Description and features of the most popular American riding horse breeds
American riding horses are one of the most popular and versatile breeds. They are suitable for riding and horseback riding. Also, animals are used for working with livestock and horseback riding. Horses are easy to train and have a high degree of endurance. In addition, they are characterized by excellent running speed.
Popular American horse breeds
Today there are many types of American horses, each of which has certain characteristics.
American horse
These animals were created to work in agriculture. However, as this variety of horses developed, they began to be used for exhibitions, competitions, entertainment rings. The animals are popular with private owners. They are actively grown in equestrian centers. Horses are characterized by excellent learning ability and are considered to be very hardy.
At the withers, the height of the horses is 152-173 centimeters. On average, animals weigh 500 kilograms. American riding horses have a choleric temperament and are rebellious. It can be difficult for beginners to control these animals.
American cream
This horse is the only harness breed bred in America. It is believed that it originates from heavy trucks. The breed was registered in the fifties of the last century. In appearance, the horses resemble heavyweights. They are animals with a height of 163-176 centimeters. The horses are distinguished by a strong back and powerful legs. Cream horses are characterized by a calm temperament, are considered obedient and are distinguished by their hard work. They are also easy to learn.
Standardbred breed
These animals are found not only in North America. They can also be seen in Russia, Italy, Northern Europe. This species gradually took shape in the 18-19 centuries. However, horses were officially bred only in the nineteenth century.
Initially, these animals are intended to participate in the race. At the same time, trotters are distinguished by an attractive appearance. At the withers, they reach 155-170 centimeters. Horses can be of any color. However, the most common varieties are brown and bay. In general, animals are similar to racehorses, but are characterized by rather short limbs.
American curly
These animals look pretty unusual. The history of the breed begins in 1898. During this period, Nevada farmers saw a small herd of horses with coats covered in large curls. They tried to breed animals with their horses. Breeding work continued for a long time.The breed got into official documents in 1971.
The main characteristic of animals is considered to be wavy hair. In summer, horses partially shed it, and in winter it grows back. The animals can withstand harsh winters and are able to withstand frosts down to -40 degrees. At the withers, they reach 138-150 centimeters. The animals are characterized by a powerful body. The legs are considered relatively short but powerful.
Curly horses are considered docile animals, therefore they are often used for agricultural work and sports competitions.
American miniature
This is one of the oldest and original breeds. Horses of this species can differ in different colors. Moreover, their height at the withers is a maximum of 90 centimeters. Horses weigh only 50-70 kilograms. They are characterized by a small head with a prominent forehead and a long neck. Horses also have a muscular body. The animals are well trained. Therefore, they are often used for exhibitions. Horses are also able to participate in various show programs. In addition, the animals are meek and friendly in nature. They are often used as guides for the blind.
American trotter
These animals were bred at the turn of the 18-19 centuries. Initially, breeding work was carried out to combine all the best qualities of the individuals that participated in this process. The breed got into official sources in 1871. Horses are attractive in appearance and can grow up to 170 centimeters. They are characterized by short legs and a narrow muzzle. The color is different - black, bay, Krakow. Animals can participate in horse races and races. Representatives of this breed were able to set a world record for races.
Mustang
This is the most common and well-known variety of American horses. Moreover, initially they did not appear in America. The ancestors of these animals were brought from Europe. This happened in the seventeenth century. Today these horses are threatened with extinction. This is due to the hunting of wild animals, which was actively conducted in the last century. Today this breed is protected at the state level. Now horses can be seen in nature reserves and parks.
Mustangs are relatively short. Their height reaches a maximum of 150 centimeters, and their weight is 400 kilograms. Horses are of medium build and have strong legs. Animals are characterized by piebald, red or bay color. Black horses are also found.
Other breeds
There are many other breeds of American horses. The most popular are the following:
- Paint horse. This is one of the most common breeds. It was created on the basis of Spanish stallions that came to America during the time of Columbus. The basis of the breed are quarterhorse and riding horses. Representatives of this species were registered in the first half of the sixties of the twentieth century. They have an attractive appearance and a powerful body. The horses grow up to 165 centimeters in height. They weigh 500 kilograms.
- Morgan. This is an American variety that belongs to the group of riding-draft horses. In the nineteenth century, she was one of the lines of the American Standard Bred. Horses were used for horse racing at the hippodrome. They were also used in agriculture and for solving transport problems. The breed was further developed in 1906. At that time, breeding work began with her. Today, morgana reaches a height of 150-160 centimeters. Their weight is 450 kilograms. Horses can have a red, bay, black color.
- Velara. This is a relatively new breed that was bred in America in 1981. The first representatives were obtained from the Arabian stallion and the Welsh mare.These animals are characterized by an attractive appearance and are often used to participate in horse shows. Horses are characterized by a calm disposition and high intelligence.
- Quarter Horse. This breed was obtained in America. It is designed for cowboys who graze large herds of animals. Today, these animals are sometimes bred for racing at racetracks. They are characterized by an average height of 148 centimeters. Horses are characterized by a wide and deep body and powerful limbs.
- Pinto. It is a heterogeneous category of riding horses that is of Spanish origin. The Pinto is considered the traditional horse of the American Indians. Piebald color remains a characteristic feature of the breed. Today, horses differ in height and color.
American horses have many virtues. Therefore, these breeds are very popular among horse breeders. To ensure successful rearing and breeding of horses, they are encouraged to create suitable conditions and provide quality care.
