Basics of the Horse Breed

  Horses have a history that spans across centuries. Once used as the main mode of transportation, horses today are usually used for sports or recreation. Starting from the knights of the Middle Ages, the dreaded Ghengis Khan to the cowboys of the Wild West, the animal with huge utilitarian value has witnessed it all.

  Considering the various jobs the horse had to do, it is no wonder that several horse breeds have also developed over the years. Such breeds can be categorized under three broad classifications: light, heavy and pony. Some would go one step further and divide these categories in to more sub groups like warm bloods, draft and varieties of gaited horses.

  Unlike dogs and cats which have their exclusive breed registry, each horse breed mere has its own breed association. But for the various equestrian events and competitions like United States Equestrian Federation and the British Equestrian Federation, there are national horse associations in existence. 

Understanding Light Horse Breed 

  The elegant yet fast Arabian is one of the oldest light horse breeds. Known for its power of endurance and vitality this particular horse breed has been a prized participant during the desert races, continuing for the past several hundred years. Not just good looking, Arabian horses unexpectedly, are known to be gentle mannered and friendly.

  The Thoroughbred is yet another close relative of the Arabian. Able to fetch the highest prices in the world, this light horse breed have become famous ever since horse racing became a big money spinner. However, the Thoroughbred might not fit the bill of a safe family horse, mainly because of its reputation of being highly temperamental. It can also escape if ridden by a novice.

 The Quarter Horse, which initially started as an American cow horse, could be a good idea if you are looking for an all-rounder horse breed. This horse could comfortably help you round up cattle, compete in races, finish arduous trail competitions and also take you for a comfortable ride when you want it to. The origin of the name goes back to its ability to run at high speeds for a quarter mile.

  If you are keen on a horse that is friendly towards the whole family, hardworking and is smaller in dimensions, try to have a look at the Morgan horse. The horse is named after its developer, a man called Justin Morgan, who was dumbfounded at the stamina the horse possessed, combined with an amicable nature of this relatively smaller animal. Because most of Morgan’s foals characteristics matched with this amazing animal, it was relatively easy for him to create a breed from this single horse. With subsequent refinement, the Morgan gained in elegance in terms of looks but retained its might, chiseled body features and friendly manners.

  How can you talk about horse breeds without mentioning the ever popular Miniature Horse? Though some consider it as a breed of pony, it is still categorized as a horse as it does not carry any of the pony traits. This horse breed is used mostly as a companion or as a guide for the blind or disabled people.

   The other light horse breeds that are favorites with people include the the Appaloosa, the Standardbred, the Saddlebred, the Tennessee Walking Horse, the Paint and the Paso Fino.

There are other options available to choose from, other than light horse breeds. Once used to fight heavy wars, in farming or to pull huge loads, the heavy horse breeds are also animals to look at. Needless to mention, that a child who is riding for the first time, ought to be given a smaller horse, the pony, considered perfect for kids. 

Basics of Heavy Horse Breed 

  Draft horses and war horses are the two essential types of heavy horse breed. Puling wagons or working on the farm were two areas where draft horse were used, while the war horses were trained in dressage. The dressage is a complex training schedule that is touch both for the rider as well as the horse.
 
You have in all likelihood seen what a draft horse like Clydesdale looks like if you have witnessed the Budweiser wagon in parades. Though this horse breed was used to lug heavy loads, because of its pleasant disposition, it can be used to have a ride as well.

  Smaller than the Clydesdale but as strong, the Percheron is another popular draft horse. Those who prefer a calm and relaxed cart horse, the Percheron make the ideal choice. Because it is intelligent, it can be trained well too. The down side of this horse breed is that they come only in black or gray colors. So you might have to look at another breed if these colors are not what you are looking for.

   The Belgian, the Shire and the Suffolk Punch are the other types of draft horses available, in case you are not too comfortable with these draft horse breeds. While the Shire and the Suffolk might pose a problem as they are difficult to come by amongst all draft horse breeds, the Belgian horse is more readily available since they are popular with Amish farmers.
 
  The Lipizanner is perhaps one of the most sought after descendants of the war horse. They are memorable for their amazing dressage performances. In fact, the Vienna Lipizzaners are taken round the globe to perform in front of royalty to school children. Be that as it may, this horse breed is rare and the only place in the world that you can find them is Austria.

More about the pony

   The sturdy and stodgy looking Shetland pony is the first animal that comes to mind when we hear the term pony. Easy going, friendly this pony has the right temperament for children. But watch out. The younger ponies are known to be irritable and temperamental too.

  The child who is used to riding a Shetland pony would normally graduate to a Welsh or a Connemara pony. Usually Welsh ponies are smaller in their stature, but the Cob variety can carry even teens and adults. On the contrary the Connemara is smaller is structure but good for teens or adults who have a short stature.

  Irrespective of whether you opt for a pony, any one of the light horse or heavy horse breeds, you have a wide range of selection to choose from. If you want to be completely sure that you are choosing the right horse breed, look at a few horses yourself, before you make an informed decision.