Equine Breeds

Northeastern Agricultural Education

Original Power Point Created by Joe CaffeeModified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum OfficeJune 2002

Light Horses

• At least 14.2 hands tall at the withers

• 900 - 1400 pounds• Most common type of

horse in the United States

Appaloosa

• Well known for speed• Used by the Nez

Pence Indians as war horses

• Originated from Spanish horses left behind by explorers

Arabian

• Originated from Bedouin desert

• Known for strength and stamina

• Small muzzle• High tail setting• Short back

Lipazzan

• Developed in Spain• Born brown or black

in color• Changes to white or

gray at about 6-10 years of age

• Famous as dressage performers

Morgan

• Developed in the United States

• America’s first breed of light horse

• Descended from one horse, Justin Morgan

Mustang

• Developed by Mother Nature in the Western United States

• Near extinction in 1970

• Available through the Adopt-A-Horse program from the US Government

American Quarter Horse

• Developed in the United States as a race horse

• Named for their fast times in the 1/4 mile

• Known for speed, strength & intelligence

• Most popular horse breed in the world

Saddlebred

• Developed in the United States

• Ridden by many famous riders– Paul Revere– Daniel Boone– Ulysses S. Grant– Stonewall Jackson– Robert E. Lee

Standardbred

• Fastest harness horse in the world

• Name comes from the fact that the horses must meet a “specific” standard.

• Bay, brown or black in color

Tennessee Walking Horse

• Originated in Tennessee

• Possess a unique running walk gait

• Very easy to ride• Preferred horse of

traveling preachers

Thoroughbred

• Designed to sustain speed over distances while carrying weight

• Average 16 hands in height

• Revolutionized the racing industry

Draft Horse Breeds

American Cream Draft

• Originated from the mare “Old Granny” in Iowa in 1911

• Rich cream color with white mane & tail

• Pink skin• Amber colored eyes• Average 1600-1800

lbs.

Belgian

• Originated in Belgium• American Belgian

Association is headquartered in Wabash, IN

Clydesdale

• Developed in Scotland• Commonly bay in

color• Known for four white

socks with hairy fetlocks

• Made famous in US beer commercials

Friesian

• Native to the Netherlands

• Prior to WWI there were only 3 sires still alive

• Known for long tail & mane

• Very calm breed

Percheron• Unclear origin• The oldest equine

breed• Most popular draft

breed in the early 1900s

Shire

• Developed in England• Most common draft

breed in England• Once used to carry

knights into battle• Mostly black with

white legs