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Horses are often classified into three main groups based on their temperament and physiology: hot-, cold-, and warm-blooded. But what do these horse types mean and what is the difference between the three?
While personality can vary between individual horses, some temperament traits are more common in certain breeds. Your horse’s temperament impacts his ideal management program and suitability for different disciplines.
Hot-blooded horses are ideal for racing and sports requiring agility, cold-blooded breeds are perfect for heavy work and leisure riding, and warm-blooded horses excel in a variety of competitive equestrian sports. When choosing a horse, considering these categories can greatly assist in finding a suitable match for specific disciplines or preferences.
This article will review the differences between hot-blooded, cold-blooded, and warm-blooded horses. Keep reading to learn which breeds fall into each category and other factors that influence equine temperament.
Hot-Blooded vs. Warm-Blooded vs. Cold Blooded
The terminology of hot-blooded, cold-blooded, and warm-blooded breeds does not have a scientific origin. Horsemen have used these terms to describe different types of horses for centuries.
However, these terms have nothing to do with body temperature. All mature horses should have a body temperature of 99 – 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit at rest. Temperatures outside of that range could indicate a health problem.
British breeders used blood horse to refer to horses with good breeding in the early 17th century. The name later referred to the English Thoroughbred breed in the 18th and 19th centuries. [1]
The 1857 book Horse and Horsemanship described blood as bloodlines that trace back to the Arabian horse through the Thoroughbred. The author contrasted blood horses to “cold-blooded cart horses” with no Arabian bloodlines. [1]
French breeders popularized crossing Thoroughbreds with heavier native horses to produce demi-sang or half-blood horses. The modern Selle Francais warmblood descends from French demi-sang horses. [2]
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Hot-Blooded Horses
Today, horse owners classify Arabians, Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds as hot-blooded breeds. These horses typically have more sensitive and energetic temperaments than other breeds. Hyperactivity and sensitivity in horses are often referred to as “hot” behaviour.
Hot-blooded horses have fine coats, refined heads, and light conformations. They are often intelligent, sharp horses that quickly adapt and learn. Most of these breeds originated in North Africa and the Middle East.
Breeds
Breeds classified as hot-blood horses include: [3][4][5][6][7]
- Thoroughbred: Thoroughbreds descend from Arabians imported to Great Britain from the Middle East. They are known primarily for their use in horse racing and distinguished by their tall, slim, athletic build.
- Arabian: Arabians are one of the world’s oldest and most influential horse breeds. However, research suggests many different breeds may have contributed to the modern Arabian.
- Barb Horse: A genetic study of North African Barb horses revealed links between Barbs and Arab horses. Cross-breeding between these two breeds is common today.
- Akhal-Teke: The Akhal-Teke is native to modern-day Turkmenistan. Genome studies found close genetic relationships between the Akhal-Tekes, Arabians, and Caspian horses. These results suggest that Akhal Teke’s ancestors originated in the Middle East.
- Caspian Horse: Caspian horses are a rare Iranian breed of miniature horse. Archeologists found 5,500-year-old remains in Iran that resemble the skeletons of modern Caspians. Some research suggests Caspians are the ancestors of all hot-blood horses.
- Standardbred: This breed was developed in America for harness racing at the trot or pace. The foundation sire was a Thoroughbred, Hambletonian 10, with contributions from Canadian pacer, Narragansett pacer, Morgan, Hackney and others.
These breeds share similar physical and temperament characteristics.
Disciplines
Hot-blooded horses are athletic horses that do well in training programs that provide positive outlets for their extra energy.
Arabians, Akhal Tekes, and Barbs are excellent endurance mounts. The ancestors of these horses carried riders long distances through desert environments with limited resources.
Thoroughbreds are the most popular breed of racehorse in the world. Their speed and athleticism also help them succeed at the top level of eventing. Several Anglo-Arabians, or Arabian-Thoroughbred crosses, also compete in international eventing.
Standardbreds compete in all levels of harness racing from county fair to international shows. They are also favored by the Amish as buggy horses and make excellent saddle horses.
Management
Prolonged stall confinement and inadequate exercise can lead to boredom and undesirable behaviours in hot-blood breeds. These intelligent horses need constant mental stimulation and athletic outlets, so they may not be the best fit for casual or beginner riders.
Hot-blooded horses evolved in hot environments. They have fine hair and often need blankets in cold seasons if they don’t grow a thick winter coat. Make sure your hot-blooded horses always have access to shelter in inclement weather.
The refined, dished heads of Arabians and related breeds can predispose hot-blooded horses to dental problems. These horses may need more frequent dental exams.
Nutritional needs between hot-blooded horses can vary. Thoroughbreds are notoriously hard keepers. However, most Arabians are easy keepers, and studies found genetic risk factors for equine metabolic syndrome in the Arabians. [8]
Cold-Blooded Horses
Cold-blooded horses are large, heavy breeds without significant amounts of Thoroughbred or Arabian blood.
These horses are the gentle giants of the equine world. Cold-blooded horses typically have calm, kind, and easy-going temperaments. Willing work ethics are another characteristic of cold-blooded breeds.
Studies comparing startle behaviour in cold-blooded and hot-blooded horses found cold-bloods maintain a lower heart rate and calm down quicker than hot-bloods when exposed to a spooky stimulus. [9]
Most cold-blooded breeds have stocky conformations with large heads, short legs, and muscular builds. They are hardy animals with thicker hair than hot-blooded breeds. Some also have hair feathers on their legs.
Breeds
Breeds classified as cold-blooded horses include:
- Belgian Draft Horse: One of the largest horse breeds in the world, these horses descend from Flemish horses and were bred to have the strength to pull heavy farm equipment.
- Clydesdale: These horses originate from Lanarkshire, Scotland and are commonly used as carriage horses and pleasure mounts.
- Shire: The Shire horse was developed in England’s shires and traces its bloodlines to the English Great Horse of the Middle Ages, as well as Flemish and Friesian horses
- Percheron: The Percheron originates from the French region of Le Perche, where it played an important role in the agriculture and livestock industry.
Draft horses have the classic cold-blooded horse type. Sometimes, heavy cob horses are also classified as cold-blooded.
These breeds originated in fertile regions of Europe that could support larger, stronger animals. Farmers developed draft horses for pulling heavy loads and performing hard farm work. [10]
Breeding programs produced heavy horses with steady temperaments and strong work ethics. These traits were essential in working horses used for draft work. Today, they are cornerstones of the cold-blooded horse’s temperament.
Disciplines
Some communities still use cold-blooded draft horses for agriculture. They are also used for logging in areas where modern machinery isn’t practical.
Their conformation is best suited for pulling. Many owners use cold-blooded horses for recreational driving.
Cob breeds are popular cold-blooded riding horses. These horses resemble small drafts but have conformations more suitable for riding. They are strong for their size, and many adult riders who prefer smaller horses ride cobs. Other small cold-blooded breeds include Haflingers and Icelandic horses.
They are typically less spooky and reactive than hot-blooded horses, making them safer for beginner or timid riders.
Management
Most cold-blood horses belong to hardy breeds. They can live outside in cold climates but should still have access to safe shelter.
Cold-blooded horses have lower energy levels than hot-blooded horses. They often don’t need regular, heavy exercise to support good behaviour.
Some draft breeds are predisposed to muscle disorders and stocking up. Maximizing free exercise and turnout time promotes healthy circulation in these horses. [11]
Most cold-blooded horses are easy keepers who can quickly become obese. Smaller cobs are also at higher risk of metabolic disorders.
Work with an equine nutritionist to develop an appropriate diet that keeps your cold-blooded horses at a healthy weight.
Warm-Blooded Horses
Crossing hot-blooded and cold-blooded bloodlines produces a warm-blooded horse. These horses combine attributes from both types of breeds. They typically have calmer temperaments than hot-blooded horses but are more energetic than cold-blooded horses.
An ideal warm-blood horse has a balanced conformation and athletic movement. Most of these horses are strong, agile, intelligent, and willing equine partners.
Breeds
All warmblood breeds are warm-blooded horses, but not all warm-blooded horses belong to warmblood breeds. This group of horses includes other riding breeds with bloodlines from both cold-blooded and hot-blooded horses.
Examples of warmblood breeds include:
- Oldenburg: This breed with German origins is famous for producing sport horses used for dressage and show jumping.
- Hanoverian: Another German breed, these horses from the Hanover region were originally bred as all-purpose horses for agricultural work.
- Dutch Warmblood: This popular breed of sport horses is managed by the Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN) and has strict selection procedures for breeding horses.
- Holsteiner: One of the oldest warmblood breeds in Europe, the Holstein horse was developed in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany.
- Selle Francais: This breed of French Saddle Horses is a popular show-jumping mount, created by crossing native mares with English Thoroughbreds and Norfolk Trotters.
The direct offspring of a cold-blooded parent and a hot-blooded parent is also considered a warm-blooded horse. Irish Sport Horses are well-known warm-blooded horses produced by crossing an Irish Draught and a Thoroughbred.
Warmblood breeds originated in Europe when breeders crossed imported hot-blooded horses on heavier native breeds. Many warmblood breeds still permit outcrosses to approved Arabian and Thoroughbred stallions. [12]
Most warmblood breed registries follow breed standards based on producing the ideal modern sport horse. Several hold mandatory inspections of breeding stock and approve stallions from other warmblood registries to advance the breed standard. [12]
Disciplines
Most horses used for recreational riding today are warm-blooded horses. Crossing hot-blooded and cold-blooded horses produced breeds with the optimal temperament and physical traits for modern riding disciplines. These horses are popular with many different types of riders.
European warmblood breeds dominate the Olympic equestrian disciplines. These sport horses are bred to compete at the top level of dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Some warmblood bloodlines also produce horses for competitive driving.
High-performance competition horses often have hotter temperaments. But plenty of warmbloods and other warm-blooded horses with calmer dispositions make excellent amateur riding mounts.
Management
The best management practices for warm-blooded horses depend on their lifestyle and breed.
Athletic warm-blooded breeds do well in regular training programs that provide daily mental stimulation and exercise. These horses are less likely than hot-blooded horses to develop problematic behaviours. Yet, they still need good handling to promote desired ones.
Warm-blooded horses with intense training and competition schedules have an increased risk of gastric ulcers and other health problems associated with stress. Limiting stall confinement, maximizing daily turnout, and feeding adequate forage helps manage these risks. [13]
Your warm-blooded horse’s nutritional needs vary depending on their workload and metabolism. Horses need a balanced diet to support optimal performance, and feeding energy-dense grain can lead to obesity in these horses.
Finding the Right Fit
Some riders prefer the athleticism, intelligence, and sensitivity of hot-blooded horses. These breeds can advance quickly under experienced trainers. Hot-blooded horses are best for confident riders who can commit to exercising their horse regularly.
Cold-blooded horses are less classically athletic than other breeds. However, they make up for their lack of athleticism with their reliable temperament and kind natures. These gentle giants are good partners for timid riders who ride for pleasure.
Many owners prefer the middle-ground temperament of warm-blooded horses. This group of horses includes several popular riding breeds. Warmblood breeds are a great option for riders with advanced competitive goals.
Ultimately, the best fit for you depends on your goals and the unique personality of your potential horse. Some horses may have temperaments outside the norm for their breed.
Several Factors Influence Behaviour
Even cold-blooded horses can exhibit “hot” behaviours. And some hot-blooded horses are perfectly content napping the day away. Individual personalities vary significantly in horses, and several factors can influence behaviour. [14]
Handling
All horses need good handling to reinforce desirable behaviours. Inexperienced owners may inadvertently teach horses bad habits. Expert guidance and training can help you develop a better partnership with your horse, regardless of breed.
Health
You can’t expect your horse to be his best if he doesn’t feel his best. Pain is a common cause of abnormal behaviour in horses. Illnesses can also make horses lethargic or result in exercise intolerance. If you notice any unexplained changes in behaviour or personality, contact your veterinarian.
Nutrition
Your horse’s diet directly affects his behaviour and energy levels. High-glycemic feeds can contribute to hyperactive behaviour. Ensure you feed a balanced diet with suitable energy levels for your horse’s workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about hot-, warm-, and cold-blooded horses:
The difference between a warm and cold blooded horse reflects their breeding history and general type. Warm-blooded horses descend from crossings of hot-blooded and cold-blooded lines, producing animals with moderate energy and athletic ability. Cold-blooded horses trace to heavy European draft and cob breeds developed for strength and steady work. This background gives cold-blooded horses a naturally calm outlook and powerful build, while warm-blooded horses show a middle-ground balance without the same heavy conformation.
Warm-blooded horses are popular for many riders because they blend agility with a cooperative temperament. These horses inherit agility and intelligence from hot-blooded ancestors while keeping the calmer outlook of cold-blooded breeds. Their balanced movement and willingness to work suit disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and eventing, and they remain approachable for recreational riders seeking a responsive partner.
Feeding concerns for cold-blooded breeds often center on avoiding excess weight. These horses have lower energy requirements and can become obese if fed calorie-dense rations. Smaller cobs face a higher risk of metabolic disorders, so a carefully managed diet with ample forage helps keep them healthy and at a steady weight.
Factors besides breed that influence a horse’s behavior include handling, health, and nutrition. Consistent, knowledgeable training supports good manners, while pain or illness can cause sudden changes in attitude. Diets high in rapidly digestible energy may increase excitability, so thoughtful management across these areas supports a horse’s natural disposition.
Summary
- Warm-blooded, cold-blooded, and hot-blooded are informal terms used to describe groups of horses with similar temperaments and breeding.
- These terms do not have a scientific origin. They are linked to historical names once used for horses with specific bloodlines.
- Hot-blooded horses have sensitive and reactive temperaments. Examples of hot-blooded horses include Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and Barbs.
- Cold-blooded horses have quieter, less-reactive temperaments. Draft breeds are examples of cold-blooded horses.
- Warm-blooded horses combine the temperament traits of cold-blooded and hot-blooded horses. Examples include warmblood breeds and Irish Sport Horses.
- The best type of horse for you will depend on your goals and preferences. Every horse is an individual, and several factors influence temperament.
References
- Landry, D. Steal of a Turk: Restoration horse-trading and eastern bloodstock. Prose Studies.
- Dubois, C. et al. Efficiency of past selection of the French Sport Horse: Selle Français breed and suggestions for the future. Livestock Sci. 2007.
- Glazewska, I. Speculations on the origin of the Arabian horse breed. Livestock Sci. 2010.
- Radovic, L. et al. Y Chromosome Haplotypes Enlighten Origin, Influence, and Breeding History of North African Barb Horses. Animals. 2022.View Summary
- Kang, Z. et al. Genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism data and mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 nucleotide sequence reveal the origin of the Akhal-Teke horse. Anim Biosci. 2023.
- Mousavi, S. et al. Genetic diversity and signatures of selection in four indigenous horse breeds of Iran. Heredity. 2023. View Summary
- Anderson, B. What to Know About the Standardbred Horse.WebMd. 2023.
- Lewis, S. et al. Genomewide association study reveals a risk locus for equine metabolic syndrome in the Arabian horse. J Anim Sci. 2017. View Summary
- Braybrook, Z. The Use of a Startle Test to Determine the Differences Between Hot-Blooded and Cold-Blooded Equines – Is the Stereotype True?. J Anim Sci Technol. 2023.
- Mota-Rojas, D. et al. The Use of Draught Animals in Rural Labour. Animals. 2021. View Summary
- Brys, M. et al. Chronic Progressive Lymphedema in Belgian Draft Horses: Understanding and Managing a Challenging Disease. Vet Sci. 2023.
- Nolte, W. et al. Selection signatures in four German warmblood horse breeds: Tracing breeding history in the modern sport horse. PLoS One. 2019.View Summary
- Hartmann, A. et al. A preliminary investigation into the association between competition and gastric ulcer formation in non-racing performance horses. J Equine Vet Sci. 2003.
- Hausberger, M. et al. Interplay between environmental and genetic factors in temperament/personality traits in horses (Equus caballus). J Comp Psychol. 2004. View Summary
