The Ardennes, or Ardennais, is one of the world's oldest and heaviest breeds of draft horses. These horses originate in the Ardennes region across France, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Modern Ardennes horses are recognizable by their massive stature. However, their heavy muscling and large size are associated with health problems common in many draft breeds.

The Connemara is a large pony breed native to Ireland. Their name is derived from the Connemara region in County Galway on Ireland’s west coast, which is where they originated. Legends abound regarding the origins of these Irish ponies. Although the precise history of the breed continues to be researched, the modern Connemara Pony unmistakably mirrors the rugged beauty of the landscape from which they hail.

The Icelandic horse is a popular breed of small equine from Iceland that are famous for their unique tölt, a four-beat lateral gait. With over a thousand years of integration into Icelandic culture, these gaited horses are a beloved icon of their native country.

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 on the Great Plains rode Curly horses more than two centuries ago, and feral Curlies still roam alongside Mustangs in the American West. However, not all curly horse breeds share a common ancestry, and multiple genetic mutations can result in the curly hair phenotype.

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 that were gifted to Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War General and 18th president of the United States.

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 are dedicated to protecting the breed’s genetic diversity and preserving their ancient lineage.

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 can perform a distinct four-beat lateral gait called the single foot. Their smooth movement made them efficient for traversing the rough terrain of eastern Kentucky and contributes to their modern popularity as trail 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 harsh climate of North Atlantic islands, these ponies were able to thrive in their new Canadian home. Settlers kept free-roaming herds of these ponies in Newfoundland, where the population once grew into the thousands.

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 feral population on the island, including an annual pony swim and auction on Chincoteague Island. Foals sold in the auction go to private homes to lead domesticated lives as beloved pleasure and show ponies.

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 Iberian breeds in Spain. Many breeds in the Western Hemisphere can trace their ancestry to Spanish Barbs brought to the New World by European explorers and settlers.

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 region. This breed descends from Iberian horses brought to the continent by Spanish explorers. Once used by the gaucho horsemen and cowboys of the Pampas, Criollo horses are famous for their hardiness and endurance.

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 breed, and efforts continue to preserve the most primitive horse breed in Great Britain. Although no longer wild, some private owners manage these ponies in a near-feral state on their native lands.

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 that contributed to the early development of several Middle Eastern horse breeds. Formerly, historians believed these horses were extinct until the late 20th century.