Marwari Horses
Marwari – Marwari Horse
"Check out these ears!
Despite it’s ears, (or maybe because of them!) the Marwari Horse is a proud and aristocratic breed… once a war horse of India’s elite Rathore warriors!"
The color of the Marwari is as important in this breed
as is its forthright presence and arrogant bearing!
Originated in Northwest India, the Marwari ia a proud and aristocratic breed. It was the war horse of India’s elite Rathore warriors. They used this horse to help defend the area near the Khyber Pass in Pakistan, a gateway between the two countries. It survived centuries of political turmoil and the deeds of this loyal, bold warhorse are recorded in prose, poetry and song.
The Marwari horse is also famed as a bejeweled dancing horse of formal ceremony and celebration. A strain of the breed, the Natchni, is reputed to be “born to dance”. Their grace and beauty are in high demand at ceremonial events in India… (more)
Arabian Horses
Arabian Horse
"All are familiar with the popular Arabian horse! Why just the name ‘Arabian’ conjures up many wonderful images… from proud horses to the fun and whimsical… like ‘Aladdin!"
The Arabian, known for its incredible endurance, can maintain a run for over 100 miles!
The Arabian, one of the oldest breed of horse, and is also the purest breed of horse. They have existed for at least 4,500 years. The Arabian horse is known to have been in existence since the time of Muhammad. It is also believed to have been developed by the nomadic Bedouin’s in the desert belt of Africa, extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Desert, for 2,500 years prior to that. As Islamic influence spread so did the Arabian horse, to be bred all over the Middle East and North Africa. With the Moorish invasion of Spain in the 7th century it was introduced to Europe.
The Arabian horses have a beautiful and unique appearance. They are generally small in stature but readily recognized by their dished face and fine features. As they were bred in different parts of the world various breeds emerged including the Polish Arabian, the Shagya Arabian in Hungary, and the Egyptian Arabian. The Arabian blood contributed to the development of many other fine breeds as well, such as the Lipizzaner and the Thoroughbred, and it is still used to improve and refine other breeds…(more)
Barrel Racing Horse – Star
Star
"Check out Star, cutest barrel racing horse ever!"
2009-08-01
Here’s what Christine says about Star:
"Star barrel races and she is so much fun! She does a trick by answering yes or no questions."
"It sounds like you have a great friend in Star. Barrel racing takes a pretty smart horse and rider, no? Thanks for sharing her here."
Tennessee Walking Horse
Tennessee Walking Horse
"These babies are smooth! If you EVER get a chance to ride a Tennessee Walker, you will have one of the most enjoyable horseback riding experiences of you life!"
The sturdy Tennessee Walking Horse with its distinctive gaits,
can be ridden comfortably for hours!
The Tennessee Walking Horse is a breed which originated in the Southeast United States. Wealthy southern plantation owners had a need for tractable, comfortable, and hardy horses that could stand up to the rigors of hours of daily riding while out inspecting the operations of their enormous plantation properties. The Tennessee Walking Horse served this purpose.
The Tennessee Walker has distinctive gaits which make it easy to ride over long distances at a comfortable and efficient rate of speed. Today they are used for pleasure and trail riding. Pleasure bred, or flat shod walking horses make excellent family and children’s trail horses. They are an excellent choice for riders with physical limitations because of their smooth way of going. Tennessee Walking Horses are also bred for the show arena for shows designed to exhibit the special talents of the gaited breed.
In 1935 the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Association was formed with ‘Black Allan’ as the foundation sire of the breed. In 1947 the name changed to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, or TWHBEA. Since then, over 450,000 Tennessee Walking Horses have been registered in all 50 states.
Pony of the Americas
Pony of the Americas
"I RULE… Why you ask? Because not only an I ‘American Made’, but I am arguably the best pony for kids. After all, I was developed just for children!"
A popular breed, the Pony of the Americas is one of the newer pony breeds!
The Pony of the Americas is an ideal riding horse for children due to its small stature, athleticism, and gentle personality. For young equestrian riders, who are too big for the smaller ponies yet not quite ready for a full sized horse, the Pony of the Americas is a perfect match. The growing popularity of the Pony of the Americas lends itself to being a breed for children to ride and show. It is a pony breed with a good appearance, speed, and stamina. Yet at the same time this breed is less intimidating for children. Its size is more closely matched to the young rider, making it easier to train, handle and ride, and also easier to groom.
Shetland Ponies
Shetland Pony
"I may not be big, but I am strong. I can pull twice my weight… compare that to a wimpy Draft horse that can only pull half its weight! (Oops… I hope they didn’t hear me say that… they ARE bigger after all!)"
Shetland Pony is the strongest horse for its size
and can pull up to twice its own weight!
These are hardy and strong ponies built to withstand extreme cold and limited nutritional resources. The development of the Shetland Pony is the result of over 2000 years of living on the Shetland Islands, off the northern coast of Scotland. Here the environment is extremely cold and windy in the winter, and the terrain is very rugged. Their diet is made up of rough heather and grasses able to grow in the thin acid soil, and some seaweed washing up on the shore. Shetland Ponies are an extremely tough and durable breed, with a thick double coat in the winter, and a thick mane and tail to provide extra warmth.
Quarter Horse – Gadget
Gadget
"Check out the sweetest horse ever!"
2009-04-22
Here’s what Diana Capo says about Gadget:
"This is my buddy Gadget. I’ve owned him for almost 2 yrs. and he’s the sweetest horse."
"Just by looking in the eyes of Gadget you can tell he’s a sweety. Great expression! Thanks for sharing him here."
Types of Horses – Ponies
Pony Horse Breeds
Miniature horses, known as Ponies, are popular for both children and other Equestrians!
Throughout their history, Pony breeds have been used as work animals.
They were used for driving, pulling carts, hauling loads (like coal from mines), and as children’s mounts. Ponies are also used for competition, performance, and pleasure riding. Ponies tend to have a smooth comfortable gait, making them a pleasurable riding horse. They are especially popular for children due to their smaller size.They are closer to the ground, and when well trained they are easily controlled and maneuvered. Many excel in equestrian disciplines and the show ring and the top ponies are even competitive against full size horse breeds.
Light Horses
Light Horses
The Appaloosa shown here is an American breed that was developed by the Nez Perce Indian tribe!
The Light Horse is well known as a pleasurable riding horse,
and many excel in competition and the show ring. These breeds are smaller than the heavy Draft Horses, and the majority of them are larger than ponies.
The light horse breeds have ancient bloodlines, connecting their ancestry back to the oldest breed of horse. There are many modern breeds of horse, over 350. The majority of these are light horses and a number of them are newer light breeds developed to suit modern times.
