What Are the Different Types of Horse Breeds That Exist Today?

Did you know that there are over nine million horses in the United States today? This number includes commercial horses, workhorses, competition horses, and those used for casual riding and training lessons.

Although you may think that many horses look the same, there are actually dozens of different types of horse breeds in the United States alone. Would you like to learn more about the best horse breeds and if they are right for you? Here is a guide to some of the most popular breeds for horse lovers.

American Paint Horse

American paint horses have a unique coat design, usually a base color of white with patches of color that resemble paint splatters. Brown and black are some of the most common colors for the patches on the American paint horse.

Some of the more rare color combinations include champagne and palomino. For breeding horses, the American paint horse is an official breed because they need a certain bloodline for their classification.

American paint horses are great for casual riders and competition horsemanship as well. They are not built to be workhorses, but they are used mainly for pleasure riding.

Thoroughbred Horse

Have you ever been to a horse racing competition? If you have, you most likely got a great look at thoroughbred horses, which are the preferred breed for horse racing.

Thoroughbreds are renowned for their speed and agility, making them the perfect option for horse racing. They have been bred for almost three centuries and show no signs of slowing down.

Horse lovers who like to watch the Olympic games may be pleasantly surprised to see thoroughbred horses in events such as Olympic racing and jumping. They also make appearances in police forces and non-competitive riding events.

Miniature Horse

Although this horse is tiny in stature, it is still referred to as a horse and not a pony. Miniature horses are a great option for children who want to learn horseback riding at an early age.

Miniature horses were bred in Europe almost five hundred years ago and have been a popular choice ever since. They can make good family pets, but they have the same needs as full-sized breeds of horses.

Miniature horses are powerful despite their smaller size. Many people use them as workhorses. They can also be service animals.

Appaloosa Horse

Although many types of horses came to America from Europe and other parts of the world, the Appaloosa horse is one of the breeds that are native to North America. Native American tribes such as the Nez Pearce played a heavy hand in breeding horses such as the Appaloosa.

The most distinct feature of Appaloosa horses is their spotted coats. They tend to have bigger, stockier bodies and manes and tails that are less full than other breeds.

Appaloosa horses are great companions and can also make good workhorses for light use. The population of Appaloosas in the United States dwindled due to Native American resettlement but has made a comeback over the past century.

Hackney Horse

If you have ever seen a horse and carriage setup, chances are that the carriage is being pulled by hackney horses. These powerful animals are among the best horse breeds for pulling large loads, and they were developed in England many centuries ago.

They are also one of the best horse breeds for competition carriage driving. Although this sport is more popular in England, it is becoming increasingly well-known in the United States.

The hackney gait is much showier than other horse breeds. They can also perform well in horse showing and jumping competitions.

Arabian Horse

The Arabian horse is one of the most popular and well-known types of horse in the world. As its name suggests, this breed is a favorite among horse lovers and comes from the Arabian region.

It has a unique head shape that makes it recognizable among other breeding horses. The Arabian horse is very versatile and is used for casual riding as well as competition.

Arabian horses have a large amount of endurance, meaning they are a wonderful option for long-haul riding competitions. They are extremely intelligent, which makes them ideal for beginning and advanced horse lovers alike.

Andalusian Horse

Similar to the Arabian horse and many English horse breeds, the Andalusian horse hails from across the ocean. This particular breed originated in the Spanish peninsula area and has a history of fighting in wars.

Andalusians are very powerful, which is why they were great in battle, but today they can be used for carriage driving competitions, recreational riding, and dressage.

Although Andalusians can be a good horse for beginners, they tend to get bored more easily than other types of horse breeds. Therefore, if you learn quickly, you can continue to challenge your hose and keep them from becoming bored.

Clydesdale Horse

Clydesdales are a popular option for horse and carriage setups, as well as plowing, because of their weight and size. They are known for their huge frame and feet, which are about four times the size of a standard horse.

These large beauties are native to Scotland and have a history of farm use. However, they can still be used for recreational riding and showmanship.

Perhaps the most popular use of the Clydesdale is in Budweiser commercials. The brand has relied on this type of horse for advertising for many years.

So Many Types of Horse Breeds

Whether you want to get a horse or you simply want to gain more knowledge about them, you should know all about the best horse breeds. With this guide, you can make an informed decision for your riding needs and start your journey into owning and breeding horses.

Would you like to learn more about how you can start riding horses and become an expert in horsemanship? Take a look around our site for all of the information you will need about these gentle giants.