APPALOOSA - The Appaloosa's most distinguishing feature is it's spotted coat which is represented in many pattens including "Blanket with spots" and "Leopard". Appaloosas are the only breed with a unique coat like this although other colors, like skewbald, are similar. Other physical characteristics of this horse are it's striped hooves, mottled skin and uaually thin mane and tail.
CLYDESDALE - Ever seen a Budweiser commercial? If you know anything about horses then you'll recognize that that the strong horse pulling the beer wagon is a Clydesdale. The Clydesdale horse was originated in Scotland where it was used to haul around heavy loads in the 1700s. They can be anywhere from 16 to about 18 hands tall. These horses have wonderful dispositions and are used for riding as often as they are for pulling.
MINIATURE HORSE - The Miniature horse has all the pysical and mental traits of a regular horse, but in a very small package. They range from 6 to 7 hands tall, about the size of a very young child (24-29 in.). The Miniature may be ridden, but mostly only by children under the age of 5 yrs.
ANDALUSIAN - The Andalusian horse, also known as the Pure Spanish, is a very famous breed in history. This beauty is shown in many paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages including ones by Leonardo da Vinci. Even Pegasus, the legendary winged horse, was based on this breed. Most Andalusians (called Lusitanos is Portuagal) in the U.S.A are found in California although some other states have a tiny population of them. Many of these horses are grayish white in color and have heavy, arched necks with long and wavy manes and tails. Although they are not to common, even a relatively untrained eye can spot this magnificent breed.
QUARTER HORSE - The Quarter Horse is a sturdy horse standing anywhere from 14.3 to 16.1 hands tall. They come in a large variety of different colors including sorrel, dun, bay, grulla, black, chestnut, palomino, roan and grey. It's easygoing personality make it a good choice for beginning riders. The Quarter Horse's quiet, mellow temperment is one main reason behind it's huge popularity.
MORGAN - The Morgan breed was founded during the 1700s when one little stallion by the name of Justin Morgan, was bred with many mares to make foals. Each young foal looked more and more like Justin Morgan, so the breed was formed. Morgans tend to be on the smaler side, about 15 hands, and are built with small heads and high, arched necks. Most Morgan horses are ridden simply for pleasure, but can also be used as a light carriage horse.
RACKING HORSE - The Racking Horse, closely related to the well-known Tennesee Walking Horse, is one of the few gaited American breeds. Gaited means that it can perform a four-beat racking gait, in addition to the walk and canter, which almost every horse can do. The Racking Horse averages to about 15.2 hands tall and is commonly seen in assorted colors anywhere from sorrel to roan. They may also be spotted with a pinto coloration, although it is less common. Many riders train this breed to be in driving and saddle-seat classes to show off their unique gait, but they can also be a good pleasure mount.
THOROUGHBRED - The Thoroughbred was originally bred for racing purposes, although they can be used as wonderful pleasure or trail mounts. Many Throughbred horses are retrained off the track to become pleasure mounts. They can also be used for the fast sport of polo or for endurance rides.
AMERICAN SADDLEBRED - The American Saddlebred is a strong horse with a slender build. They are very often used for pleasure riding but sometimes are bred for dressage or jumping.
If anyone has any horse related information that they would like me to put on this site please e-mail me at bluejay625@hotmail.com.ATTENTION - This site is still in progress, so please be patient until it is finished!
