Appaloosa markings

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Ranch work, endurance, rodeo events, performance, pleasureriding

Registry: Colorado Ranger Horse Association

The Colorado Rangerbred (orColorado Range Horse) is a working ranch horse with cow smarts, endurance, and agood disposition. They also tend to have the trademark spots of an Appaloosa,but they are not strictly a color breed.

In 1878, General Ulysses S. Grantwas gifted two exceptional stallions during a visit with his good friend, theSultan of Turkey. One was an Arabian named Leopard, and the other was a Barbnamed Linden Tree.

Back home in the US, a friend of Grantbred these horses to a group of mares on his ranch, and the result was a groupof fine ranch horses.

Today, all Colorado Rangerbreds aredescendants of one of two foundation stallions from this foundation herd. Eventhough they are not a color registry, many Rangerbreds are spotted due to theaggressive line-breeding of spotted horses.

Rangerbreds are used in distanceendurance riding, trail riding, and pleasure riding. They make excellent ranchhorses, and are also good for working with cattle.

Dutch Warmblood

Average Height: 15.2 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut, gray, bay, black

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Jumping, Dressage, Driving

Registry: KWPN North America (Royal Dutch Sport Horse)

The Dutch Warmblood is known as one of the best sport horses in the world. Bred for speed, stamina, agility, and talent, the Dutch Warmblood can excel at nearly every equestrian discipline. They consistently perform in top levels of jumping and dressage competitions, including the Olympics.

The breed began in Holland, as the needs shifted away from heavy workhorses to lighter riding horses. After World War II, mechanized farming became the norm, and horses were used for recreation.

Breeders began to develop a horse with “traditional farm horse qualities of soundness, character, and willingness to work, while producing a riding horse with good gaits and a competitive spirit” (Dutson, 1996).

They are popular choices for sportand competition in the United States, and many are imported directly fromHolland. One of several popular “warmblood” breeds, they are bred forperformance, rather than for looks.

Fell Pony

Average Height: 13.2 Hands

Common Colors: Black (sometimes bay or brown)

Type: Pony

Common Uses: Driving, performance, pleasure riding, jumping

Registry: Fell Pony Society of North America

The Fell pony hails from northernEngland, where it served as a hardy pack pony since the times of the AncientRomans. They are tough and athletic, and have excellent flowy gaits.

Today, they are increasing inpopularity as a nice show pony, perfect for exhibiting under saddle or drivenin harness. They also make great jumpers, and their quiet disposition alsomakes them easy to handle (even for the youngest riders).

Friesian

Average Height: 15 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Registered purebreds are always solid black

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Driving, dressage, performance

Registry: Friesian Horse Association of North America

The magnificent Friesian is known for its rich black coat, full mane and tail, and sophisticated regal appearance and way of moving.

These majestic black horses also hail from Holland, where strict breeding regulations have maintained exceptionally pure bloodlines for generations.

A heavier horse, the Friesian cameto America with Dutch settlers as a carriage horse in New York City in the late1700s. Despite their thicker build, they have a floaty trot and square, fluidgaits. This makes them excellent at dressage.

Due to their striking appearance, these horses are also popular in movies and tv. If you see a solid black horse with feathered feet – especially in scenes involving medieval warhorses – it’s likely a Friesian horse actor.

Gypsy Vanner

Average Height: 14 – 15.2 hands

Common Colors: Piebald, skewbald, solid black orbrown

Type: Light draft

Common Uses: Driving, dressage, pleasure riding

Registry: American Gypsy Horses and Gypsy Vanner Horse Society

The Roma are an ethnic group of people that traditionally live and travel with horse-drawn carriages, pulled by striking painted horses.

The Roma people have maintained extensive oral pedigrees for their animals creating a well-mannered, easy-keeping, flashy carriage horse.

In the 1990s, the breed made its way to the United States, where it continues to grow in popularity. Gypsy Vanners are excellent driving horses, but they also can excel at dressage, on the trail, or as quiet mounts for lesson programs.

Hackney Horse and Hackney Pony

Average Height: 12.2—14.2 hands for ponies, 14.2 – 16 hands for horses

Common Colors: Black, brown, bay, chestnut

Type: Pony, Light horse

Common Uses: Driving, jumping, performance

Registry: American Hackney Horse Society

Horse-drawn carriages dominated the transportation industry during the 1800s, but it was expensive to keep horses in the city. As the need for a fashionable high-headed flashy carriage horse grew, the Hackney Horse was born.

A blend of Thoroughbred, Arabian, Cleveland Bay and Norfolk trotter, the Hackney is mostly known as an elegant harness horse with a high-stepping energetic trot.

The Hackney Horse breed itself isrelatively rare in the US, with most of the 500 new animals a year beingregistered as Hackney ponies. But the breed registry does not separate horsesand ponies, but Hackney horses must stand over 14.2 hands.

While they are known for theirtalent in harness, Hackney horses also make excellent jumpers and pleasurehorses. You may also occasionally see them in open saddle seat competitionswith Morgans and American Saddlebreds.

Haflinger

Average Height: 13 – 15 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut or sorrel

Type: Light draft

Common Uses: Farm work, pleasure riding, dressage

Registry: American Haflinger Registry

For hundreds of years, farmers in the Tyrolean area of Austria and northern Italy have used the small, stocky, good-natured chestnut Haflinger horse for plowing their rocky terrain.

Once referred to as the “tractor of the Alps”, these horses have powerful hindquarters and refined heads – “a prince up front, a peasant behind.”

They are always chestnut, althoughthe shade range varies in depth and tone. All modern Haflingers can trace backto one stallion named Folie, who was a light chestnut color with a white maneand tail.

They are versatile horses, suitablefor pleasure riding, light farm work, and dressage. Willing and eager toplease, a Halflinger generally makes a great family mount.

Hanoverian

Average Height: 16 – 17.2 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut, but sometimes black, bay, or brown

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Dressage, jumping, combined driving

Registry: American Hanoverian Society

The Hanoverian began as a noble coach horse, hauling the aristocrats of the Holy Roman Empire in the 17^th century. Later, they became excellent agricultural and cavalry horses.

Two types of Hanoverians appeared – heavier carriage horses and the lighter riding horses we’re most familiar with today.

Now, they are one of the most popular warmblood horse breeds across the globe. They are extremely athletic and versatile, excelling at all the Olympic equestrian events – dressage, show jumping, and combined driving.

Their good looks and effortless gaits also make the Hanoverian well-rounded in the hunter competition rings as well.

Holsteiner

Average Height: 16 – 17 hands

Common Colors: brown, black, bay

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Combined driving, jumping, dressage

Registry: American Holsteiner Horse Association

Early Holsteiner horses developedin the 13^th century, plowing farms for German monasteries. Franceimported Holsteiners by the thousands to use as cavalry horses due to theirstamina, strength, and good gaits.

Eventually, farming becamemechanized, and the heavy artillery horses of World War II were no longerneeded. So, breeders added Thoroughbred and Arabian bloodlines to turn theHolsteiner into a talented competition horse.

Holsteiners excel at show jumping,combined driving, and dressage. The registry maintains strict breedingrequirements, which helps ensure that only quality bloodlines animals cancontinue.

Icelandic Horse

Average Height: 12.2 – 14.3 Hands

Common Colors: All colors and patterns are allowed

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Pleasure riding, trail riding, trekking, endurance, dressage

Registry: United States Icelandic Horse Congress

The roots of the Icelandic horsetrace back to the time of the Vikings – and the breed has remained relativelyunchanged for 1,000 years. Strict laws in Iceland prevent the import of anyother horses, and these tough smooth-gaited little horses only began travelingto the United States in the 1950s.

Despite their small stature (only standing about 12-14 hands tall), they are considered horses, not ponies. Icelandic horses are known for their smooth gaits, and the breed itself is gaited.

They can walk, trot, and canter like most horses. But, Icelandics have two more: the tolt (a four-beat ambling gait) and the flying pace.

They are agreeable and tough, andmake excellent mounts for children, beginners, or those with joint problems whomight be looking for a smoother ride. They excel in endurance, trekking, trailriding, and can often be found in low-level dressage or hunter rings.

Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse and MountainPleasure Horse

Average Height: 11 – 15.2 hands

Common Colors: Any solid color is accepted

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Pleasure riding, trail riding

Registry: Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Associationand Mountain Pleasure Horse Association

Like the Tennessee Walking Horse, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse was bred to be a comfortable, sure-footed trail horse to work small farms.

These small but tough little mountain horses developed from the necessity of a good family horse – even little kids and grandpa would often climb aboard.

Gentle and smooth, these adorablegaited-horses excel at trail riding and general pleasure riding. If you’relooking for something a little less flashy than a TWH but just as comfortableand sure-footed, consider a Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse or its slightlytaller cousin, the Mountain Pleasure Horse.

Miniature Horse

Average Height: Under 34” and Under 38”

Common Colors: Any color, including flashy pintos or spotted Appaloosas

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Companion animal, driving, agility

Registry: American Miniature Horse Association

Miniature horses were bred as petsfor the English nobility, and pulled heavy carts laden with coal for theEnglish working class. Small, sturdy, and full of attitude, Miniature Horsesare technically considered horses – not ponies.

They are the only breed measured atthe base of the mane, rather than at the withers. A Mini must measure below 34”for Division A and below 38” for division B. They often look very much likefull-sized horses with horse-like proportions – but in a small package.

At my barn, we affectionately call them “expensive lawn ornaments.” Although, these intelligent animals can be used to pull carts, in free-jumping or agility, and may be ridden by children.

Miniature horses the only other animals (other than dogs) recognized by the ADA that can become official service animals.

Missouri Fox Trotter

Average Height: 14 – 16 hands

Common Colors: Bay, black, brown, chestnut, pinto, buckskin, cremello,palomino, champagne

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Ranch work, trail riding, pleasure riding, therapeuticriding

Registry: Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association

Another gaited mountain breed, the Missouri Fox Trotter is a comfortable ranch and trail horse with a sweet disposition.

Known more for their surefootedness than their flashy movements, these horses are commonly found on the trail or in backyard farms. They’re even used by the U.S Forest Service to cover thousands of miles of trails and open land.

Missouri Fox Trotters are excellenttrail horses because the footfalls of their fox-trot gait keep alow-profile to the ground. They’re exceptionally surefooted, even when therocky ground of the Ozarks is particularly rocky.

Morgan

Average Height: 14.1 – 15.2 hands (may reach 16+ on occasion)

Common Colors: Bay, black, brown, chestnut

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Pleasure riding, trail riding, performance, driving, ranchwork, jumping

Registry: Morgan Horse Association

One of the most influential horse breeds in America, the Morgan is an elegant and versatile horse with a humble origin story.

In 1792, Justin Morgan was given a plucky little horse named Figure. Though he was scarcely 14 hands, he could out-pull, out-perform, and out-run every opponent matched against him.

He was also an excellent driving horse with good gaits – andhe passed many of these fine traits on to his offspring. Many of these traitsare still evident today in the Tennessee Walking Horse, Saddlebred, andStandardbred.

Today, Morgans make wonderful pleasure horses for riding ordriving. They stand out in the show ring with their fine good looks, but theyalso make excellent trail and family riding horses as well.

Mustang

Average Height: 13.2 – 15 hands

Common Colors: Any and all

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Trail riding, endurance, pleasure riding

Registry: Wild Horse and Burro Program and a list of other organizations on the Mustang Breed Profile

When Christopher Columbus and theother conquistadors sailed to the New World, they brought their fine Spanishhorses with them. As more Europeans settled in the Americas, their horses wereoften sold, stolen, or escaped (not many corrals in those days!).

After hundreds of years of naturalselection, herds of wild horses now roam the American West. They are managed bythe Bureau of Land Management, and many are rounded up and adopted to privatehomes every year.

Mustangs are relatively small,scrappy, and surefooted. Because they are not truly wild horses (justferal), if tamed, a mustang can be an excellent companion – especially out onthe trails. They are intuitive and intelligent, but it can take an experiencedhandler to earn their trust.

Every year, mustang events are heldaround the country to show off the talents of these versatile wild horses. Thereare also several different specific types of mustangs, and each one has a specifichistory and defining characteristics.

National Show Horse

Average Height: 14 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Any and all colors

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Performance, pleasure riding, driving

Registry: National Show Horse Registry

What do you get when you cross thehigh-stepping action and grace of an American Saddlebred with the elegance andendurance of an Arabian? A breed born for excellence in the performance ring.

The National Show Horse exhibitsthe best qualities from both breeds – the presence and refinement of anArabian, and the brilliant motion of a Saddlebred. While people wereunofficially crossing these two breeds for a long time, now there is a registryfor approved sires and dams.

While the registry is open to any ofthe three foundation breeds to produce National Show Horse foals, they stillmust be approved for breeding by the National Show Horse Registry for the foalto be registered as an NSH.

Norwegian Fjord

Average Height: 13.2 – 14.2 hands

Common Colors: Always dun, with primitive dorsal andleg stripes

Type: Light draft

Common Uses: Pleasure riding, driving, trail riding,endurance, jumping, performance

Registry: Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

The hardy little Fjord horse was traditionally used in Norway for farm work, driving, riding, and navigating the harsh rocky climate.

These horses have a distinct look that sets them apart from other breeds, including primitive markings and a stiff, mohawk-like mane.

These versatile horses are increasingly popular in America, where they’re used for driving, jumping, endurance riding, or as an all-around family horse.

Their small stature and gentle disposition often make them good choices for children, but they’re strong enough to carry adults as well.

Oldenburg

Average Height: 16—17.2 hands

Common Colors: Bay, brown, black, gray

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Jumping, dressage, eventing, driving

Registry: Oldenburg Registry North America and International Sporthorse Registry

The Oldenburg is an all-purpose riding horse whose roots began as a fine German carriage horse. These horses excel at equestrian sports, and you can often find them in the winning Olympic circles of show jumping, eventing, and dressage.

These are well-bred horses, and thebreed association has a saying, “quality is the only standard that counts.”Thus, you may have several Oldenburgs that vary slightly in type andconformation. Despite this, they are bold horses with expressive gaits, and theyexcel in the performance arena.

Paso Fino

Average Height: 14 –15 hands

Common Colors: All colors are except Appaloosa

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Performance, trail riding, pleasure riding

Registry: Paso Fino Horse Association

The words “Paso Fino” literally translate to “fine step” in Spanish – and the Paso Fino horse has some of the finest steps around.

This elegant breed developed in Puerto Rico during the time of the conquistadors. Breeders crossed their gaited Spanish Jennets with trotting Andalusians.

The result was a fine riding horse with an agreeable temperament, flashy movement, and a very particular set of unique gaits (the paso fino, the paso corto, and the paso largo are commonly exhibited in the show ring).

The strides are very short, and the horse moves at various speeds without covering much ground – it almost looks like they’re dancing.

Percheron

Average Height: 16-18 hands

Common Colors: Black and gray

Type: Draft

Common Uses: Driving, agricultural work, Pleasure riding

Registry: Percheron Horse Association of America

In the La Perche region of France,heavier working farm horses were crossed with lighter Arabians andThoroughbreds to produce an elegant coach horse. Their ancestors served aswarhorses during the crusades.

Percherons are popular andversatile draft horses in the US, often appearing in harness but also undersaddle. They lack the heavy feathering of the legs of other draft horses, andcan be found in performance rings in many disciplines, from carriage pulling todressage!

Peruvian Paso

Average Height: 14 – 15 hands

Common Colors: bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, gray, palomino

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Trail riding, performance, pleasure riding

Registry: North American Peruvian Horse Association

The Peruvian Paso is a smooth-gaited horse suitable for trail or pleasure riding or exhibiting in the show ring. Like many other ancient Spanish breeds, the Peruvian Paso developed from the need for a comfortable riding horse over rough terrain.

When people spent much of theirtime on horseback, they wanted comfortable horses with ground-covering amblinggaits. As roads improved and carriages became more popular, trotting horsesbecame the norm.

In Peru, they wanted a smooth horsewith a brilliant spirit. The Peruvian Paso is known for the unique action ofits termino, which is a natural rolling movement of the front leg duringtheir ambling gait. Performance Peruvian Pasos are shown barefoot to showcasetheir natural abilities, wearing no shoes or other aids.

Pony of the Americas

Average Height: hands 11.2 – 14 hands

Common Colors: Any, but must have visible spots

Type: Pony

Common Uses: Western events, endurance, eventing, driving, jumping,pleasure riding

Registry: Pony of the Americas Club

One of the most popular ponybreeds, the Pony of the Americas is an American-born cross between the ShetlandPony, the Appaloosa, and the Arabian. A POA must have a spotted coat visiblefrom forty feet away.

These versatile ponies are good-natured and easily trained and succeed in many disciplines. Their versatility makes them popular choices for children or small adults (or tall adults who want to show a POA in-hand).

Racking Horse

Average Height: 15.2 hands (on average)

Common Colors: Bay, black, brown, chestnut, gray, sorrel, palomino, pinto

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Performance, pleasure horse, trail riding

Registry: Racking Horse Breeders Association of America

Like many other American gaited breeds, the Racking Horsedeveloped as an answer for crossing large Southern plantations in comfort andstyle. After racing fell out of favor (although it would later become popularagain), Racking Horse owners turned to shows to exhibit the skills of their comfortablebreed.

Racking Horses are known for their “rack,” a single-footambling gait that can quickly cover large amounts of ground. Unlike TennesseeWalking Horses or American Saddlebreds, Racking Horses are shown without bigshoes or tail sets, and correct form and speed are prized over flashy kneeaction.

Rocky Mountain Horse

Average Height: 14.2 – 16 hands

Common Colors: Always a solid color, often a unique chocolate liver chestnut, or blue roan.

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Trail riding, pleasure riding, ranch work

Registry: Rocky Mountain Horse Association

Like the Kentucky Mountain SaddleHorse and the Mountain Pleasure Horse, the Rocky Mountain Horse was born in theslippery hills of Kentucky and Tennessee. Like the others, this breed is alsogentle, surefooted – and gaited.

Most Rocky Mountain Horses onlyhave two gaits: the walk and the single-foot. They have the ability to canter,but many find that the single-foot gait is fast enough to get where they needto go without cantering.

Selle Francais

Average Height: 16 – 16.3 hands

Common Colors: chestnut, bay

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Showjumping, dressage, eventing

Registry: Studbook Selle Francais North America

These robust sport horses fromFrance often dominate the show jumping arena at the highest levels of competition.Like many athletic warmbloods, the Selle Francais began as a powerful carriageand cavalry horse.

Today, they consistently rank in the top 5 in the WBFSH show jumping rankings (source). They’re often known for their gentle natures and great affection towards their handlers.

Shetland Pony

Average Height: Under 11.2 hands

Common Colors: All colors, except Appaloosa

Type: Pony

Common Uses: Jumping, driving, children’s riding pony

Registry: American Shetland Pony Club

Shetland ponies are small, hardylittle ponies that are popular mounts for children. Originally from the BritishShetland Islands, these ponies worked in the coal mines after child labor wasoutlawed.

Today, Shetland ponies makeexcellent family companions. They do well under saddle with children, but arealso popular driving choices for adults.

Shire

Average Height: 16.2 – 19 hands

Common Colors: Black, brown, bay, gray, chestnut

Type: Draft

Common Uses: Pulling, driving, performance, farm work

Registry: American Shire Horse Association

The Shire horse is often considered the “Rolls Royce” ofdraft horses. These large, heavy horses were used in England for hundreds ofyears as strong pack and plow animals, making their way to the Americas in the1800s. They’re known for their exceptional size, regal appearance, and largefeathered feet.

They’re commonly used as logging horses, able to reach areasthat mechanical equipment still cannot reach. They’re also a common sight atfairs and shows in pulling and driving competitions. Because they possessexcellent movement, they are also often crossed with Thoroughbreds to producetalented jumpers.

Standardbred

Average Height: 15 – 15.3 hands

Common Colors: Bay, brown, black

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Harness racing, pleasure riding, driving

Registry: United States Trotting Association

In the early days of the Americas,there were no well-paved roads for wheeled vehicles. Settlers relied on theirhorses to get them from place to place, and many regularly traveled over longdistances.

Because of this, many horses in theAmericas during the early colonial times were smooth-gaited. In New England,trotting Dutch and English horses fell out of favor to pacers because it wasmore comfortable over long distances, although not quite as comfortable as theambling horses in the South.

Eventually, some of these trottingand pacing races became popular, under saddle and in harness. The Standardbred wasa horse that could pace a mile in a standard time of 2 minutes and 25 seconds(2:30 for the trotters), hence the name Standard–bred.

The ability to trot or pace isactually determined by a gene, which scientists have recently identified as theDMRT3. Now, breeders can theoretically test young Standardbred racehorses anddetermine whether their career will be more successful as a pacer or a trotter.Off the track, the Standardbred is often used as a pleasure or buggy horse.

Tennessee Walking Horse

Average Height: 14.3 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Any solid color, also pinto

Type: Light horse

Common Uses: Performance, trail riding, pleasure riding

Registry: Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association

The Tennessee Walking Horse is bestknown for its ground-covering “running walk” which may look pretty odd to thenon-equestrian. It’s a gait that they perform naturally, with hundreds of yearsof careful breeding behind them.

The first Tennessee Walking Horsesdeveloped when southern plantation owners crossed American pacing breeds withelegant gaited Spanish horses. After adding some graceful American breeds tothe mix (Saddlebreds, Thoroughbreds, and Morgans), the TWH breed was born.

They are popular in the performancering, showing off their flashy running walk in saddle seat and Western pleasureclasses. However, they also make great trail horses – providing their ownerswith a smooth and comfortable ride.

Thoroughbred

Average Height: hands 15 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut, bay, brown, black, gray

Type: Hot-blood

Common Uses: Racing, eventing, jumping, competition

Registry: The Jockey Club

The Thoroughbred is a long, lean,racing machine. Born in England at the very end of the 17^th century,three imported stallions became the foundation sires for what is arguably oneof the most popular and influential horse breeds in history.

• The GodolphinArabian was from Morocco, and likely a Barb (not actually an Arabian, infact).
• The Darley Arabiancame from some of the finest racing Arabian stock in present-day Syria.
• The ByerlyTurk was probably from an ancient breed we now call the Akhal-Teke, a swiftdesert breed known for their shiny metallic coats.

All Thoroughbreds registered with the Jockey Club can traceback their lineage to these three important stallions. Horse racing (andbreeding specific horses for racing) had been a popular English pastime for thepast 500 years. Adding these new imported stallions produced high-quality racehorsesthat were also heavily used as riding horses as well.

Racing was popular in the United States at this time as well– except the short, stocky American Quarter Horses kept winning against thelong-legged Thoroughbreds. As the racing industry changed (and actually becamelegal), flatter and longer tracks were built.

Thoroughbreds are tall, graceful, and athletic horses withheart. They are exceptionally well-muscled, but not thick.

Hundreds of failed racehorses retire from the racingindustry each year, and many are able to excel in other disciplines such asjumping, eventing, and dressage. These are called “off the trackthoroughbreds”, although not all Thoroughbreds in the US are bred just forracing.

Thoroughbreds are one of the most popular breeds in the US,and also one of the most popular cross-breeds as well. If you’re looking for atalented athlete with a little fire in his belly, consider a Thoroughbred or Thoroughbredcross!

Trakehner

Average Height: 16 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Chestnut (also bay, black, brown, gray)

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Dressage, eventing, jumping, sporthorse competition

Registry: American Trakehner Association

The Trakehner is one of the only true warmblood breeds. With a closed studbook, they have a distinct type –these horses have excellent conformation, “compelling presence, and nobility of bearing.”

At the end of World War II, hundreds of Trakehners traveled across the frozen Baltic sea, fleeing from Soviet forces. Only the strongest survived, and these individuals built the athletic and noble horse that exists today.

Trakheners are elegant andpowerful, and known for their talents in dressage. With an endurance that makesthem successful at the top levels of competition, they also excel in eventingas well.

Westphalian

Average Height: 16 – 17 hands

Common Colors: Any color, often chestnut, bay, black, gray

Type: Warmblood

Common Uses: Jumping, dressage, pleasure riding

Registry: Westphalians for USA

Like the rest of the warmblood breeds you can find in the US, the Westphalian horse is exceptionally athletic. This breed also excels at dressage and show jumping.

Strict breeding requirements dictate that only the finest animals are accepted for breeding, and most of them come from the Westphalen stud directly from Germany.

However, they are successful in theUS as talented jumping horses, and they are known for their sweet natures.Someone looking for a successful lower-level competition mount should considera Westphalian, due to their good-natures and all-around talents.

Welsh Pony and Welsh Cob

Average Height: 11 -13.2 hands (pony), 13.2 hands and up (cob)

Common Colors: Gray, brown, chestnut

Type: Pony, Light Horse, Draft

Common Uses: Jumping, driving, pleasure riding

Registry: Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America

These horses trace back to thoseused on the rocky farmland hills of Wales. Tough and athletic, they come inthree types that are classified by height: the Welsh Mountain Pony (under 12hands), the Welsh Pony and Welsh Pony Cob Type (under 13.2 hands), and theWelsh Cob (13.2 hands and up – often reaching 16 hands).

They have pleasant dispositions and are easily trainable, making them suitable for a variety of different jobs. Smaller Welsh ponies and cobs are often seen in the pony jumper rings, and large draft cobs are often used for driving.

Resources

http://www.americangypsyhorses.com/