The Beauty of Horses
Most beautiful horse breeds
In the world today there are more than 600 horse breeds. Each of them has its own charm and character. The horse breeds commonly considered the most beautiful are the Friesian, Arabian, Andalusian, Clydesdale, and Lipizzaner. Many of the most beautiful horse breeds such as the Arabian have been selectively bred in recent centuries to look unique for local horse shows.
Akhal-Tekes
These horses come from an ancient horse breed and are known for their unique metallic shine. There appears to be about 6,000 Akhal-tekes left in the world. The Akhal Teke Association of America explains that the opaque core of the hair shaft is replaced by the transparent medulla, which bends the light to create a metallic glow. These horses are used for long-distance riding and for most English disciplines. The famous perlino Akhal-Teke stallion Kambarbay has been declared numerously as the most beautiful horse in the world.
Andalusians (Pictured above)
Andalusians are a Spanish horse breed that dates back to the 15th century. They have long, thick manes and tails. These horses traveled on the ships of the conquistadors to the New World. Some of them escaped and became wild Mustangs. They were often used for bullfighting and are a breed for classical dressage and filmmaking.
Arabians
The origins of Arabian horses date back to 3,000 BC. They are among the most ancient breeds in the world. Arabians were shaped by the nomadic Beduins on the Arabian Peninsula. They have the potential to excel in any discipline having outstanding stamins. Arabians are valued in the endurance sport.
Black Forest Horses
These horses originated from the Black Forest region of Germany. This breed is often referred to as the "Golden Retriever" of horses due to their outstanding patience and gentle temperament. They were originally used in forestry and agriculture. Now they are a popular breed for both riding and driving. The breed is currently under “endangered” status and is protected by the German government.
Clydesdales
Clydesdales know how to sell beer and are the stars of the Budweiser commercials. They are known for their thick, flowing feathers, white blaze, and docile temperament. This breed originated in the Clyde River Valley in Lanarkshire, Scotland. During the 19th and 20th centuries, they were exported in large numbers to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States where they became popular farm animals. These are large draft horses and are used for agriculture and forestry. Clydesdales are easy to train. Along with Shire horses, Clydesdales have also been selected for the honor of parading on royal ceremonies as drum horses.
Friesians
This horse breed is considered to be the most beautiful horse breed int he world. Friesians are native to Friesland in the Netherlands. They have black coats and long flowing manes. These horses were originally bred for medieval European knights to ride into battle. Friesians also pulled carriages for European royalty. After the Industrial Revolution this breed of horses became popular for carriage drivers, dressage riders, and the film industry.
Gypsy Vanners
These beautiful horses are used by Irish travelers and a common sight in Ireland and the British Isles. These are cob-type horses with long, flowing feathers on their legs and are commonly black or white. Gypsy Vanners are known for their funny mustaches. They are great for children's pony rides and amateur competitions.
Haflingers
Haflingers are known for their chestnut coloring and flazen manes and tails. They originate from the mountainous region of Hafling in Austria and Northern Italy. These horses were created for forestry and agricultural work as well as riding and driving. Haflingers served in the Austrian Army. They are easy to keep and have long lifespans. Haflingers are often used for equine-assisted therapy.
Knabstruppers
Knabstruppers are a Danish horse breed known for their lovely spotted coloration. These horses were bred in the early 19th century. At one time they were the mounts of the Danish cavalry, but their peculiar leopard coat made them an easy target. Knabstruppers can be found in both horse and pony sizes and are widely used as circus horses.
Lipizzaners
Lipizzaners were bred in the 16th century by a stud farm in the Austrian Empire. They are relatives to Spanish, Arabian, and Barb horses. These beautiful grey or white horses are the national horses of Slovenia. Lipizzaners are used by the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna performing advanced classical dressage. The horses arrive at the school when they are four years old and are usually fully trained by the time they reach ten. Lipizzaners perform well in show jumpting and eventing and are most widely used in Middle European countries. These horses are born black and mature into a light gray color.
Marwaris
Marwaris are lovely horses native to North-Western India. They have exotic-looking inward-curving ears. This breed is closely related to the Kathiawari horses. They are known to have exceptional hearing. Traditionally, owning a Marwari was the privilege of Indian royalty and nobility. These horses were also valued warhorses due to their bravery and remarkable ability to find their way home. They perform well in most English disciplines including polo.
Percherons
Percherons are the heavyweight champions of the horse world. These horses were originally used as warhorses in the former Perche province of Western France. They are used for agriculture and hauling heavy cargo. In the late 19th century they some were sent to the US. Percherons are usually white or black and heavily muscled.
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Rasma Raisters
My passions are writing and creating poetry. I write for several sites online and have four themed blogs on Wordpress. Please follow me on Twitter.
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