The most beautiful horse breeds in the world: top 10

Over the centuries and even millennia of horse breeding, horse lovers have bred hundreds of breeds that are perfectly adapted to various needs – from agricultural work to hunting. If earlier horses were used mainly for practical purposes, today they are kept for competitions, participation in various shows, or simply for aesthetic pleasure.

Through the efforts of breeders, handsome men have been bred, distinguished by an article and a rare color, or unusual miniature breeds, which are kept as pets. Each breed has its own character and characteristics. Introducing the top 10 most beautiful horse breeds in the world.

10 American Paint Horse

American Paint Horse translated from English means “American painted horse” (American Paint Horse). This short, strong and muscular horse, at the same time beautiful and hardy, is a popular western star.

• Height at the withers: 145-165 cm.
• Weight: 450-500 kg.

The color is piebald, motley. The basis of the suit is different: there are bay, black, red, brown, savras, mouse, isabella (i.e. cream) painthorses, as well as silver and champagne – the rarest.

The American Paint Horse was bred on the basis of Quarter Horses and thoroughbred riding horses brought to the Americas by the conquistadors. In 1962, the Association of American Paint Horses was formed to preserve the purity of the breed. To date, most of the livestock is bred in the southwestern United States, in particular in Texas.

Interesting! For a horse to be included in the main register, it must have at least one birthmark of white, at least 2 inches long, and the skin underneath must also be devoid of pigment. If the horse is white, then the spot, on the contrary, should be colored.

The American Paint Horse is known for its calm, friendly disposition. Easily trainable, obedient. Tolerant of inexperienced riders, therefore ideal for beginners.

Previously, this breed was actively used in farming, in work on the ranch.

Due to their bright appearance, painthorses have found their application in cowboy shows, rodeos, show jumping, horse racing, and equestrian tourism.

9. Falabella

Falabella – the smallest horse breed in the world.

• Height: 40 – 75 cm.
• Weight: 20-60 kg.

The body structure of this horse is proportional, graceful. The head is a bit bulky. The color can be any: bay, piebald, chubar, roan.

The breed was bred in Argentina and was named after the name of the family that was breeding these miniature horses. To maintain size, the smallest stallions were included in the breeding program. Falabella is a success in many countries. It is bred mainly in the USA.

Important! Falabella should not be confused with ponies. Despite their miniature size, horses of this breed are distinguished by the proportionality of their tall riding relatives: they have long, thin legs. The pony has a massive build and short legs.

This mini-horse is very playful, light, loves to jump and frolic. It has a good disposition, lends itself well to training.

This is not a working, but a decorative animal. Falabella horses are often kept as pets. They have a strong bond with their owner. They are not intended for riding, but they can pull small children’s sleds – which is used in games.

8. Appaloosian

Appaloosian – This is a small chubar horse, graceful physique, but very hardy, with strong, muscular legs.

• Height: 142 – 163 cm.
• Weight: 450 – 500 kg.

It was bred by the non-Persian Indians. The descendants of the horses of the Spanish conquistadors were taken as the basis. After the defeat in the Revolutionary War and the eviction of the Indians on the reservation, the horses were left to their own devices. The breed was restored only in 1938, when the Appaloosa Club was formed. The base – chubara suit – can vary from dark with light spots to white with dark spots, and the color has not only wool, but also skin.

The first mention of spotted American horses are still in the rock carvings left by cavemen. This testifies to the antiquity of the breed.

Appaloosa are docile, good-natured, with a mild disposition. Smart, agile and bold. Quickly trained.

They are used in teaching horseback riding (including for young children), in sports, competitions, and circus performances. They have a beautiful gallop, jump well and overcome obstacles.

Interesting! The gentle nature and goodwill make it possible to use Appaloosa horses in hippotherapy, which is useful for people with neuroses, disorders in the musculoskeletal system, as well as for children with autism.

7. Haflinger

Suit Haflinger not to be confused with any other, thanks to its golden color and thick snow-white mane.

• Height: 132 – 150 cm.
• Weight: up to 415 kg.

This is a strong horse, with a wide powerful chest and strong legs. The high withers of the Haflinger provide a good saddle position when riding.

The first mention of this breed dates back to the Middle Ages. It got its name from the Tyrolean village of Hafling.

This horse is distinguished by an extremely good disposition, love for people. She is smart, agile, flexible.

Its rhythmic gaits make it an excellent riding horse. And efficiency and unpretentiousness – an unsurpassed assistant in the farm. Haflinger also participates in runs, competitions, and is used in hippotherapy. Resilience and a strong psyche led to the fact that during the war years, Haflingers were actively used in the cavalry. And today they are used to equip cavalry regiments.

6. scottish cold blooded

scottish cold blooded – This breed originated from Flemish and Dutch stallions brought to Scotland and crossed with local mares.

• Height: 163 – 183 cm
• Weight: 820 – 910 kg

The color is usually bay, but it can also be caracal, piebald, black, gray. Most individuals have white markings on the muzzle and body. There are also horses “in socks”.

The name of the breed was first mentioned in 1826. In the last quarter of the 1918th century, these many individuals were taken to New Zealand and Australia, where, due to their popularity, a special society was created in their honor in XNUMX.

Today in the UK, this breed is under special supervision due to the fact that in the second half of the last century the number of their livestock was greatly reduced.

Scottish cold-blooded have a cheerful and energetic disposition. At the same time, they are calm and complaisant. Initially, they were bred as heavy trucks and were used in agricultural needs. Today they are used not only for work, but also for riding, also in harness. Clydesdales are used because of their beautiful white legs and in the British cavalry – during parades. They are shown at state fairs and major exhibitions, and are also used to improve other breeds.

5. Knabstrupperskaya

Knabstrupperskaya – this breed is distinguished by an unusual coat color – in different shades and with fancy leopard spots, black, bay or red on a white background.

• Height: 155sm.
• Weight: 500-650 kg.

The breed was bred in Denmark, the first mentions date back to 1812. Today knabstruppers are bred in Norway, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and other European countries, as well as in the USA and Australia.

They are strong horses with a kind, submissive nature. Easy to learn, obediently follow commands. They are alien to aggression and stubbornness. They get along well with children.

Due to their endurance and beautiful movement, they are used for riding, show jumping, and circus art.

4. Connemara pony

Connemara pony – the tallest of all pony breeds.

• Height: 128 -148 cm

The suits are different – gray, bay, black, buckskin, red, roan. The head is small, with a square muzzle, large kind eyes, muscular strong body, short strong legs.

It was bred in Ireland and is the only national horse breed. It is not known exactly from whom the Connemara ponies originated. There are versions that they are descendants of Spanish horses brought to Ireland 2500 years ago. Or it is possible that the ancestors of these ponies came to the island after the sinking of a Spanish warship from the Invincible Armada in 1588. The society of breeders of this pony was formed in 1923. Today, the Connemara pony is popular not only in the UK, but also in other European countries, as well as in the USA.

These ponies are kind and balanced. Easily adapt to different conditions. They can hold a child or a light adult. Usually obedient, but sometimes unpredictably offended and stubborn.

They have long been involved in agriculture – they are hardy, unpretentious. Today, connemaras are used in sports.

3. Gypsy draft

Gypsy draft known under various names – tinker, Irish cob, gypsy cob.

• Height: 135 – 160 cm.
• Weight: 240 – 700 kg.

Medium height, with a wide body and a massive head. The profile is somewhat hook-nosed, there is a beard. The tail and mane are thick and bushy. The legs are strong and strong, covered with hair to the very hooves – such a coating on the legs is called “friezes”.

The suit is usually piebald. There are also black individuals with white marks. The skin under the light spots is pink.

The breed first appeared in the British Isles in the XNUMXth century with the arrival of the Gypsies. It was precisely because of crossing with local horses that the gypsy harness for a long time – until the middle of the XNUMXth century – did not receive the status of an independent breed. Purposeful breeding began only after the Second World War.

Interesting fact: the second name of the breed – tinker – translated from English means “tinker”, “copper”. So – by the nature of their main occupation – in the old days, the gypsies were disparagingly called.

Tinkers are hardy and unpretentious, they have excellent immunity. Calm, somewhat phlegmatic. Suitable for a beginner or a child who is just starting to get acquainted with equestrian sports – such a horse will not buck and will not suffer.

Universal breed. Can walk both under saddle and in harness. The run is even, but they quickly get tired at a gallop. They jump well. They are also used in hippotherapy.

2. Akhalteke

Akhalteke – this unique riding breed of horses, whose history goes back more than 5000 years – with the preservation of all the signs of the breed. The appearance of the Akhal-Teke horse distinguishes it from other brethren.

• Height: 147-163 cm.
• Weight: 400-450 kg.

The Akhal-Teke horse was bred by the Teke tribe on the territory of modern Turkmenistan, in the Akhal oasis – this is how it got its name. The peoples who inhabited this area in ancient times revered the horse as a special animal, and there was a goal to breed a breed that surpassed all others in strength and beauty. The Akhal-Teke horse of a golden color was especially revered, which is obviously associated with the worship of the sun.

Today, Russia has the best stock of horses of the Akhal-Teke breed – they are bred in the Stavropol Territory, in the Moscow Region.

The body of the Akhal-Teke horse is elongated, dry, with graceful lines. The muscles are well developed. The legs are long and thin. The profile is hook-nosed, the eyes are large, expressive, slightly slanting. The neck is straight or S-shaped – the so-called “deer”. The hairline is thin and silky. The mane is rare or practically absent.

Akhal-Teke horses are red and gray, rarely isabella, nightingale suits. Regardless of the color, there is a golden or silver sheen of wool.

Akhal-Teke horses are called “golden” horses. Because of the brilliance or an old legend, according to which in ancient times they gave as much gold for an Akhal-Teke horse as he himself weighed.

As formed in a hot desert, this breed, despite its external refinement, is distinguished by great endurance: it easily tolerates thirst and temperature fluctuations from -30 to + 50 ° C.

The temperament of the Akhal-Teke is ardent. This proud handsome man knows his own worth and requires a relationship accordingly. Rudeness and neglect will never forgive. An obstinate, needs a special approach: not everyone can work with him – a smart and patient person is needed. Sometimes he does not let anyone near him, except for the owner.

Akhal-Tekes are very good for riding – their run is easy and not fatiguing for the rider. Participate in many types of equestrian sports. All classic prizes are set for them, in particular the Derby.

1. Icelandic

The only Icelandic horse breed.

• Height: 130 – 144 cm.
• Weight: 380 – 410 kg.

A small, stocky horse with a large head, long bangs and bushy tail. The body is elongated, the legs are short. It looks like a pony. The suits are different – from red to black. The wool is thick and dense.

Icelandic horses have five gaits instead of four. To the traditional walk, trot, gallop, two types of amble are added – the Icelandic names skade and tölt.

These horses appeared in Iceland in the XNUMXth-XNUMXth centuries. thanks to the Vikings. At the end of the XVIII century. a volcano erupted on the island, which killed a significant part of the livestock. To date, its numbers have been restored. These horses are popular not only in Iceland, but also far beyond its borders.

Interesting! According to a law passed back in 982, Icelandic horses taken out of the island, even for a competition, are forbidden to be returned back. The same applies to ammunition. This rule is in place to preserve the purity of the breed and to protect horses from disease.

Icelandic horses are very calm and friendly. They are quick-witted, easily overcome obstacles – slippery ice or sharp stones.

Despite their small size, these horses are hardy. But they are rarely used for work, mainly for racing (including on ice), hunting and hippotherapy.

Icelandic horse gaits