List and descriptions of the 40 best horse breeds, characteristics and names

“A horse gives a man wings.” It is difficult to find a better definition for the horse, whose domestication began six thousand years ago. Nowadays you can often see competitions in classic equestrian sports: dressage, show jumping, eventing. Different breeds of horses are used for these sports. There are a lot of breeds in the world, so I offer you an overview of 10 breeds of the most famous horses.

Russian heavy truck.

In the middle of the 19th century, European heavy draft horses were brought to our country. At the same time, Ardennes were mixed with different breeds: Brabançons, Percherons. All this led to the fact that the quality of the breed was improved. Horses of the new breed began to win places at exhibitions not only within the country, but also abroad. The Russian draft breed was registered only in the middle of the 20th century. Although work to improve the breed is still ongoing.

Horse Frankel

Photos of this thoroughbred English horse adorn many websites dedicated to horses. Of course, because he is not only a very beautiful horse, but also the most expensive in the world. He has 14 victories in competitions and no losses. The stallion is already more than 5 years old. He was last seen competing in 2012.

Now Khalil Abdullah (the owner of the animal) can get a huge amount of money for Frankel. But the owner does not even plan to part with his pet. Trainer-rider Henry Cecil also believes that the best stallion in the whole wide world cannot be found anymore. At the moment, the most beautiful stallion does not participate in racing, but is only an elite sire.

Trakehner breed.

The Trakehner horse is a sporting horse breed bred in Germany. This is the only one of all half-bred horse breeds that is bred in purity. The Trakehner horse is currently the only breed of sporting horse in Germany that is bred without the infusion of foreign blood. The most common colors are bay, black, red and gray.

Knabstrupperskaya

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

• Height: 155cm.
• 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.

These are strong horses with a kind, submissive character. They are easy to learn and obediently follow commands. Aggression and stubbornness are alien to them. They get along well with children.

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

Kabardian breed.

The Kabardian breed of horses has become widely known not only in the Caucasus, but also far beyond its borders. It was formed under conditions of being kept in a herd all year round. In the summer - on open mountain pastures, and in the winter it was kept in the foothills and plains, only fed with hay and grain. The Kabardian breed of horses was highly valued as a fighting breed.

It is perfectly suited for both plains and highlands, as it is distinguished by its ability to maintain balance when moving along slippery and rocky paths. They can overcome steep descents and ascents, and tolerate sudden fluctuations in temperature and air pressure without pain. Well-developed physical strength and endurance allow her to perform well in high altitude conditions.

Description of the animal

Horses are odd-toed ungulate representatives of the animal world, with elongated, developed, strong limbs. By 2022 there are 2 categories.

1. Wild.
2. Homemade.

Both of them have a slender physique, neatly formed, clearly visible muscles. The body of a stallion, as a rule, is of medium size, although there are species that have a more massive build, such as draft horses. The animal's large head is elongated, set high on a graceful, curved neck, although in working breeds it is slightly shorter. A healthy representative has mobile, pointed ears, large nostrils, expressive, clearly defined, symmetrical eyes.

The skin is covered with short hairs of varying degrees of rigidity, but the mane, tail, and bangs have a longer, silky structure. All known domestic horses are divided into 2 types.

1. Sled.
2. Horse riding.

Each of them has its own subspecies, adapted for cargo transportation or under saddle.

Classification

Often, belonging to a particular variety is determined by external advantages, such as:

• hot or calm disposition;
• graceful appearance.

To date, it is customary to distinguish species by narrow specialization. Based on this, stallions can be divided into the following types:

• Workers are the best choice for those regions where the requirements for the animal may be different. That is, they are exploited not only as horses, but also as draft force for transporting sleighs, carts, wagons, and also as heavy draft vehicles for agriculture.
• Racing or riding stallions are athletic stallions, distinguished by speed and strong physique. Taking part in special competitions or long-distance races. Their simpler but beautiful brothers, who do not have outstanding athletic abilities, often serve as pleasure horses or serve to train professional riders. They are also actively used for equestrian tourism, various entertainment programs, and expeditions.
• Traction. Used for transporting medium or large loads. They are recognized as one of the most popular, bred to help humans. For example, the Arden or Vladimir breed of heavy trucks are powerful creatures with a powerful neck, strong muscles, and strong legs.
• Decorative. This line is distinguished by its small stature (height at the withers no more than 100 cm) combined with charm. By 2022, there are about a dozen mini-breeds.

Inherent traits

The popularity of an animal's behavior model depends on the characteristics of selection, the qualities of the species, as well as its content. According to the type of HNA (higher nervous activity), the following are distinguished.

1. obstinate;
2. angry;
3. kind.

Horses known for their agility often have hotter tempers. But those of them who have a graceful gait are balanced, easier to communicate, and more obedient. Such qualities are expected from riding, non-sporting subspecies. As for the shade of the coat, which determines the color of the animal, it is formed from the fusion of skin tones and hair covering the body. There are only 4 colors:

• Red - shades can be different, from light apricot to dark chestnut. A number of representatives sometimes have different manes or tails. Typically, such horses have a color of their legs that is similar in shade to their body. However, these individuals are considered less hardy, nervous, and hot-tempered.
• Gray or white - the color clearly appears as the foal grows up. This color is characterized by the presence of gray hair, and an older individual may even turn white. This is reflected primarily on the bridge of the nose, limbs, croup, and abdomen. The most obvious sign of a gray color is considered to be “apples”. As a rule, such horses are not adapted to heavy loads; they have a vulnerable character, a tendency to disease, and a loose physique.
• Voronoi is a pure black color of the entire body, it is possible to have different shades, it depends on the characteristics of the pigment. There may be combinations of chestnut or ash. They are distinguished by their evil temper.
• The bay is a rich brown and has a dark mane, tail, and lower legs.

All other colors are just their derivatives.

Akhal-Teke breed.

The Akhal-Teke horse is the oldest purebred riding breed, which was bred about 5,000 years ago by representatives of ancient civilizations living on the lands of modern Turkmenistan. Akhal-Teke horses stand out for their spectacular exterior. They are adapted to living and working in hot climates. They quickly acclimatize to other weather conditions. Color: red, black and bay, often with a beautiful golden sheen. There are also gray, dun, isabella, salt, and karak.

Arabian breed.

The Arabian is one of the oldest human-created horse breeds in the world. It is believed that its ancestor was the local horse of the Arabian Peninsula, which was distinguished by its lightness and endurance.

Colors are mostly gray of all shades, bay and red are often found, less often black. With age, gray Arabian horses acquire “buckwheat” - small dark spots on the coat throughout the body. The Arabian horse is the longest-lived among domestic horse breeds. Many of the representatives of this breed live up to 30 years.

Thoroughbred riding horse

The breed was bred in England specifically for racing. It is considered the fastest horse in the world, reaching speeds of up to 60 km per hour. An extremely valuable breed, foals are sold only at auctions. The cost of one ranges from 5-10 million dollars. They have a thin bone structure with sharply protruding tendons. The muscles are dense. The head is dry with a straight, thin neck. Oval croup, narrowed chest. The legs are long and very powerful. The hooves are strong. The breed lives on average up to 20 years and requires special housing conditions and diet. It has an energetic, independent disposition and is easy to train.

Horses have walked side by side with people for many centuries. They were used to help with housework, movement, and participated in military operations. Today, animals play an aesthetic role - they are shown at exhibitions and equestrian competitions. Beautiful and expensive horses are a source of pride for their owners, an indicator of status and financial security.

Horses have long been considered beautiful, intelligent and noble animals. Thanks to their devotion, speed and endurance, horses coexist for a long time next to humans, serving as companions and labor. The title of “best horses in the world” is won by representatives of different breed lines, becoming record holders in certain areas. In fact, the title “best horse” is a loose concept, since every horse owner adores his own animal and considers his pet the most delightful.

Friesian breed.

This exotic breed originated in the province of Friesland in northern Holland. In 1823, King William I instituted an annual Frisian race called King's Whip Day, which awarded the winner a golden whip. In 1985, the Friesian horse breed joined the Royal Stables. Since then, they have graced the horse team of Queen Elizabeth's Golden Carriage at the Opening of Parliament celebrations. In the West, these horses are sometimes called “black pearls,” because the Friesian is one of the most beautiful and unusual draft breeds in the world.

Irish Tinker.

Tinker is a hybrid of Gypsy and Irish breeds. Officially, the breed is called the Gypsy Harness. But in Germany and Holland these small horses are called tinkers. Today the Irish Tinker is famous all over the world. This squat, powerful and tightly built horse is prized among horse breeders. The breed is distinguished by its piebald coat - a dark background with white spots. There are also speckled, roan, and black individuals.

Advice for beginning horse breeders

According to experienced buyers - breeders, in order to avoid mistakes when choosing, it is worth considering the following.

1. Purpose. Why are you purchasing an animal? Among the draft animals, the first ones will be American, Mexican, Russian trotters, and heavy draft horses. But it is better to choose racing or riding animals from English, Caucasian or Arabian stallions.
2. The next thing to pay attention to is age. For novice breeders, it is better to choose individuals from 7 years old. For those who are already among horse breeders, very young ones, from three years old, will be suitable. Teeth can help determine age. In foals up to 6 years of age, they are oval in shape, and by 12 years of age, the incisors become triangular.
3. The stallion's height/weight ratio is the rider's dimensions. Plus, it is desirable that the animal’s body volumes correspond to the required indicators provided for a particular species.
4. Such an important selection criterion is character. Those who are just starting to get acquainted with each other need a horse that has an easy-going character, calm, and affectionate. Demanding specimens require a more experienced owner.
5. How affordable they will be for you. Here half-breeds will be budget-friendly, which, however, does not in the least detract from their attractiveness.

Andalusian breed.

The Andalusian horse breed is the most famous in Spain. These horses were represented in the stables of most European monarchs and nobles. Horses of the Andalusian breed are excellent for high school riding - this is where they are most famous and in demand.

Andalusians on the move are a very special and undoubtedly vibrant sight. Their movement is extremely high by nature - it seems that the horse is dancing. They are also obedient, hardworking and kind, willingly amenable to learning and training. This is why Andalusians are often used for circus performances.

Real Shires

The British are the trendsetters in the breeding of many breeds of domestic animals. Over the centuries, a good school of breeding work has developed there. Back in the 17th century, the heavyweight Shire breed was bred. Then strong animals were needed for heavy knights.

Real mammoths are recorded in the history of horse breeding. In 1846, the British could boast of a horse that reached an incredible size - 2 meters 19 centimeters. The growth of a huge handsome man with shaggy legs could delight anyone.

Of course, it’s difficult to imagine such a horse galloping, but its gait is incredibly soft. That is why today they love to use this breed for walking.

Karachay breed.

The Karachay horse breed is a mountain breed of the North Caucasus. The homeland of horses is the high-mountainous Karachay at the source of the Kuban River. The Karachay horse is a typical mountain breed, and this is reflected not only in the interior features, but also in some exterior features. With a height of about 150-155 cm, they are quite deep and broad-bodied. The Karachays needed a horse more for work than for war, and their horses are distinguished by their universal, more “harness” style. Therefore, horses are well adapted to work in mountainous areas, where the air is thinner at high altitudes.

Appaloosa.

The Appaloosa is a horse breed developed and popular in the United States. This breed was developed by the Nez Perce Indians through selection from the descendants of the horses of the Spanish conquistadors and breeds imported to America by Europeans. After the military defeat, the Nez Perce lost many of their horses and lost their horse breeding traditions. The breed survived thanks to a small number of lovers and was fully restored in 1938 with the formation of the Appaloosa Lovers Club. The color of the Chubara can vary from dark with white spots to almost white with small dark spots. Unlike other forelock horses, not only the coat, but also the skin has a spotted color.

Mustang – up to $60,000

This beautiful horse has been known to many since childhood from books about the American prairies. The Mustang is quite capricious and cannot be trained. However, the beauty, incredible speed, and grace of the horse evoke delight and attract attention to it. Due to their mixed origin, the features of this breed are blurred, but they are all equally strong, hardy and tough.

All Mustangs are currently protected by US law. In the 16th century, mustangs were brought from the Old World to the continent by the Conquistidores. Many of the horses strayed from the herd, running away into the deserted American steppes, where they crossed with other free horses. They easily adapted to wild natural conditions thanks to the climate on the continent that was comfortable for horses.