Breeds

The Bashkir Curly Horse is a rare American breed with a unique coat texture and mysterious history. Also known as North American Curlies, the debate continues over the breed’s origins and its connection to curly horse populations globally. Indigenous tribes...

The Colorado Ranger is an American horse breed originating from the high plains of Colorado. Often described as the “using horse” of the high plains, Rangerbreds are versatile horses with a unique history. Colorado Ranger bloodlines trace back to horses...

The Konik horse is a primitive pony breed from Poland. The name “Konik” translates to “small horse” in Polish, aptly describing the breed’s compact and sturdy stature. Koniks are easily recognizable by their mouse-gray coats and primitive markings. Conservation programs...

The Rocky Mountain Horse is a gaited American horse breed known for their rare silver dapple colouring. Contrary to their name, this breed originated in the Appalachian Mountains from a founding stallion imported from the Western United States. These horses...

The Newfoundland pony is a critically endangered breed of small equine from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. These ponies descended from British pony breeds brought to the Western Hemisphere by English, Irish, and Scottish settlers. Already well adapted to the...

The Chincoteague pony is an American breed from Assateague Island. Two feral populations still inhabit the island today, separated by a fence marking the state line between Virginia and Maryland. National and local authorities use different methods to manage the...

The Suffolk Punch is the oldest English draft horse breed. Also known as Suffolk horses, these gentle giants are known for their bright chestnut colouring and impressive strength. Today, the breed is more endangered than the giant panda.

The Barb horse is a light breed from the Maghreb in North Africa. These horses descend from Berber horses of the region used by indigenous people thousands of years ago. Barb horses had a significant impact on the development of...

The Criollo horse is a South American breed from the Pampas, a vast grassland extending between Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The name “Criollo” is derived from the Spanish term for “native” or “local,” and it reflects the horse’s origins in...

The Irish Draught is a strong and versatile horse breed originating from Ireland. Descended from native Irish horses crossed with various imported horses breeds, Irish Draughts are recognized as the official national horse breed of the Republic of Ireland.

The Exmoor Pony is an ancient breed native to the moorlands of South West England. The ponies thrived in remote Exmoor for millennia, but modern wars drove them to the brink of extinction. Exmoor Ponies are still considered an endangered...

The Caspian horse is a rare Iranian breed of small equine that originated in ancient Persia. Although most Caspians are less than 12 hands tall, their conformation resembles full-size horses, not ponies. These horses are descendants of miniature Caspian-type horses...

The Fell Pony is a rare native British breed known for beauty, strength, and versatility. Once used as pack horses in Northern England, Fell Ponies are now popular mounts for Pony Club kids and monarchs alike. While similar in appearance...

The Dartmoor Pony is a rare small pony breed native to Devon County in Southwest England. These ponies evolved on the moors of Dartmoor, where privately owned free-roaming herds still live today. Ponies inhabited the region’s moorlands by the Middle...

Although donkeys and horses are kept similarly, they are two distinct species that have evolved separately from one another. As such, donkeys and horses have different nutrient requirements. In developed countries, donkeys are more commonly kept as leisure mounts and...

The Highland Pony is a mountain pony breed native to Scotland. These ponies are one of the largest native pony breeds from the British Isles. While written records of the breed date back to the 18th century, ponies have inhabited...

The Dales Pony is a large working pony breed that originated in the Dales of Yorkshire in North England. Dales ponies are the largest native pony breed from England and are closely related to the smaller Fell Pony.

The Knabstrupper, also known as the Knabstrup horse, is a Danish warmblood breed renowned for its distinctive spotted coats. This breed has a relatively recent origin, with its lineage tracing back to a single spotted mare who relocated to Denmark...

The Norwegian Fjord is one of the world's oldest horse breeds. The breed is easily recognizable today by its dun colouring and primitive markings that trace back to prehistoric horses. Although they resemble wild Przewalski horses, they are not closely...

The Shire horse is an iconic draft breed originally developed for heavy farm work in the rural shires of Great Britain. The Shire is one of the world’s largest horse breeds, known for its impressive size and strength. The record...

The Akhal Teke is an ancient horse breed with a legendary history and elegant looks. Sometimes referred to as “golden horses” for their distinctive metallic coats, Akhal Tekes are best known for their intelligence, endurance, and beauty. This breed originated...

The Shetland Pony is one of the smallest breeds of equines in the world. They are the modern descendants of ancient ponies that roamed the Shetland Isles of Northern Scotland for thousands of years. Today, Shetlands are beloved family members...

Welsh Ponies are one of the most popular breeds of small equines worldwide. Breed registries recognize four sections of Welsh Ponies depending on size and type, ranging from the smallest Welsh Mountain Pony to the sturdier Welsh Cob. The breed...

The Tennessee Walking Horse or Tennessee Walker is a gaited breed known for its unique four-beat running walk. Developed initially as a light riding horse in the American South, Tennessee Walking Horses continue to enjoy popularity as a flashy recreational...

The Lipizzaner, or Lipizzan, is one of the most culturally significant European horse breeds. Made famous by the Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, these horses are recognized worldwide for their classical dressage ability. Named for the...

The Gypsy Vanner is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. Also known as the Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, and Romani Cob, these horses resemble a smaller version of draft-type breeds and come in many different coat colours....

The Percheron is a French draft horse breed known for its power and versatility. Although the breed's exact origins remain a mystery, these horses likely descend from the heavy war horses ridden into battle by Medieval knights. Percherons gained popularity...

The Clydesdale is an iconic breed of draft horse from Scotland. Made famous by the Budweiser Clydesdales that pull the company's beer wagon at special events, the breed is renowned for its distinctive looks and powerful pulling ability. These horses...

Andalusian horses belong to a lineage of baroque horses originating from the Iberian Peninsula, a region of southwestern Europe that contains modern-day Spain and Portugal. Today, the Andalusian name is most commonly used in North America to refer to horses...

The Standardbred is an American breed developed for the sport of harness racing. But just like their Thoroughbred ancestors, these horses can go on to successful second careers as riding horses after they leave the racetrack. Standardbreds are classified as...