Mankind first domesticated horses thousands of years ago, around 3,500 BC. Scientists traced this momentous breakthrough to the geographic region near southern Russia and northern Kazakhstan.
Since these ancient days, many different types of horse breeds have helped humankind survive and thrive. Horse breeds differ in characteristics like size, color, and temperament. Some breeds are ideal for sports, others for work.
Horse breeding is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Sports that center on horsemanship serve as the primary economic incentive for breeders. So what are some common horse breeds? Read on to find out all you need to know.
Thoroughbred Horses
Thoroughbred Horses are the most common breed variety for races and sports in North America. They weigh between 1,000 to 1,500 pounds and are agile, large, and spirited animals. They are the best horses for equestrian sports.
Appaloosa Horses
Appaloosa Horses are descendants of the wild horses domesticated by the Nez Perce tribe of the Columbia River plateau in the Pacific Northwest. Their spotted coats and striped hooves distinguish them. They are excellent trail horses.
Friesian Horses
Friesian Horses hail from the Netherlands and were used as war horses. Friesians often have jet-black coats and wavy tails and manes. Nowadays, Friesians are bred as show horses for hobbyists and collectors.
Clydesdale Horses
Clydesdale Horses are native to Scotland and were bred as draft horses. Draft horses perform heavy labor like pulling carts. You may recognize Clydesdales from Budweiser commercials and their white leg feathers.
American Quarter Horses
American Quarter Horses are another equestrian favorite. They were originally bred by the Spanish and English settlers in the early 1600s. Europeans would crossbreed their Thoroughbreds with local Native American varieties.
Arabian Horses
Arabian Horses take their namesake from the Arabian Peninsula, where they originated. Many other light horse breeds, such as the Appaloosa, have their roots in this horse. Arabian Horses are one of the oldest breeds known to man.
Oldenburg Horses
The Oldenburg Horse is indigenous to Germany, specifically the Lower Saxony region. At first, they were carriage pulling horses but have since been bred as sport horses. They are now one of the most powerful sports horses.
Dutch Warmblood Horses
The Dutch Warmblood is another breed of horse that hails from the Netherlands. It serves as a jack-of-all-trades horse, combining elements of carriage, draft, and racehorses.
Other Types of Horse Breeds
There are over 200 types of horse breeds alive throughout the world. The few types discussed in this guide are some of the most common. They are by no means all of the types of horses out there.
If you own a horse or are looking to transport one, you need to find the best option for your breed. Contact Horse Air Transport if you need to know more information about transporting your specific breed by air.
Learn All You Can About Types of Horse Breeds
Horses played a major role in the development of our society. Now, they are used more for sport and pleasure than for industry. Each of the different types of horse breeds has its strengths and weaknesses in equestrian society.
Use the information in this guide to learn more about your favorite horse breeds. Then, do some more research to learn about the hundreds of other types of horse breeds out there. Check back with our site for more information!