Posts Tagged ‘breeds of horses’

There are as many horse facts as there are breeds of horses and fanciers to raise them. The smallest of horses is called the Fallabella Miniature Horse, and it can be housebroken and kept as an inside pet. Outside of this breed though, a horse is a horse, not an animal like a big dog.

All horses on the Earth today can trace their ancestry to the Arabian horse. These majestic horses used to live with their owners in tents in the desert, and they are still a breed that is hardy and forms close attachments to its people. The Arabian is a hot-blooded horse, though, and when American farmers needed horses to pull plows and not just carts, they needed something bigger.

They learned from what their European cousins had already done, and bred the Arabs with larger horses called cold-bloods or drafters. This not only developed into a bigger horse, facts confirm, but it also calmed the temperament somewhat, since Arabs can be high-strung.

For racing, the best horse, facts state, is the Thoroughbred. This is arguably the fastest horse, unless you’re racing a quarter of a mile. The winners in short races like this are usually American Quarter Horses, whose very name comes from the race it was bred to win. Quarter Horses also make great cattle horses, with a cow sense that can tell them what a calf will do, before it does it.

For those who enjoy the beauty of different and unusual colors of horses, there are breeds who carry genes that insure colorful patterns in their young. The American Paint horse and the Pinto Horse both have colorful coat patterns of black, brown, or other colors and white. The Paint horse must have both parents registered as Paints, Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds. Pinto horses, on the other hand, are any horses with the pinto markings. Their background may be of any breed.

Appaloosas are also colorful. They make have a blanket and spots on their rump, or they may be speckled and spotted all over. There are different patterns of Appaloosas, and they can be very striking. Their patterns include snowflake, blanket, leopard and semi-leopard. In build, both Paints and Appaloosas are built normally like the typical Quarter Horse.

The Morgan Horse, facts say, is another breed that most people agree was founded in this country. He is perfectly suited for hauling carts or small wagons, and he is a hardy breed with sound feet.

The main Draft horses used in the United States are the Clydesdale, the Percheron and the Belgian. Clydesdales are usually bay in color, and are the most well-known draft horse breed, thanks to the Budweiser Clydesdales of St Louis, MO. Percherons can be gray, black or white. They are born black and get lighter as they age. Belgians are usually blond in color, and they are the main work horse for Amish farmers.

The Amish also usually use a special breed for pulling their carts. The Standardbred is generally dark brown, bay or black in color, and they have a choppy trot that it useful for pulling but difficult to ride astride. Amish horses are usually hardy, and you’ll rarely see them blanketed, even in the coldest of weather, since they allow them to grow thick winter coats.

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Author: Jenny Styles
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A horse is a horse of course, so what is a breed?

There are more than 150 different breeds of horses in the world. Horses were originally a source of food and hunted by man. Since man has been domesticating horses he has bred for selective traits. That is man has bred for developing physical characteristics needed to perform a certain type of work.

Breeds began to take form by demand. When man needed horses to move heavy loads, horses were bred for strength. When man needed transportation he bred for speed and endurance. Horses are used in several ways overtime and different breeds continue to be developed. We can classify each breed into three main categories, namely: light, heavy and pony.

The Arabian horse is light and refined; it is the oldest and purest of all horse breeds. The Arabian developed as a fast horse with endurance, able to long distances in dry climates.
Heavy draft horses, such as the Belgian Horse developed from the need to pull plows and help with other farm work. Ponies have developed from most, if not all breeds, being needed to transport children as well as to work in mine shafts. Ponies have also been beneficial for work where the forage was insufficient to support larger draft animals.

Other jobs horses have been bred to perform include carrying heavily-armored knights, herding other animals, pulling carriages, racing and packing supplies. Man has taken the job and the horse and bred for selective traits to produce a capable animal.

Much of how the horse developed can be learned from his history. As early man became more mobile horses began to be used as pack animals and later became a harness animal to replace oxen. Today horses are used mainly for sport or pleasure.

You may often hear of a breed and live never to see one in person. Some horse breeds are very rare and other horse breeds are in other parts of the world. It is not always easy to tell a breed of a horse at first glance. Most horse and ponies are cross bred, that is they descend from different breeds.
Knowing different horse breeds and their specific traits certainly helps out when you want to buy a horse! There is always the possibility of a scam in any market and the horse industry is no different. Read about the horse breed before you make your purchase.

If you are looking to buy a quiet horse for calm, no fuss long trail rides then you sure do not want to buy a thoroughbred that just ended his race career. You might be more suited to a Quarter Horse, but they are not available in every country.

Look at your local classified ads, visit a riding stable and find out what type of breeds are available and then read about that horse breed! You do not need to get suckered into buying a horse that is bred for pulling carriages. Knowing at least something about the breed would prepare you. It will save you time and money and if you still want to buy the horse, you will sure know that you are in for a bumpy ride!

Horse Guide.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse Breeds. Learn about your horses anatomy.

Author: Benjamin Wise
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The planned mating of horses that is directed by humans has given rise to a number of special breeds of horses. Breeders, the persons who help facilitate healthy horse breeding, seek to bring about an enhancement in the physical performance abilities of the offspring or foal even more than improving their appearance. This matching of ‘form to function’ is a successful means of development of different healthy and (functionally) superior breeds.

People from all over the world have owned horses for various reasons. This is just the reason why various breeds of horses had been developed over the years to provide improved efficiency at particular tasks. Horses can now be classified into three main categories- pony, light and heavy. There can, however, be created further subcategories like draft horses, gaited horses and warmbloods.

It is by learning about these various breeds that an idea can be formed on the kind of horse best suited for a situation and a particular type of work. Some horses are best suited for children to ride on them while some are right for the whole family’s riding purpose. Again, some other horses may be appropriate for racing- the race horses while some others may prove to be helpful on the ranch.

There are a number of popular breeds of ponies the smallest among which is the Shetland pony which is given to children as their first horse to ride on. For older children the Connemara pony is recommended. This being larger than the Shetland is suitable for older children. The Welsh pony little larger than the Connemara is a good breed of horse for young adults and young teens to ride on.

Among the light breeds of horses feature the Miniature Horses. Though this may seem like a pony but it is not actually one. It does not have the characteristics of the pony. This horse serves as a companion for children and also acts as a guide for the disabled. The adored Arabian horses also come into the category of light horses. These are attractive, loving, graceful and speedy horses. The Arabian horse is perceived to be a perfect breed. Not only does it possess the required speed and endurance for racing but it also has got a kind and noble disposition.

The popular light breed horse Thoroughbred is a descendant of the Arabian horse. This being a fast horse is well suited for racing purposes. For ranching a Quarter Horse, an American breed, is most appropriate. The Morgan Horse, a family friendly and hardworking horse is another smaller but useful horse.

Besides these there are also the heavy breeds or heavy horses which include the draft horses or the horses that were used in battle at a time. The Percheron is a small and powerful heavy horse which is easier to train while the attractive Clydesdale is the most famous of the draft horses which were bred to work on farms or pull carts and wagons.

Author: Tania Penwell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Ever since I was a little girl, I hoped and prayed for a horse to call my own. It became a ritual every birthday and Christmas that I would first check the property for a horse tied up to the plum tree, or stabled in the garage with the family sedan. Of course, I was totally nave as to the expense of owning a horse and so I was always disappointed. Somewhere in my teens I gave up on the dream. So it was at the more mature age of 31 that my dream was finally realised and I became the owner of a precious baby girl (well, 14-year-old ex-Pacer, Standardbred mare). But to me she was my new baby and she came with the most perfect name, Angel.

So here was my dream, in living colour, high spirits and dignified stubbornness. I … well I was an untrained and inexperienced, though willing, Mum of one huge equine. I had no gear and even less of an idea. So began my training to become a suitable mum for my beloved dream come true.

The first step was to read books; lots of them. However none of them can physically prepare for the task of caring for a horse. I learned a lot since obtaining Angel, because I just had to get out there and do it, or ask someone else how to do it. I have a lot more to learn yet and I find it a rewarding and exciting path. This article provides some basics for anyone considering getting a pony or horse or who has just landed that dream and does not know where to start, just as I began my journey.

It is important that you talk to experts such as your vet and local horse club for professional advice. Other helpful tips and suggestions can be obtained through talking to horse owners, phoning or visiting the local pony club, or joining a horse forum on the Internet. Horse people love to talk about horses.

There are numerous breeds of horses available. You will need to look for an animal that has the correct temperament, abilities and height. Breeds such as thoroughbreds are tall and can be too high-spirited for a beginner. A Standardbred, like Angel, has an unusual gait (movement) which is uncomfortable until you are used to it. Look at the history of the horse – is it flighty, can it handle traffic noise, how old is it, does it have scars or uneven hoof wear which could indicate lameness? There are numerous things to look at, so if you can,have a knowledgeable and experienced person available to help you choose, there is a much better chance of a happy horse- rider relationship.

Once you have the horse or pony, the first, and most obvious concern, is where to keep your new pet. Horses require a lot of grazing, fresh water and room for exercise. Alternatively you can stable a horse just like you would send a dog to a kennel for a holiday. It depends on where you live and what your budget is like as to which is the most suitable option. When I got Angel, I spent months trying to find grazing for her, all to no avail. The former owners kindly let me keep her on at their farm, but most people selling or giving away a horse will not want to do this. Prepare yourself for a lot of telephone time and legwork checking out any vacant paddocks around your area. Look for a paddock that is well fenced, has a working water trough or natural flowing water, and ideally some form of shelter from weather extremes. This could be as simple as a shelterbelt or hedge. Also take note of any poisonous plants such as hemlock, buttercup, oak or foxglove, and any debris like tin cans, broken glass or hidden branches. These can all harm your horse.

Now that your horse has a place to stay, you will be wondering what to feed him. A grazing horse has fewer needs than a stabled horse, but may still require extra feed such as hay and oats during winter, and a salt lick, especially during summer. What you feed your horse depends on how much work they are doing, what temperament they have, and their condition, therefore professional advice should be obtained. A stabled horse relies on what you feed it so it will need a larger supply of hay, grains and dry pellets. An apple or carrot is good for your horse too, whether stabled or grazing. When feeding a carrot make sure to cut it lengthwise as small circular pieces can choke them. Remember the water, fresh and plenty of it as a horse can drink up to 55 litres per day.

Now housed and fed the health of your horse is the next priority to ensure their happiness and your enjoyment. To this end your horse will need to be regularly groomed, wormed and be seen by a farrier.

Grooming:
A grazed horse requires less grooming than a stabled horse because the natural oils in the coat help protect them from the weather. The most basic grooming required is to pick out their hooves to remove stones, which can cause bruising or lameness, and to remove mud and manure; a brush down with a curry comb to remove mud; and combing the mane and tail to remove knots and foreign matter. To brush a horse, use very firm strokes that wont tickle him. Horses have ticklish spots just like our feet. If the horse starts twitching or becomes restless as a particular area is groomed that might signal a ticklish spot, and could result in a pay-back nip from the horse.

To pick out the hooves, stand beside your horse and run your hand down the back of their leg. Most horses will raise the leg for you. Hold the hoof firmly and pick it out from the heel to the toe, avoiding the soft frog area (triangular middle piece). There is much more to grooming, but starting with these basics will ensure a happy comfortable horse. It will also provide you confidence in working around your horse. As you gain assurance and knowledge you can move onto other areas.

Worming:
It is essential that this be done regularly, every six to eight weeks. Horses can ingest worms through the grass and hay they eat, so cleaning up manure in the paddock helps stop the spread of worm eggs and other parasites. Your vet should be consulted for the size of the dosage and the frequency as it will vary according to the gender, age and state (e.g. pregnancy) of the horse.

Farrier (Blacksmith):
Your horse will need to be seen by a farrier every six to eight weeks to have their hooves trimmed. If the horse is wearing shoes then it may need loose or worn shoes to be fixed or replaced. Lack of regular attention on the hooves can lead to lameness, potentially resulting in permanent injury. Their hooves are just like human fingernails -growing rapidly and prone to chip, break, crack or split. If the horse is ridden frequently and on hard surfaces, shoes are required so that the hooves do not wear down too quickly.

After all of the above, only the primary needs of your horse have been attended to. There is much more, but as with my experience, it can be learned as you go along. There is one aspect that I havent discussed and that is the exercising, or riding, of your horse.

Some horses may come with their own gear or a local horse-owner may have some spare gear you could borrow, lease, or buy. The very minimum you will need is a lead-rope and halter so that you can catch and tie up your horse. For riding, starter saddle kits are available at a very reasonable price but will invariably not last as long as a more expensive set. Talking to your local saddler will help you unravel the somewhat confusing needs of saddle size and style, girth size, leather type and care. An essential item that you will need to invest in is a good riding helmet. I advise to get brand new over second hand so that you can guarantee its safety has not been compromised. A lunge rope and whip for non-riding exercise is good for your horse too. I use a cheap towrope purchased from the local service station as a lunge rope, so do look for alternatives to the expensive custom-made items. A lunge whip is not terribly expensive at the saddlers.

Horse care is a satisfying aspect of owning a horse. I hope that you can share in the enjoyment of horse ownership and the creation of a bond between horse and rider that is formed as you care for your dream.

Author: Belinda Osgood
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Just like dogs, there are hundreds of different breeds of horses. Just like dogs, horses have also been bred to serve many different purposes over the centuries. These purposes have eventually determined the body structures, and even the temperaments of the horse breeds. Even today, most of the popular breeds retain much of their original form and tendencies. If you are thinking of buying a horse, knowing these facts will help you make the best choice for your intentions. If you just want to be in-the-know about other horse breeds, read on to quickly understand the essential facts of the most popular breeds.

Quarter Horse
The most popular of breeds, the original quarter horse is the result of cross-breeding the horse of the American colonists with the horse of the Chickasaw Indians. They were then further developed to herd cattle, and the quarter became the horse breed of choice of the American western regions. The breed’s name comes from its ability to run a quarter-mile distance faster than any other breed. Quarter horses are considered a rugged work horse with a small head and muscular neck. The hindquarters of the quarter are powerful, with straight, solid legs. The quarter horse comes in many different colors including reddish-brown (chestnut), light reddish-brown (sorrel), rich brown (bay), black, palomino, or gray, and stand anywhere from 4′ 8″ to 5′ 3″ tall. They are known to be quiet, easygoing, forgiving, and steady. A staple breed in the western show ring, the quarter horse is most often seen in cattle-work competitions, western pleasure classes, and gymkhana (timed speed events). Quarter horses are a very good option for beginning riders.

Standardbred
Standardbred horses were originally created for use as harness racers, but many are later retrained as riding horses. The breed originated during the early part of American history and was created to race under harness at either the trot or the pace speed. Standardbreds are still used for this purpose. They tend to move at great speeds without galloping. Some unique specimens are natural trotters, and can trot at nearly 30 miles an hour. Some few others are known as born pacers (their legs on one side move in unison) and are just as fast as trotting horses. The early training of standardbred race horses fine-tunes these skills while discouraging the urge to gallop. However, because standardbreds can very capably gallop, they are trained for riding. Standardbreds have large heads and powerful legs, and these horses measure anywhere from 5′ to 5′ 3″ high. They are mostly a rich brown or red color, but are sometimes seen in brown, gray, or black. Another possibility for the beginning riser, the standardbred is gentle and easy to train.

Tennessee Walking Horse
Tennessee walking horses were developed in the early part of the 18th century by American plantation owners. The purpose of this breed was to comfortably transport the rider. The breed is considered a gaited horse, which means it is able to perform a remarkable four-beat running walk for which it is justly famous. This gait is so smooth that it can give the rider the sensation of floating on air. Tennessee walkers will also trot and gently gallop. The breed has a distinctive straight head with large ears. The neck is arched gracefully with prominent shoulder blades or withers. The breed can be just about any color, are 5′ to 5′ 3″ in height, and have easygoing personalities. A wonderful choice as a trail horse, it is another one to consider if you are a beginning rider.

Morgan
The morgan is an American breed developed in Vermont during the 1700s. Started from one horse, a stallion named Justin Morgan, the breed was created by breeding a variety of mares to this stallion. Today’s morgans are small, strong horses, that are usually under 5′ high. They are most often rich brown, chestnut, but sometimes black.. Another choice for the trail, they are willing to work and are patient. Morgans are good western horses, but can be used in hunt seat classes of competition.

Paint
The paint was created by a small, enthusiastic group of horse lovers 50 years ago. They formed an organization called the American Paint Horse Association with the intent to preserve horses with pinto markings, which are irregularly shaped patches of dark color against a white background. The paint parentage is usually that of quarter horses. Though only previously considered an oddity, paint horses were hitherto ineligible for registration with the American Quarter Horse Association. Its fate is fully reversed today, as the paint is one of the most popular breeds in America. It is quiet, easygoing, a popular choice for the riding trail, and now often seen in western riding shows. Aside from its coloring, the paint is considered identical to the quarter horse in appearance and height.

Appaloosa
Appaloosa horses used to be synonymous with the Nez Perce Indians of northern Idaho, who kept the breed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. When the Nez Perce were forced onto reservations, the Appaloosa breed was almost lost until the 1930s. A concerned group of horsemen got together to start the Appaloosa Horse Club in an effort to save the breed. Since then, the breed has recovered and became quite popular. The appaloosa is known for its spotted coat, which comes in a number of different patterns, including leopard (white with dark spots over the body) and blanket with spots (a dark body color with white over the hindquarters which is covered with dark spots). Other distinguishing characteristics include very bright tissue that surrounds the pupil, striped hooves, and a mottled skin appearance. Also good trail mounts, appaloosas range between 4′ 6″ to 5′ 3″ in height, have quiet temperaments, and are often seen in western riding and jumping shows.

Saddlebred
Saddlebreds began as a potpourri of horse breeds including the morgan, the Narragansett pacers, Canadian horses, and several strains of Spanish horses. Breeders hoped to develop a horse that could comfortably carry riders over long distances, yet perform specific disciplined maneuvers. The saddlebred became another example of the gaited horse, capable of performing the stepping pace like the Tennessee walking horse, and a four-beat gait called a rack, as well as an animated walk, trot, and gentle gallop. Saddlebreds are distinctively featured with a long, arched neck and a high, fine head held aloft. The saddlebred turned out to be slim and lean, but has a broader range of 5′ to 5′ 6″ high. The most common colors for this breed are black, brown, rich brown, chestnut (red), sorrel (reddish brown), and gray. Saddlebreds make great show horses because of their flashy appearance, but they’re also good trail mounts and are very comfortable to ride because of the breed’s smooth gait.

Thoroughbred
The thoroughbred is the breed you will most often see on the racetrack. Famous horses such as Man O’ War and Secretariat were thoroughbreds. The breed was developed in England in the 18th century for the purpose of racing and was later imported to the American colonies prior to the revolution. Thoroughbreds are known by their straight profiles, high withers (shoulder blades), and long, fine legs. They stand from 5′ to 5′ 6″ high and have a lean, often lanky appearance. They come in rich brown, chestnut, gray, and black. Thoroughbreds are the fastest horses in the world, and can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour in a full gallop. They are also talented jumpers and quite suitable as candidates for dressage events.

Arabian
The Arabian is one of the oldest and purest breeds of horse still among us. The horse was developed in the Middle East several hundred years ago and has been used to improve the quality of other breeds throughout the centuries. The breed has an easily recognizable head, with a nearly concave profile. The Arabian ears are small and curve inward; its neck is long and arched. Oddly, the Arabian has only five vertebrae, not six as in most other breeds. This difference makes the Arabian back shorter and stronger. Arabians also measure 5′ or less. They are gray, chestnut, bay, and black. Arabians are friendly but often high spirited animals, known for elegance, stamina, and prowess in endurance competitions. They are a good choice as a show horse.

The breed of horse you finally choose may or may not make a performance difference, depending on the purposes for which the breed is most suited. You may only wish to ride a trail a few times each week. In that case, you have a broader range of choices as long as it is an easy, affable animal. If you plan to jump competitively, hunt, or even work your way into the upper levels of dressage (the intricate training of horse movements in competition), the breed becomes much more crucial. Even if you aren’t planning to go into competition, you may still prefer a particular breed of horse. There are some people that fall in love with a certain breed, unable to explain the fascination. Most importantly, bear in mind that each horse is an individual, so you should thoroughly understand how you and your chosen horse within that breed will get along for the long term of your ownership.

Author: Tanya Vorgan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Since the time of the early Greeks, horses have been used in military maneuvers. This early use of the horse brought about the need for extensive training before they could be maneuverable enough to be considered military ready. The training and discipline these horses endured was documented by the early Greek General Xenophon, who wrote the training documentation that was the earliest writing of the principles of dressage.

Created around 350 B.C. in Greece, his writings conveyed the importance of selection, care and training of horses for both military and general uses. Dressage horses are subjected to non-abusive, progressive training methods that utilize the natural athletic ability and intelligence of the horse.

In the horses’ early incorporation into the military, the heavy horses were the horse of choice of the time due to the fact that they needed to be able to transport knights in full armor onto the battlefield. This burdensome task called for strong, heavy horses. As cavalries became the military norm, the hot blooded and swifter Arabians and Thoroughbreds were bred with the heavy horses to come up with a faster style of horse to fit their purposes.

The breeding of the heavy horses with the swifter hot blooded horses, gave birth, literally, to the lineage of warm blooded horses that are the earliest lineage to the current dressage horses most popularly used in dressage events of today.

As a natural progression of the training regimen of these early dressage horses, and their primarily military uses, it led to the inclusion of the dressage equestrian events in the Olympics. In 1912, the equestrian disciplines of dressage, jumping and eventing were officially included in the Summer Olympic Games.

Dressage can be performed by all types and breeds of horses, as its training principles are effective on all different types. Dressage competitions of today vary and all breeds are allowed to compete, however the warmbloods usually dominate the upper levels of competitive dressage, due to their inborn natural agility and athleticism.

Author: Nicky Oostveen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you appreciate watching people ride horses, you are probably the type of person who wants to try it for yourself.  If this is the case, you’ll be somewhat surprised to find out that is a pleasurable and fulfilling way to spend some time.  Horseback riding, will teach you to experience what beautiful animals horses are, as well as help you learn a skill which very few people have been able to accomplish.  Seeing differnt breeds of horses, as well as having the opportunity to ride them, is an opportunity that really can’t compare to many different ones put there.  When you are ready to begin your riding hobby, you need to start by taking a few simple steps.

Horse Rding – The First Step

As with most tasks, you must first find out about the basics before taking up horse riding lessons.  You need to do your home work as well as perform your due diligence to learn what will be required, prior to signing up for any type of horseback lesson program.  The first consideration is whether you truly are interested in horseback, or just like watching these beautiful creatures.  For example, horse riding is not an activity for the timid and there is some risk involved.

Riding Camp vs. Private Lessons

As a novice, your best two choices are to begin with group lessons at a horseback riding camp, or taking individual lessons.  Each option has its advantages as well as disadvantages.  Riding Camp is generally less expensive, but you will not get as much instruction as in a private lesson.  Private lessons almost always cost more, but you will be able to learn much more, especially with a qualified instructor.  You could even be better off attempting both riding camp as well as private lessons to find out what works best for you.

Research

You can use the web to do your homework, and just learn the different tricks to horse riding and of course always remember the different safety precautions that you will take when horseback riding.

Horse riding is a wonderful activity that everyone should attempt at least one time, and if you have kids this is something that you are will want to consider getting them into.

Whichever path you pick, please remember that you are taking up riding to enjoy yourself, not as a job.

To find out more about horse riding lessons as well as learn more about horse riding, please visit our horse riding site, where you will find information, tips, and products.

The planned mating of horses that is directed by humans has given rise to a number of special breeds of horses. Breeders, the persons who help facilitate healthy horse breeding, seek to bring about an enhancement in the physical performance abilities of the offspring or foal even more than improving their appearance. This matching of ‘form to function’ is a successful means of development of different healthy and (functionally) superior breeds.

People from all over the world have owned horses for various reasons. This is just the reason why various breeds of horses had been developed over the years to provide improved efficiency at particular tasks. Horses can now be classified into three main categories- pony, light and heavy. There can, however, be created further subcategories like draft horses, gaited horses and warmbloods.

It is by learning about these various breeds that an idea can be formed on the kind of horse best suited for a situation and a particular type of work. Some horses are best suited for children to ride on them while some are right for the whole family’s riding purpose. Again, some other horses may be appropriate for racing- the race horses while some others may prove to be helpful on the ranch.

There are a number of popular breeds of ponies the smallest among which is the Shetland pony which is given to children as their first horse to ride on. For older children the Connemara pony is recommended. This being larger than the Shetland is suitable for older children. The Welsh pony little larger than the Connemara is a good breed of horse for young adults and young teens to ride on.

Among the light horse breeds are the Miniature Horses. Though this may seem like a pony but it is not actually one. It does not have the characteristics of the pony. This horse serves as a companion for children and also acts as a guide for the disabled. The adored Arabian horses also come into the category of light horses. These are attractive, loving, graceful and speedy horses. The Arabian horse is perceived to be a perfect breed. Not only does it possess the required speed and endurance for racing but it also has got a kind and noble disposition.

The popular light breed horse Thoroughbred is a descendant of the Arabian horse. This being a fast horse is well suited for racing purposes. For ranching a Quarter Horse, an American breed, is most appropriate.  The Morgan Horse, a family friendly and hardworking horse is another smaller but useful horse.

Besides these there are also the heavy breeds or heavy horses which include the draft horses or the horses that were used in battle at a time. The Percheron is a small and powerful heavy horse which is easier to train while the attractive Clydesdale is the most famous of the draft horses which were bred to work on farms or pull carts and wagons.