Horses are indeed majestic creatures, emblematic of speed, grace, and regality. They are utilised by luxury businesses across industries to symbolise quality and performance.
Whether it is a zealous Thoroughbred or a gentle Friesian, to call a horse your own allows for a very special bond that will last a lifetime.Read on to uncover the best horse breeds in the world.
Arabian Horse
The Arabian horse is the most famous horse breed in the world, easily recognised even by laymen. It is also one of the oldest horses in the world, with some evidence pointing to its existence in the Arabian Peninsula as far back as 3500 years ago. There are records of Arabian horses dotting parts of Europe in the 8th century due to the Arab invasion. However, this breed practically overtook the world from the 18th century onwards, at the heels of countless wars and invasions.
The Arabian horse has a distinctive appearance characterised by a broad forehead, large nostrils, and a tiny muzzle. Sometimes, they have a bump in between their eyes known as a “jibbah.” Their physique is compact and robust with a short back and deep rib cage, boasting hues of black, chestnut, sorrel, or grey. Their manes and tails are strikingly luxuriant.
Arabian horses are warm-blooded and thus powerful, athletic, and strong. They are known for maintaining their momentum for long periods of time, making them key players in horseback riding tournaments. They’re gentle, intelligent, and can forge deep relationships with humans. Currently, the United States has the largest Arabian horse population.
Andalusian Horse
The Andalusian originates from the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, with its lineage dating back at least 1000 years. It was recognised as a breed in the 15th century.
The Andalusian was a significant war horse in Spain during the Middle Ages. It was renowned for its staggering beauty and incredible warfare agility, making it a status symbol across Europe. During the 1800s, however, rampant war and disease shrank the Andalusian population. The number has continually ebbed and flowed over the next century, and today there are only about 185,000 registered Andalusian horses.
A typical Andalusian horse has a medium build with wide hips, a fine-fur coat, a rich mane, and a muscular back. Belying their veracity on the battlefield, Andalusian horses are extremely docile and sweet-natured companions.
Appaloosa Horse
Appaloosa horse is an American breed defined by its variegated spotted coats. Renowned for its treasure trove of coat designs, it is a subject of interest in equine coat colour genetics.
The horse’s presence in North America dates to the arrival of Spanish explorers in the region. The Nez Perce people took a liking to these new horses and bred them meticulously, creating a beautiful, kind, and resilient breed. These horses also helped the Nez Perce people in wars.
However, in the late 1800s, the United States government was attempting to take over the land of Native Americans, leading to the destruction of countless Appaloosa horses. Fortunately, some individuals from the Nez Perce tribe escaped with the horses, preserving its illustrious legacy.
An Appaloosa horse is relatively small and muscular, with its iconic colourful coat and striped hooves. Its skin is mottled with pigmented patches, and its mane and tail are sparse.
American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse is renowned for its racing DNA and soothing temperament. It has an intricate breeding history dating to the 1600s and is said to be a mix of Arabian horses and mustangs.
The American Quarter boasts a uniquely sculpted physique, a small head, a flat profile, and a narrow chest. Its coat comes in various shades of brown, but sorrel (brownish-red) is the American Quareter’s most common base coat.
Immensely versatile, the American Quarter Horse is a family horse, racing horse, and hard labour horse. Besides being equipped with a distinct racing prowess, the American Quarter is also blessed with a “cow sense,” which is a natural knack for manoeuvring cattle.
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds are the archetypal hot-blooded race horses, with a lightning-fast top speed of 71 km/hr. Originating in England, this breed is synonymous with refinement, speed, and dexterity.
The Thoroughbred was meticulously bred with select stocks for racing and jumping purposes. Its ancestry bears traces of the Arabian and the Barb. Thoroughbreds are slender, broad-chested, and short-backed. They have relatively petite legs but flaunt devastatingly long strides. These brown, grey, black, and bay creatures have built a reputation for unparalleled stamina and speed.
Shire Horse
A gargantuan beauty, the Shire embodies equestrian splendour. Its stunning build has earned it the title of being the largest horse and the tallest horse on several occasions throughout history.
The Shire came to England in 1066 after the Norman conquest. This led to the breeding of the iconic Great Horse – this horse was known for carrying knights in armour during wars in the Middle Ages.
During the reign of Henry VII, special attention was directed towards breeding and raising very strong horses. Several acts were passed with this goal in mind, such as banning horse exportation everywhere and breeding horses of specific measurements. The Great Horse’s DNA combined with Henry VII’s zealous breeding ventures created the Shire horse we know today.
In the 20th century, it was used for pulling artillery in the world wars. Today, it’s the chief pick for pulling goods, carriages, and light rides.
A Shire stands at about 64-72 inches tall and a whopping 1,800 pounds heavy. Its handsome build is emboldened by its muscular body, large hooves, feather-curtained legs, and curved nose.
Morgan Horse
The Morgan horse is one of the first horses bred in the United States. It was the result of combining the DNAs of a bay stallion named Figure and that of a Narragansett Pacer horse.
The Morgan’s short build is complemented by its muscularity, wide forehead, and luscious mane and tail. This breed has the most beautiful and expressive set of eyes, in addition to a full coat of bay, black, or chestnut fur.
Morgans are indeed the jack of all trades, proficient in harness racing, general horse riding, and pulling coaches. They also served as cavalry horses during the American Civil War.
Friesian Horse
With roots in Friesland, a province in the northern Netherlands, the Friesian horse is one of the oldest domestic breeds in Europe.
The Friesian is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful horses out there, blessed with a glossy pitch-black coat and a “Baroque” body type, which is characterised by slender long necks and dainty little ears. Its magnificent mane, sloping shoulders, and feathered feet embolden its glimmering body.
The Friesian was almost wiped out of existence by the industrial revolution, due to the automation of hard labour. There were only three Friesian horses left around the time of World War I. However, there was a resurgence of interest in this breed. It was steadily revived by introducing the blood of warm-blooded Oldenburg horses. Today, this breed is used for light agricultural work.
Known for their beauty, grace, and genteel nature, it is no wonder that horses have been a respected fixture in royal society, literature, and popular imagination at large. Whether you’re an animal lover or an equestrian enthusiast, these are the best horse breeds in the world.
