Equine Breeds Mr Smith Northeastern Agricultural Education Light

Equine Breeds Mr. Smith Northeastern Agricultural Education

Light Horses • Gestation – 11 Months • At least 14. 2 hands tall at the withers • 900 - 1400 pounds • Most common type of horse in the United States

Appaloosa • Well known for speed • Used by the Nez Pence Indians as war horses • Originated from Spanish horses left behind by explorers

Arabian • Originated from Bedouin desert • Known for strength and stamina • Small muzzle • High tail setting • Short back

Morgan • Developed in the United States • America’s first breed of light horse • Descended from one horse, Justin Morgan

Mustang • Developed by Mother Nature in the Western United States • Near extinction in 1970 • Available through the Adopt-A-Horse program from the US Government

American Quarter Horse • Developed in the United States as a race horse • Named for their fast times in the 1/4 mile • Known for speed, strength & intelligence • Most popular horse breed in the world

Tennessee Walking Horse • Originated in Tennessee • Possess a unique running walk gait • Very easy to ride • Preferred horse of traveling preachers

Thoroughbred • Designed to sustain speed over distances while carrying weight • Average 16 hands in height • Revolutionized the racing industry

Draft Horse Breeds

American Cream Draft • Originated from the mare “Old Granny” in Iowa in 1911 • Rich cream color with white mane & tail • Pink skin • Amber colored eyes • Average 1600 -1800 lbs.

Belgian • Originated in Belgium • American Belgian Association is headquartered in Wabash, IN

Clydesdale • Developed in Scotland • Commonly bay in color • Known for four white socks with hairy fetlocks • Made famous in US beer commercials

Friesian • Native to the Netherlands • Prior to WWI there were only 3 sires still alive • Known for long tail & mane • Very calm breed

• Unclear origin • The oldest equine breed • Most popular draft breed in the early 1900 s Percheron

Shire • Developed in England • Most common draft breed in England • Once used to carry knights into battle • Mostly black with white legs