HORSE BREED INFORMATION
American Cream Draft
Avg Height: 15–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Developed in early 1900s Iowa from a foundation mare; bred for farm and draft work
Characteristics: Cream coat, amber eyes, pink skin; medium draft build; white mane/tail
Qualities: Calm, willing, easy to handle; adaptable for work or show
Specialties: Light draft work, driving, farm use, show
Unique Fact: The only draft breed developed in the United States
American Curly
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Originated from naturally occurring curly-coated horses; later selectively bred for versatility and temperament
Characteristics: Curly coat (winter), curly mane/eyelashes; can shed to smooth coat in summer; all colors
Qualities: Gentle, intelligent, people-oriented; often considered hypoallergenic
Specialties: Trail riding, therapy work, all-around riding
Unique Fact: Known for being suitable for many people with horse allergies
Appaloosa
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Developed by the Nez Perce tribe for stamina, speed, and versatility
Characteristics: Spotted coat patterns; mottled skin; striped hooves; visible sclera
Qualities: Athletic, hardy, versatile; strong endurance and trainability
Specialties: Trail, ranch work, western events, endurance
Unique Fact: Each Appaloosa’s coat pattern is completely unique—no two are alike
Arabian
Avg Height: 14–15 hh
Origin: Middle East
History: One of the oldest breeds; bred by Bedouins for endurance, loyalty, and desert survival
Characteristics: Dished face, large eyes, arched neck, high tail carriage; commonly bay, gray, chestnut
Qualities: Intelligent, sensitive, loyal; high stamina and strong human bond
Specialties: Endurance riding, show, sport horse disciplines, breeding influence
Unique Fact: Arabian bloodlines are found in nearly every modern horse breed
Buckskin
Buckskin (Color Type)
Common Breeds: Quarter Horse, Mustang, Andalusian, Morgan
Avg Height: Varies by breed
Origin: Varies by breed
History: Not a breed; color produced by a cream dilution gene acting on a bay base coat
Characteristics: Golden/tan body; black mane, tail, and lower legs; dark points
Qualities: Striking contrast; highly sought-after across western disciplines
Specialties: Ranch work, western performance, trail
Unique Fact: Often mistaken for dun but lacks primitive markings
Donkey
Avg Height: 9–14 hh
Origin: Africa
History: Domesticated over 5,000 years ago for packing, transport, and farm work
Characteristics: Long ears, upright mane, narrow hooves; typically gray, brown, black with dorsal stripe
Qualities: Intelligent, hardy, cautious; strong self-preservation instincts
Specialties: Packing, livestock guardians, driving, companion animals
Unique Fact: Frequently used to guard livestock against predators like coyotes
Dun
Dun (Color Type)
Common Breeds: Norwegian Fjord, Mustang, Quarter Horse, Icelandic Horse
Avg Height: Varies by breed
Origin: Varies by breed
History: Not a breed; dilution gene that lightens the body while preserving primitive markings
Characteristics: Dorsal stripe; leg barring; shoulder stripe; body in tan, red, or gray shades
Qualities: Valued for primitive, natural look; common in hardy working horses
Specialties: Ranch work, trail, heritage breeds
Unique Fact: True dun coloring always includes primitive markings
Fjord
Avg Height: 13–14.2 hh
Origin: Norway
History: Ancient breed used by Vikings for farming, transport, and war
Characteristics: Dun coloring; dorsal stripe; two-toned upright mane; compact, powerful build
Qualities: Calm, strong, reliable; excellent for beginners and families
Specialties: Driving, farm work, trail, therapy programs
Unique Fact: Mane is traditionally trimmed to highlight the dorsal stripe
Foundation Morgan
Avg Height: 14–15 hh
Origin: United States
History: Descendants of the original Morgan lines tracing back to Justin Morgan; preserved for traditional type and versatility
Characteristics: Compact, muscular build; expressive head; commonly bay, black, chestnut
Qualities: Loyal, intelligent, versatile; strong work ethic and stamina
Specialties: Driving, ranch work, versatility disciplines
Unique Fact: Considered the closest modern representation of the original Morgan horse
Friesian
Avg Height: 15–17 hh
Origin: Netherlands
History: Ancient war horse turned carriage and farm horse; later refined for elegance and movement.
Characteristics: Solid black coat, long flowing mane and tail, feathered legs, high-stepping movement.
Qualities: Gentle, willing, people-oriented, flashy and powerful mover.
Specialties: Driving, dressage, exhibition, film work.
Unique Fact: Friesians are almost exclusively black.
Gypsy Vanner
Avg Height: 14–15.2 hh
Origin: United Kingdom
History: Bred by Romani travelers to pull caravans; selected for strength, temperament, and appearance
Characteristics: Heavy feathering; long mane/tail; often black and white (piebald/skewbald); compact draft build
Qualities: Calm, kind, highly trainable; family-friendly temperament
Specialties: Driving, pleasure riding, show, therapy work
Unique Fact: Specifically bred to be the ideal family horse that could also pull a home on wheels
Iberian Warmblood
Avg Height: 15–17 hh
Origin: Europe
History: Developed from Iberian breeds (Andalusian/Lusitano) crossed with warmbloods for sport performance
Characteristics: Refined but powerful build; arched neck; expressive movement; commonly bay, gray, black
Qualities: Athletic, trainable, balanced; combines elegance with performance ability
Specialties: Dressage, jumping, sport disciplines
Unique Fact: Blends classical Iberian movement with modern sport horse athleticism
Icelandic
Avg Height: 13–14 hh
Origin: Iceland
History: Brought by Vikings over 1,000 years ago; bred in isolation for purity and durability
Characteristics: Thick coat; compact, sturdy build; all colors; known for extra gaits (tölt, pace)
Qualities: Hardy, sure-footed, friendly; thrives in harsh conditions
Specialties: Trail riding, endurance, gaited riding
Unique Fact: Iceland strictly prohibits importing horses to protect breed purity and health
Miniature Horse
Avg Height: Under 34 in
Origin: Europe
History: Bred down in size from small horses and ponies for nobility, later refined in the U.S.
Characteristics: Small, refined proportions; resembles full-sized horse; all colors and patterns
Qualities: Gentle, intelligent, easy to handle; great companions
Specialties: Therapy work, driving, companion animals, show
Unique Fact: Often used as service animals due to intelligence and trainability
Missouri Fox Trotter
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Developed in the Ozarks for smooth travel over rough terrain
Characteristics: Muscular build; smooth gait (fox trot); commonly bay, chestnut, black
Qualities: Sure-footed, comfortable ride, willing disposition
Specialties: Trail riding, endurance, ranch work
Unique Fact: Known for a signature gait where the front walks while the hind end trots
Morgan
Avg Height: 14–15.2 hh
Origin: United States
History: One of America’s first breeds; descended from Justin Morgan, known for versatility and strength
Characteristics: Compact, muscular; expressive head; commonly bay, black, chestnut
Qualities: Versatile, willing, people-oriented; excels across disciplines
Specialties: Driving, saddle seat, ranch, sport, pleasure
Unique Fact: Influenced many American breeds including the Quarter Horse and Standardbred
Moriesian
Avg Height: 15–17 hh
Origin: United States
History: Cross between Morgan and Friesian to combine versatility with presence and movement
Characteristics: Strong, elegant build; often black but can be bay or chestnut; moderate feathering
Qualities: Balanced temperament, athletic, trainable
Specialties: Dressage, driving, pleasure riding
Unique Fact: Designed to merge Morgan work ethic with Friesian elegance
Mule
Avg Height: 12–17 hh
Origin: Worldwide
History: Hybrid of a male donkey and female horse; bred for strength, endurance, and reliability
Characteristics: Long ears; strong, lean build; tough hooves; wide range of colors
Qualities: Intelligent, sure-footed, hardy; strong self-preservation instincts
Specialties: Packing, trail riding, farm work, endurance
Unique Fact: Most mules are sterile, making each one a unique cross
Mustang
Avg Height: 14–15 hh
Origin: United States
History: Descended from Spanish horses brought to North America; evolved as wild free-roaming horses
Characteristics: Hardy, compact build; all colors; strong hooves
Qualities: Resilient, intelligent, adaptable; strong survival instincts
Specialties: Trail riding, endurance, versatility after training
Unique Fact: Managed by the U.S. government through the Wild Horse & Burro Program
Paint
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Developed from Quarter Horse stock with pinto coloring; valued for both color and performance
Characteristics: Distinct white and dark coat patterns (overo, tobiano, tovero); muscular build
Qualities: Versatile, calm, athletic; widely used across disciplines
Specialties: Ranch work, western events, trail, versatility
Unique Fact: Combines stock horse ability with bold color patterns
Palomino
Palomino (Color Type)
Common Breeds: Quarter Horse, Arabian, Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse
Avg Height: Varies by breed
Origin: Varies by breed
History: Not a breed; created by a single cream dilution gene on a chestnut base
Characteristics: Golden coat; white or light cream mane and tail
Qualities: Highly sought-after for eye-catching color across many disciplines
Specialties: Western, pleasure, show, trail
Unique Fact: True palominos can produce different colors depending on breeding genetics
Percheron
Avg Height: 16–18 hh
Origin: France
History: Bred as war horses, later used for heavy draft and farm work
Characteristics: Large, muscular build; commonly gray or black; clean legs (minimal feathering)
Qualities: Strong, willing, intelligent; more refined than many draft breeds
Specialties: Draft work, driving, farm, show
Unique Fact: Known for combining power with a relatively refined, elegant appearance
Peruvian Paso
Avg Height: 14–15 hh
Origin: Peru
History: Bred from Spanish horses for smooth travel and endurance over long distances
Characteristics: Naturally gaited; smooth, flowing movement; commonly bay, chestnut, black
Qualities: Exceptionally smooth ride; calm, willing temperament
Specialties: Gaited riding, trail, pleasure
Unique Fact: Known for the “termino”, a unique outward swinging foreleg motion
Pintaloosa
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Cross between Appaloosa and Pinto to combine color traits from both
Characteristics: Mix of Appaloosa spotting and Pinto patterns; varied build; colorful coats
Qualities: Versatile, eye-catching, athletic
Specialties: Show, trail, western disciplines
Unique Fact: Combines two of the most recognizable color patterns into one horse
Pony of the Americas (POA)
Avg Height: 11–14 hh
Origin: United States
History: Developed to create a child-friendly pony with Appaloosa coloring and good temperament
Characteristics: Appaloosa coat patterns; small, sturdy build; colorful appearance
Qualities: Gentle, trainable, youth-focused; versatile and athletic
Specialties: Youth riding, show, trail, all-around events
Unique Fact: Specifically bred as the ideal youth mount with size, color, and disposition in mind
Quarab
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Cross between Arabian and Quarter Horse to combine endurance with stock horse versatility
Characteristics: Refined head with muscular build; commonly bay, chestnut, gray
Qualities: Athletic, versatile, intelligent; balanced temperament
Specialties: Trail, endurance, ranch work, versatility
Unique Fact: Blends Arabian stamina with Quarter Horse power and practicality
Quarter Horse
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Bred for short-distance speed and ranch work; developed from colonial Spanish and English horses
Characteristics: Muscular, compact build; powerful hindquarters; commonly sorrel, bay, black
Qualities: Versatile, calm, highly trainable; strong work ethic
Specialties: Ranch work, rodeo, western disciplines, sprint racing
Unique Fact: Fastest horse over a quarter mile—hence the name
Roan
Roan (Color Type)
Common Breeds: Quarter Horse, Belgian, American Paint Horse, Welsh Pony
Avg Height: Varies by breed
Origin: Varies by breed
History: Not a breed; caused by a gene that evenly mixes white hairs with a base coat
Characteristics: Even mix of white and colored hairs; head and legs stay darker; red, blue, or bay roan
Qualities: Eye-catching, consistent pattern that doesn’t fade with age
Specialties: Found across working, draft, and performance horses
Unique Fact: Roan coloring remains consistent throughout life, unlike gray horses
Rocky Mountain Horse
Avg Height: 14–16 hh
Origin: United States
History: Developed in Kentucky for smooth riding and farm work in mountainous terrain
Characteristics: Solid colors; often chocolate with flaxen mane/tail; smooth natural gait
Qualities: Calm, sure-footed, smooth ride; family-friendly temperament
Specialties: Trail riding, gaited riding, pleasure
Unique Fact: Known for an exceptionally smooth four-beat gait called the “single-foot”
Shetland Pony
Avg Height: 7–11 hh
Origin: Scotland
History: Originated in the harsh Shetland Islands; used for farm work and coal mines
Characteristics: Small, sturdy build; thick coat; all colors
Qualities: Hardy, strong for size, intelligent; can be spirited
Specialties: Driving, children’s mounts, show
Unique Fact: Can pull twice their body weight despite their small size
Tennessee Walker
Avg Height: 14–17 hh
Origin: United States
History: Bred in the southern U.S. for smooth riding over long plantation distances
Characteristics: Refined build; long neck; smooth gait; commonly bay, black, chestnut
Qualities: Gentle, smooth ride, willing disposition
Specialties: Gaited riding, trail, show
Unique Fact: Famous for the ultra-smooth “running walk” gait
Thoroughbred
Avg Height: 15.2–17 hh
Origin: England
History: Developed for racing from Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman bloodlines
Characteristics: Tall, lean, athletic build; long legs; commonly bay, chestnut, gray
Qualities: Fast, competitive, athletic; high energy and stamina
Specialties: Racing, jumping, eventing, sport disciplines
Unique Fact: Foundation breed for modern horse racing worldwide
Welsh Pony
Avg Height: 11–13.2 hh
Origin: Wales
History: Ancient pony breed shaped by rugged terrain; used for riding, driving, and farm work
Characteristics: Refined yet sturdy; expressive face; commonly gray, bay, chestnut, black
Qualities: Intelligent, versatile, good temperament; great for youth and adults
Specialties: Driving, show, youth riding, versatility
Unique Fact: Divided into four sections (A–D) based on size and type