Beautiful horse breeds They are an adornment of the natural world; they delight with the beauty of their lines, the nobility of their entire appearance, and the majesty of their movements. For horse connoisseurs, representatives of the most beautiful breeds are a real treasure that brings aesthetic pleasure. You can spend hours looking at these beautiful animals - how sedately and majestically they step on the ground, how proudly they turn their heads, how open and intelligent their gaze is. The silky fur of the mane and tail shines and shimmers like noble metal or the most expensive fabrics. You can see the most beautiful breeds with photos in special ratings, reviews, and reports from exhibitions and competitions. The owners of proud and charming horses are proud of their pets and take such touching and caring care of them.
Noble and beautiful animals
Beautiful breeds of horses are bred by special breeders who know so many secrets about the appearance, physiology, and character of animals. When developing a new breed, attention is paid not only to the horse’s exterior, but also to its “technical” characteristics. After all, a horse is judged not only by its appearance, but also by its manner of galloping or gait, by its running speed, and its ability to overcome obstacles. It is also important that the horse knows how to listen to a person and is trainable. But no matter how interesting the animals look at races, competitions, and exhibitions, the most harmoniously beautiful horse breeds look against the backdrop of wild nature. Watching a thoroughbred, majestic horse rush across the steppe or forest road, it is easy to forget about the present tense. This picture seems to take us back to distant centuries, when horses were not yet accustomed to man, could enjoy their own will, and knew no boundaries for their movement.
Horses are considered man's most faithful friends, his assistant and even his savior in difficult times. But love for them is determined not only by practical benefits. The aesthetic impression that beautiful horse breeds make on a person is difficult to forget. So much love of freedom, pride, nobility in the appearance of a beautiful horse. And the color of his suit, the length of his mane and tail, and the strength of his legs are not even important. The horse is beautiful in running fast when the wind lifts his mane, when his hooves flash above the ground. Many people believe beautiful nature horses the most beautiful phenomenon among all created by nature.
Special ratings that demonstrate horse breeds with photos, we admire the diversity and perfection of these animals, which have been close to humans for so many centuries. After viewing the photos, you will definitely want to know as much as possible about the horses, their character, and care features.
Horses are very beautiful and amazing animals. Since childhood, they have brought me into indescribable awe with their grace, power and strength. In my top there are 25 representatives of different breeds of these wonderful animals. You can also read my rating of the best films about horses.
25. Yakut horse
An indigenous breed of horse, common in Yakutia. The breed was bred by folk selection under the strong influence of natural selection. The Yakut breed of horses is the most frost-resistant, having an undercoat and wool 8-15 cm long. Even in winter, it can feed on grass from under the snow, raking it with its hooves. In Yakutia, horses live on outdoors all year round(at temperatures in summer up to +30°C and in winter up to −50°C) and search for food on their own. Yakut horses are late maturing, but long-lived: reaching full development only by five to six years, they are often used for breeding and work until the age of 25-27. The bulk Yakut horses concentrated in the valleys of the middle reaches of the Lena River, as well as to the north, in the Yana, Kolyma and Indigirka basins. They are resilient and smart, and are good at running over rough terrain.
24. Pinto
The name of the breed comes from the Spanish word "Pintado", which means "colored". They are a heterogeneous group of riding horses of Spanish origin in America. Horses do not have an established type because the main thing is color, not exterior. There are four recognized types of horses in the breed: riding, herding, hunting and racing. Pintos with a height at the withers of up to 140 cm are registered as ponies, while those taller (from 140 to 160 cm) are registered as horses. The Pinto is generally a friendly and willing riding horse. Her gaits are energetic, but not always smooth. What is especially attractive about piebald horses is that the genetic laws of color inheritance are still not understood. Just as not every shell contains a pearl, not every combination of two piebald horses produces a piebald offspring. This makes every pinto foal very valuable.
23. Falabella
The smallest of all the ponies in the world: 50-75 cm at the withers and below. Build like a riding horse. It was bred by farmer Giulio Cesare Falabella in Argentina in the mid-20th century. Of course, such babies are not suitable for horse riding, but riding in small carts drawn by a pair of horses of this breed is a pleasure even for adults. The American Miniature is very close to the parameters of this breed.
22. Shetland pony
A very playful horse, one of the smallest breeds in the world. It was formed on the Shetland and Orkney islands of the Atlantic Ocean over more than one millennium. The height at the withers is from 65 to 110 cm. They resemble miniature draft horses, as they have short thick legs, a heavy head, a wide body, thick hair and long lush manes and tail. Shetlands have gained immense popularity throughout the world as children's riding ponies. Ponies participate in the same types of equestrian sports as horses - smooth racing, steeplechase racing, jumping. And two ponies even took part in Olympic Games. Ponies, as a rule, live longer than horses. For a pony, the maximum life expectancy is (45-54 years.)
21. Paso Fino
The Paso Fino breed originated in Puerto Rico in the 16th century when Spanish settlers brought their horses to America. Selective breeding began in the mid-16th century, and today these horses can be found throughout South America. Any color. Body structure: beautiful head, beautiful muscular neck, very powerful shoulders, wide and deep chest, strong legs. The Paso Fino is believed to be the result of a cross between the now extinct Spanish Yennet and the Andalusian horse, possibly with a certain percentage of Barbary blood. The Spanish Yennet was a natural ambler, and the Paso Fino inherited his natural ambling. In those days there was a need to travel by long distances in the saddle and the Paso Fino was bred specifically for these purposes due to its comfortable ride and endurance. Today, the Paso Fino is most often used in the show ring. The Paso Corto is equivalent in speed to the trot and is very comfortable for riding over long distances in the saddle. Paso Finos are generally docile but sensitive, they are very stubborn and are famous for their strong personalities.
20. Percheron (Percheron horse)
It was bred in France at the beginning of the 19th century by crossing eastern, mainly Arabian, stallions with a local heavy Western type draft breed. Percherons began to be imported into Russia in the 19th century. Percherons take their name from the lush pasture region of their upbringing, Perche, located south of the mouths of the Seine River, and are a purebred Norian horse, containing a very variable admixture of oriental blood; resort to such crossing was forced by the need for strong and fast horses needed for postal chasing and omnibuses. This breed is simply strong, tall, suitable for walking and moderate trotting - in a word, something between a real heavy draft and an agricultural one. Used in the development of the Belarusian draft breed.
19. Suffolk horse (Suffolk)
The oldest English breed of large draft horses, named after the county of Suffolk (Norfolk), where it was bred in the mid-18th century. We know almost nothing about its roots, except for the fact that the first mention of an independent type of Suffolk horse dates back to 1506. The Suffolk was bred as a farm horse and his strong shoulders and legs made him ideal for working the heavy clay fields of eastern England. The Suffolk farmer used the horse to cultivate the land and harvest crops and almost never put it up for sale, and the horse, in turn, was a faithful and honest assistant to its owner. The Suffolk has an exceptionally kind and obedient character, in addition, it has excellent health and is distinguished by longevity . Typically, stallions work and mares give birth until they are twenty, and live to almost thirty. The Suffolk's exceptional qualities have made him the favorite farm draft horse of all time, and it is not surprising that he is highly respected abroad. The Suffolk has been bred for many years in the United States, as well as in Australia, Africa, Russia and Pakistan (where it is used to breed military horses). All horses of this breed (height at the withers - 165 cm, girth of the pastern - 23-25 cm) have a red color of various shades, without white markings.
18. Vladimir heavy truck
A breed of draft horses bred in the USSR. Created on breeding farms of collective and state farms in the Yuryev-Polsky and Suzdal regions Vladimir region and Gavrilovo-Posadsky district of the Ivanovo region as a result of the activities of the Gavrilovo-Posadsky state factory stable and the Gavrilovo-Posadsky state breeding breeding ground for horses. Officially registered in 1946. The Vladimir breed of heavy draft horses was created by crossing local horses with Scottish Clydesdales and English Shires. Horses of these breeds were purchased by the Soviet Union from Great Britain in the 1920s and 1930s. Horses of the Vladimir breed are hardy in work, they walk well not only at a walk, but also at a trot. The Vladimir Heavy Draft is a good-tempered and calm horse with energetic, free gaits. This is a fairly unpretentious horse, capable of living both in a stud farm and in a herd. Without a load, the Vladimir draft horse is so playful that, despite its great bulk, many representatives of the breed can trot 1600 m in 3 minutes, which is the speed standard for two-year-old trotters in Russia. With a load of 1.5 tons, the Vladimir heavy truck can trot a distance of 2 km in 5 minutes or even faster. The mighty and beautiful Vladimir troikas are very popular. Today this breed is endangered for economic reasons.
17. Marwari (Marwar horse)
An ancient breed, which due to its short stature is sometimes classified as a pony. The graceful and powerful Marwari horse (Marwari) dates back to the medieval period. This breed developed in India near the city of Marwar and, probably, in the north-west of India near the border with Afghanistan. Marwari was used for traveling long distances due to its strong legs. It is difficult to accurately trace the origins of the Marwari, but, undoubtedly, the blood of Arabian stallions, and possibly Turkmen ones, flows in its blood. The Marwari has been known since the time of Alexander, whose army used this breed of horse. Around 1930, the breed was on the verge of extinction, and was saved thanks to the efforts of Maharajah Umaid Singiya, who bought several good Maravian stallions and covered them with the best Maravian mares. Today, the number of horses is steadily increasing, and the Indian government, together with the breeders' association, is making great efforts to preserve this beautiful breed. Ears - curved inward, length from 9 to 15 cm, can rotate 180 degrees.
16. Persian Arab
The Persian Arab is an ancient breed that lived in Persia approximately 2000 BC and is also 1500 years older than the Arab. The name "Persian Arab" refers to many different breeds throughout Iran, named after the area where they were raised. The number of Persian Arabians is now greatly reduced due to the African pestilence that killed many horses in Iran in the 50s. 20th century. The southern region of Iran has traditionally been famous for the breeding of Arabian horses, where several varieties of the Persian Arab have been bred. Selection rules have always been very strict in order to breed a pure breed. Typically, the Persian Arab has the same conformation as the Arabian, but has a slightly more powerful build. This is a very beautiful riding horse, elegant, with beautiful movements, playful, energetic and unusually hardy. There are two known breeds that originated in Iran from the Persian Arab. These are Yaf from Kurdistan and Darashuri from Fars province. Both breeds have Arabian features, they are lively, playful and reach a height of about 150 cm. The Yaf is considered more hardy, while the Darashuri is perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of those places.
15. Welsh pony
A breed known since the time of Julius Caesar. Currently, there are three types in the breed: Welsh mountain pony - the smallest horses, no higher than 122 cm at the withers; the average type - 110-136 cm tall and, finally, the Welsh Cob for playing equestrian polo - from 137 to 159 cm at the withers. The latter type of horse appeared as a result of the infusion of blood from thoroughbred riding and Arabian stallions. It shows outstanding success in the increasingly popular form of carriage racing. Nature has made him exceptionally strong, able to survive in harsh climates and be content with a meager diet. It was used to improve other breeds, including the New Forest, and also to develop the British Riding Pony. The Welsh Mountain Pony is popular in many countries outside of its native Wales. It is exported to European countries, the USA, New Zealand and Australia.
14. Haflingers
Haflingers are easily recognizable. Golden color with a white mane and tail became their business card. have long story, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to answer the question regarding the exact age and origin of this breed. Medieval chronicles mention a breed of horse found in the Austrian Alps. The Haflinger is an ideal horse for the whole family. This is a horse for sport and farming. They are unpretentious and hardy, in some reference books they appear as "Alpine tractors" where they are regularly used on small family farms in the steep rugged landscape of the Alps. Their amazing resilience and ideal psyche made them the backbone of the Austrian cavalry, where more than 100 Haflingers serve the mountain military units every day.
13. Knabstrupper
The origins of this breed date back to the 16th century, but despite such a very young age, the number of heads of this breed is not large. The bulk of the breeding stock is concentrated in Denmark, but in Lately Thanks to the love for these unusual horses, you can meet representatives of this wonderful breed in many parts of the world. Since May 11, 2011, our country has been added to this list. The “Russian Association of Breeders and Lovers of Knabstrupper Horses” is currently the exclusive representative of the Danish Stud Book of Knabstrupper Horses in the Russian Federation. Among the Knabstrupper horses there are quite a few winners and prize-winners in show jumping and dressage. Among them is the stallion Zanko, who received silver in dressage competitions, under the saddle of Ann Katharin Lube (Norway), at the Paralympic Games in Sydney, two gold medals in Athens, and gold at the world Paralympic competitions in 2007. In Great Britain.
12. Rocky Mountain Horse (Rocky Mountain)
A breed of riding horses bred in the USA in eastern Kentucky. This breed has a small population of approximately 3,000 horses. In addition to the walk and trot, the Rocky Mountain Horse has a four-beat gait. average speed This gait ranges from 7 to 20 miles per hour. This gait is innate and does not require special training. One of the features of this breed is a gait called slow gait - a variation of the move. Perhaps this gait was inherited from the Narragansett pacers. It is noteworthy that, unlike breeds such as the American Saddlebred and Tennessee, Rocky Mountain horses do not need special training to develop this gait - many of them have it from birth, and it is not customary to correct it in any way. Therefore, the gait of the Rocky Mountain horses is not high, but flat, with a large amount of space. It is this gait that is more convenient for long walks over rough terrain for both horse and rider.
11. Norwegian Fjord horse (fjord)
One of the oldest and most purebred horse breeds in the world. It bears a striking resemblance to the horses depicted on cave walls by Stone Age artists more than 30,000 years ago and which probably migrated to Norway more than 4,000 years ago. The origin of the breed is not precisely clear, but it is presumably related to the primitive wild horses of Asia, Przewalski's horses. The Fjord is one of the very few breeds that retains its original primitive qualities and color. These ponies were used by the Vikings as cavalry mounts and the Scandinavians may have been the first Western Europeans to use horses for agricultural work. Fjords have earned a reputation for being strong, reliable and good-natured ponies. Today's Fjord horse is used as a draft horse. They show good driving and racing abilities and can also be quite trained. One of the most unique features of the Norwegian fjord is that approximately 90% of all horses are dark dun. The remaining 10% are light dun, gray, gray, golden dun. Fjords are widely used in riding schools. Norwegian Fjord horses are famous for their gentle nature, diligent work ethic, endurance and energy.
10. Shire (English draft horse)
Horses of this breed are different tall(165-185 cm at the withers, sometimes up to 219). Considered the tallest horse in the world. Descent from fighting knight's horses, descendants of the horses of the Roman Conquerors and is one of the oldest heavy breeds. The name comes from the English “shire” - county. The Shire Gorse or Cart Gorse breed, descended from local mares and Dutch stallions, is very famous and widespread. Despite its ancient origin, it is not entirely homogeneous in mass. Its type is highly variable - from a horse of extraordinary size and weight, suitable only for riding at a walk, to large and folding ones, suitable for both the plow and the cart. The color is varied; characterized by a bald spot on the head and white stockings, more often on some hind legs. All parts of the body are developed proportionally; A very important element is the wide chest, back and the same sacrum. They eat well and hold their bodies firmly. Some of the breed's shortcomings - dampness, strong friziness and not always sufficient stockiness - will probably soon disappear, since specimens with these defects are valued significantly lower. The crossing of Shires with blood mares is very common in England and produces suitable breeding draft horses.
The birthplace of the Iberian breed is the Iberian Peninsula, and since Portugal and Spain are located on the peninsula, their influence on the breed is clearly visible. Accordingly, today there are already two subtypes of the Iberian horse: “Andalusian” (or purebred Spanish) and “Lusitano” (or purebred Portuguese). Thanks to their innate elegance and incredible flexibility, horses are often used in a variety of show performances, harnesses, bullfighting, show jumping (where the stallion Novillero took 12th place in the top twenty show jumping horses in the world in 1983), as well as higher school. Experts believe that the Iberians took part in the formation of all breeds of riding horses, and their direct descendants are: “Appaloosa”, “Kladruber”, “Lipizzan”, “Quarter”, “Peruvian Paso”, “American Saddlebred”, “Paso Fino” , as well as "criollo".
All over the world, the Hanoverian breed is recognized by its brand in the form of the Latin letter “H”. This is the most numerous warm-blooded breed in Europe. It was founded in 1735. in Celle “for the glorification of the state” by the Hanoverian prince and later King of England George II (1727-1760). Today, 8,000 mares are brought to the Zell stud farm for mating each year. It is the most popular sporting breed in the world. It can be seen on most international competitions in show jumping and dressage. This is the result of German meticulousness: the Hanoverian breed was carefully created over approximately 300 years - for different but specific purposes. This breed was bred from unattractive stock, improved by crossing with suitable thoroughbred Saddlebreds, Arabian and Trakehner horses. They have an almost ideal conformation, in which the features of the English Thoroughbred are clearly visible. One of the most important features is that the character of the sires is tested. Only horses with a balanced temperament are allowed for breeding. Horses of the Hanoverian breed are leaders on the world stage in dressage, and many of them also compete in show jumping and eventing.
The birthplace of Holsteins is considered to be a factory in Traventhalle, founded by the Prussians in 1867, which is no longer in operation. Now Elmshorn has become the main base for breeding the breed. This is one of the oldest breeds of German warmbloods, already several hundred years old. Work on the breed began around the thirteenth century, and in the 17th century the Holstein horse was in great demand in Europe. Then they contained different blood: German, Naples, Spanish and Oriental, which was poured into local mares. Initially, this horse was especially valued by German farmers for its strength, poise, reliability, as well as by the military for its courage and abilities. Later in the 18th century they were crossed with Yorkshire post horses, resulting in distinctive movements, improved posture and good temperament. Holsteins became famous as strong post horses and army riding horses. Holsteins, unfortunately, are not as popular among horse breeders as other warm-blooded breeds, so their breeding area is not so extensive. This may be the reason for the lack of diversity in this breed. Holsteins achieved their greatest fame in dressage and show jumping. However, their historical endurance makes them popular in carriage racing. The most outstanding representative of the breed was the large bay gelding Meteor. Starting at the age of 9, he won medals at three Olympic Games. With the exceptionally talented rider Fritz Tiedemann, Meteor proved to be an outstanding example of the Holstein breed.
Horse breed. Bred in 1948 at the stud farms named after S. M. Budyonny and the First Cavalry Army, Rostov region. Originally bred as a harness horse, for use in the army, but now it is better known as a riding, sporting horse. The most characteristic color for Budennovsky horses is red in various shades, from dark terracotta to the color of river sand. The special beauty and effectiveness of the red color is given by the golden hue, which the Budennovsky horses inherited from the Don horses. Currently, this is a sports breed. Due to its versatility, it can be found in various disciplines. In terms of numbers, the breed ranks third among sport horses. Horses are in great demand among domestic and foreign buyers and athletes; they are successfully sold for export, where they are used for walking and sports.
A riding draft horse breed, bred in the 18th-19th centuries in the territory of the present Rostov region by the Don Cossacks. Along with the Oryol trotter, one of the most distinctive factory breeds in Russia. The basis for the Don breed was horses of the steppe type, which for a long time were improved by Oriental stallions, and then by thoroughbred riding and some other factory breeds. Eastern (Turkish, Persian, Karabakh, Turkmen) sires came to the Cossacks as war trophies during the Turkish Wars. The Don breed combines large height (160-165 cm at the withers) and elegance. They are distinguished by good health and strength, with a bright oriental breed. The color of modern representatives of the breed is exclusively red and brown in different shades, often with a characteristic golden hue with a darker mane and tail. Don horses are well suited for show jumping, eventing, amateur sports, racing, hobby classes and teaching children horse riding, they can be used not only under saddle, but also in light harness. Very well suited for mounted police and cavalry. In Soviet times, they took part in cart races.
4. Oryol trotter (Oryol trotter)
A famous Russian breed of light draft horses with a hereditary ability to trot quickly. Bred in Russia, at the Khrenovsky stud farm (Voronezh province), under the leadership of its owner Count A.G. Orlov in the second half of the 18th - early 19th centuries, using the method of complex reproductive crossing using Arabian, Danish, Dutch, Mecklenburg and other breeds. In 2006, the breed turned 230 years old. Known for its use in Russian troikas as roots. Oryol horses are always popular at international horse auctions. Oryol trotters are also used under saddle as walking and sport horses. Thanks to the ability to beautifully bend their necks and hold their heads, Oryol horses look good in harnesses and are widely used in driving. These are beautifully built, harmonious, quite temperamental and good-natured horses. They have a proud posture, graceful, elegant high movements, a lush mane and tail. Oryol trotters inspired the work of many writers - L.N. Tolstoy, A.I. Kuprin and others. An example of a literary work is the book by Pyotr Shiryaev “Taglioni’s Grandson” about the Oryol trotter Flattery. Oryol trotters are depicted in many works of fine art. Russian artist Nikolai Sverchkov especially often turned to Oryol residents in his work. The following films are also known: “Strong” and “The Trotter”.
An ancient breed of riding horses, bred on the territory of the Arabian Peninsula in the 4th-7th centuries AD. A special difference between the Arabian horse and other breeds is in addition to the concave head and large eyes, - the so-called “cock” tail, which the horse raises high with any type of fast gait. The Arabian horse is a long-liver among the breeds of domestic horses. Many of the representatives of this breed live up to 30 years. Mares retain the ability to reproduce into old age and are fertile. The Arabian horse is popular throughout the world and is distinguished by its endurance, especially in races of more than 100 miles. Arabian horses are used mainly in racing and trail riding, and also as recreational riding horses riding and amateur equestrian sports. Many horse breeds still continue to be improved by crossing with the Arabian breed. Breeding work today is aimed at preserving and developing the best qualities of the Arabian breed, as well as some increase in growth.
A riding horse breed, bred on the territory of modern Turkmenistan (Ahal-Teke) presumably about 5,000 years ago.This is the oldest of the cultivated breeds, which influenced many breeds - Arabian, thoroughbred horse (or Englishracing) etc. Refers, along with the thoroughbred horse and Arabian, to the number of purebred breeds,since it is a standard riding horse and has not been crossed with other breeds for 5000 years. Fineadapted to dry, hot climates and acclimatizes well in other conditions.In appearance, representatives of this breed cannot be confused with other horses. Thanks to their forms of Akhal-Teke horsescompared to greyhounds or cheetahs. Long lines predominate throughout the appearance. The Akhal-Teke has become a horse with extremelysubtle mental organization. He is smart, proud and not used to showing off his feelings, but is capable of devotion andaffection for its owner. Many athletes, accustomed to more phlegmatic and trouble-free half-bred horses,Akhal-Teke horses are considered difficult to work with. Like real desert horses, Akhal-Teke horses easily endure thirst.
A breed of horse developed in Friesland, a province in the north of the Netherlands. Brought out in the 16th and 17th centuries by crossing Spanish horses with the local heavy “cold-blooded” breed of horses, during the period of occupation of the Netherlands by Spain. 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. Breed friesian horses was twice on the verge of extinction, but was saved by Dutch horse breeders. Friesians are heavy-duty horses. These are hairy horses, i.e. they have friezes hanging from their legs. The grace and harmony of these horses is inspiring. These horses create a sense of splendor and majesty for many who see them for the first time, simply taking their breath away. Even the smallest frieze looks down on the world around it. The frieze is tall, slender and impressive. At the same time, the proud black giants are good-natured, do not spoil the life of their rider with excessive ardor, and are very comfortable to ride. This long mane and tail seemed to only happen in pictures in children's fairy tale books, but here it is in reality.
1. Akhal-Teke horse, or (Turkmen: Ahal-teke aty)
The Akhal-Teke horse is known for its incredible coat, which has a metallic sheen. Due to its lean body, this breed is called the “super model” of horses. This hardy breed was bred in Turkmenistan.
Photo: Olga_i
Photo: Penella22
This breed has a beautiful mane reminiscent of a poodle, which is especially beautiful in winter. The Bashkir horse comes in different colors. Some scientists claim that this breed is hypoallergenic and that most people with allergies can handle this breed.
Photo: Lindsayanne
3. Black Forest horse
The luxuriant mane and tail perfectly complement the muscular body of the Black Forest Horse. The breed is known for its dark chestnut color and light mane.
Photo: Monika Dobry, Rickenbach
4. Camargue (Fr. camargue)
The Camargue is considered one of the oldest breeds in the world. Today they are bred in semi-feral conditions under strict supervision.
Photo: Neil Burton
5. Exmoor pony(English) Exmoor pony)
photo:Graham
Another very rare breed that lives in semi-feral conditions. These small horses are native to the British Isles. During World War II, this breed was used as food for soldiers, which led to a decrease in the population.
photo: Julia Livesey
6. Falabella
Photo: Alexia Khrushcheva
The Falabella is one of the smallest horses in the world. The breed was developed in Argentina in the mid-1800s. They perform in the circus and can pull carts and even give rides to very small children.
Photo: Olga_Phoenix
7. Norwegian Fjord
Photo: Ron Rowan Photography
The Norwegian Fjord has a lovely grayish-brown coat with a two-tone mane. It is one of the oldest breeds in the world.
photo: docentjoyce
8. Gypsy Vanner
photo:Elizabeth Sescilla
The breed is known for its beautiful black and white coloring (there are different colors), and hairy legs below the knees.
Welcome to our extensive section on horse breeds. It's no secret that all horses are different various parameters. To group breeds, many classifications are used based on origin, structure, economic and productive use, distribution areas, and so on.
In our country, breeds are traditionally distributed according to zootechnical classification proposed by A. S. Krasnikov (1978):
- Forest.
- Mountaineers.
- Steppe.
Factory and transitional:
- Horse riding.
- Horse-drawn.
- Priests.
- Trotters.
- Heavy.
Any breed can easily be classified into a certain group based on the sum of its characteristics; often even the names of the breeds indicate their classification. For example, the Ukrainian riding breed, the Soviet heavy draft, the Belarusian draft breed.
Some horse breeds have been known since ancient times, but the main variety of breeds appeared in the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. Since the second half of the twentieth century, sporting breeds have become most promising, due to the decline in the importance of cavalry and the development of mechanization.
In modern horse breeding it is known about 300 horse breeds, less than half of which are the most numerous and popular. Common in Russia about 50 breeds horses.
To choose a horse breed, you should thoroughly study all the features that depend on the history of origin, the characteristics of use and maintenance, the current state of the breed, and much more. All this information is contained in full in the breed descriptions in this section of the site.
The history of the origin of the breed is important for understanding some of the characteristics of a particular breed. So, for example, knowing the colors of the breeds involved in the development of a new breed, you can say exactly which colors will appear in the breed and which ones cannot exist. Or, taking into account the characteristics of indigenous breeds, for example, the strong hoof horn of mountain breeds, one can expect the appearance of these characteristics in transitional and factory breeds that carry the blood of those local breeds.
Each breed has a purpose, a trait for which selection was carried out. Therefore, when choosing a horse breed, it economic importance plays an important role. After all, it would hardly occur to anyone to use a thoroughbred riding horse to transport logs, just as it would hardly occur to anyone to demand high results from a Percheron in show jumping. But there are quite versatile breeds that can perform various tasks with good performance. Thus, friezes are good both in the harness for which they were bred and comfortable under the saddle. Often such versatility is inherent in draft and native breeds.
Horse breeds also have external differences, such as height at the withers, characteristic colors and many others. Thus, Friesians can only be black, Mavaris have a very remarkable ear shape, some horses of the Transbaikal breed have curly hair, and the horses are mostly golden in color. The average height of horses of factory breeds is 155-180cm, of native breeds 130-150cm, but there are exceptions. Shires, Brabançons, Percherons are huge, and Falabella are the tiniest horses.
Horse breeds have differences in character and temperament. This is also an important indicator for choosing a breed. They consider horses to be ardent, hot, persistent, honest, friendly, and most breeds are phlegmatic.
Photographs of typical representatives of the breeds give a clear idea of the horses. Exterior photographs, photos in motion and at rest are presented, as well as those that help to evaluate the breed in a comprehensive way.
Breeds also differ in terms of maintenance and care. So, the comfortable ambient temperatures are different for Akhal-Teke and Akhal-Teke breeds. Some breeds thrive on a poor, meager diet, while others are demanding in terms of nutritional value of feed.
All these and some other characteristics and features of the breeds are described in detail in the section and will help you determine your breed preferences or choose the horse breed you like best.
The ranking of the most beautiful horses includes at least 25 breeds. Some breeds are the result of selection. Others were created by nature itself. In addition to their visual attractiveness, these horses are distinguished by many other qualities for which their owners love them.
The formation of the breed was influenced by the civil strife of Arab tribes. The Bedouins used horses for military purposes. For armed conflicts, not just the most beautiful horses were needed. The animals had to be very hardy.
The formation of the breed was influenced by the civil strife of Arab tribes
Arab nomadic tribes moved from one place to another, and therefore considered horses their main wealth. Animals could be easily moved during the move. The wealth of the family was determined by the number of individuals in the herd. The fine horses were to remain national treasures. It was forbidden to sell them to neighboring peoples under penalty of death. In addition, they could not be crossed with other breeds. Thanks to this approach, it was possible to achieve blood purity.
In Europe, Arabian horses appeared during the Crusades. When preparing for a long journey to liberate the Holy Sepulcher, Europeans looked for animals that could survive in the climate of the country to which they were heading. One of the main advantages of Arabian horses was that these animals required much less feed than horse breeds common in European countries. During the Crusades, representatives of the Arabian breed were smaller in size compared to their modern descendants.
Thanks to the Arabian purebreds, such breeds as the Lusitano (bred in Portugal), Shagia (bred in Hungary), and Andalusian (bred in Spain) arose. In Russia, the Streltsy breed, from which the Terek breed originated, came from Arabian horses.
The most incredible and beautiful horses in the world (video)
Knabstrupper
Looking at the Knabstrupper horse, many people can agree that this is the most beautiful horse in the world. The color of this animal resembles the color of a Dalmatian dog: black spots on a white background.
Denmark is considered the birthplace of the knabstruppers. According to legend, a butcher named Klebe bought a horse, which he brought to a small town called Knabstrup. The animal was distinguished by its agility and endurance. The offspring that the mare gave birth to were endowed with the same qualities. Thus a new breed of horse arose, named after the village in which the butcher Klebe lived.
The Knabstrupper is considered a rare breed not only because of its color. When the village that gave it its name fell into disrepair, the number of knabstruppers fell sharply. They were saved from complete extinction by an ordinary veterinarian from Denmark, who founded the Spotted Horse Association. A series of experiments aimed at improving the breed led to the fact that Knabstruppers not only survived, but began to look much more attractive.
Today, not all representatives of the breed look like Dalmatians. Among them there are individuals with a leopard color (red spots on a light background). Horses with trout and merle colors (admixture of white hair and small spots on the main background) are popular.
Marwar horse
Otherwise this beautiful breed called malani. You can find out its representatives by unusual shape ears that can rotate 180º. The beautiful horse appeared in India and was named after one of the regions of this country. Legend has it that one day an Arabian ship was wrecked off the coast of India, with 7 Arabian purebred horses on board. The animals left the site of the shipwreck and were discovered in the Marwar region. Arabian horses mixed with Indian ponies. There is a high probability that the Malani also mixed with horses from Mongolia.
It is believed that Marwari breeding began in the 12th century. Traditionally, the breed was used in agriculture and for riding. To obtain universal horses, suitable for working in the fields and for transporting people, Marwaris are often crossed with purebred horses. The breed is suitable for playing polo. Several centuries ago, Malanis were used as war horses.
In the 30s of the last century, the number of Marwar horses decreased sharply. However, by the end of the 20th century the population was restored. Export of representatives of the breed outside of India for a long time was banned. However, in the early 2000s, an exception was made for US citizen F. Kelly. Since 2008, the export of Marwaris has been placed under strict control.
Friesian horse
Friesians are among the most beautiful horses in the world. The breed originated in Friesland (northern province of the Netherlands). You can recognize a Frieze by the long hair on its hooves. The breed was developed during the occupation of the Netherlands by Spain. Local horses were crossed with Spanish horses. The Frisians were repeatedly on the verge of extinction. However, horse breeders have always managed to save endangered livestock.
Friesians are among the most beautiful horses in the world.
The first mention of representatives of the breed dates back to the 13th century. In honor of the Frisians, the Frisian races were established at the beginning of the 19th century. The winner of the competition received a golden whip as a reward. Currently, Friesians are used as an ornamental breed. They are often used for royal carriages, which must be harnessed by the most beautiful horses in the world. The use of friezes in sports is limited. Horses are allowed to participate in driving. Attractive appearance forces photographers to use friezes for photo shoots. Only the most beautiful individual should be in the frame next to the top model.
Friezes are human-oriented. Their ease of learning makes them easy to train. Horses are trained in the so-called carriage ride. Animals must move gracefully and beautifully when pulling a carriage or rider.
Norwegian fjords
Fjords are not only the most attractive places for tourists in Norway, they are also the name of the most beautiful horses in the world. An individual of this breed is considered the oldest heavy truck on the planet. The fjords are peaceful in nature, which did not stop the Vikings from using them during hostilities. But then representatives of the breed began to be exploited exclusively for peaceful purposes - for riding and in agriculture. In modern Norway, fjords are used for certain sports.
There is speculation that some horse breeds in Iceland and England have their origins in the Norwegian fjords. The Vikings brought their horses to foreign lands, which crossed with local horses. Norwegian horses are unpretentious, and their thick coat allows them to withstand cold weather. Due to their compact size, Fjords are often referred to as ponies rather than horses. The harsh Norwegian nature does not provide herbivores with enough food. Fjords do not need a lot of hay or grains. You can even feed them dried fish.
Presumably, the fjords originate from wild horses, which were domesticated 2 thousand years ago. Animals have retained a considerable number of features in appearance and character from their wild ancestors. Main feature The breed has a mane with black hair in the middle and white on the sides. The mane is usually cut very short to highlight the unusual coloring.
The rarest and most beautiful horses in the world (video)
Iberian breed
Some Spanish horse breeders are inclined to believe that the Iberian horse breed formed independently on the territory of modern Spain. The animals are completely purebred because they were constantly isolated. However, it is very difficult to believe in such a version.
In the 8th century, the Moors came to Spain with conquests. They brought with them Barbary and Arabian horses, which mixed with Spanish horses. The modern Spanish riding school was influenced by the style of the Moorish occupiers. After the liberation of the country from the conquerors, Spanish horse breeding began to flourish. The Iberian breed was valued no less than Arabian and Barbary horses. Representatives of this breed are beginning to replace the heavy friezes on which the knights rode. After the discovery of the Americas, Spanish horses set off to conquer new continents. On the northern continent today you can meet the descendants of English and Arabian horses. In South America, Iberians are much more common.
In the 18th century, Baroque came into fashion. During this period, tastes change dramatically. Obese horses with heavy croup are beginning to be in great demand. Representatives of the Iberian breed looked too graceful and did not fit into the idea of an ideal horse. In the 19th century, the Spanish riding school gradually declined. They are no longer interested in Iberians, since English purebreds have gained recognition.
Until the end of the twentieth century, Iberians preferred to use it for agricultural purposes. However, by the end of the century, the Spaniards began to show interest in the breed, which was popular with their ancestors. Equestrian sport is becoming fashionable. It is preferred by many residents of the country. In the early 1970s, the Royal Andalusian Riding School was created.
The Iberian breed was able to win the hearts of modern Spaniards thanks to horse bullfighting. The skill demonstrated by the rider is no less spectacular than playing with an angry bull.
Gallery: the most beautiful horses in the world (25 photos)
Falabella Horses
Falabella horses became popular in the 1970s. These horses are often confused with ponies due to their compact size. However, Falabella is an independent breed of horse, which has significant differences from ponies. One of the main ones is that Falabella has a physique ordinary horse: massive croup, graceful limbs, elongated muzzle, etc. The pony has dense short limbs. The croup is not as massive as that of an ordinary horse, and the muzzle is not elongated.
The breed got its name from the names of Argentine horse breeders who were the first to breed mini-horses. There are several versions of the origin of Falabella:
- The ancestors of small horses were found in one of the remote valleys of the Andes. All animals and plants in this valley were miniature in size due to the local climate.
- Wild horses were isolated in one of the canyons by a landslide. The animals were unable to return to the habitat to which they were accustomed. Cacti became the only food available. Due to a lack of mineral components, each subsequent generation of horses became smaller in size in relation to the previous one. As a result, serious genetic changes occurred. The herd of mini-horses was discovered by farmer Jose Falabella. He freed the animals and drove the herd to his farm. Despite adequate nutrition, new generations of horses were never able to regain the height of their ancestors.
- Great-grandfather Jose Falabella, for unknown reasons, moved his horses to land unsuitable for pasture and left them there forever. He bequeathed to his descendants to return the herd. When Jose and his family went in search of horses, he was able to find small specimens. It is likely that these animals managed to survive in harsh conditions. Little horses didn't need a large number of food.
- The Irish settler Newton, who was distinguished by his love of horses, saw a small horse in someone else's herd. Despite its size, the animal did not look sick or defective. Newton stole the horse and then gave it to his daughter as a wedding gift. Miss Newton was going to become the wife of one of the representatives of the Falabella family, whose surname gave the name to the breed.
An elegant horse is not the result of a genetic mutation alone or a successful experiment by a breeder. The beauty of an animal largely depends on care, a balanced diet and a good attitude of the owner towards his pet.
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