This story was originally published in 2016. Watch the 2018 Kentucky Derby live coverage on NBC Saturday beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Thoroughbreds are considered the fastest horses in the world and dominate the horse racing industry, while Arabian horses are known to be intelligent and excel in endurance riding. Take a look at some of the horse breeds used in racing, dressage and general riding.
American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse is one of the most popular horse breeds today. It is the first all-American breed, used in rodeos, horse shows, general riding, work activities and urban mounted police units. The breed’s even temperament makes it an ideal horse for new riders.
Thoroughbred
An extremely athletic and energetic horse that is considered the fastest horse in the world. They dominate the horse racing industry. They are also a popular breed for horse jumping, dressage and cross-country. These horses can be a lot to handle because they have so much energy. Therefore, they are not recommended for beginners.
Pinto
Pinto is not a breed, rather it refers to specific coloring. Pintos can be found in four different breeds: Stock (Quarter Horse conformation), Hunter (warm blood conformation), Pleasure (Arabian or Morgan conformation), and Saddle (Saddlebred or Hackney conformation). There are two types of coats on Pintos, tobiano (white horse with large patches of color) and overo (colored horse with uneven white marks). These horses vary in size and temperament based on the type of pinto.
Friesian
A large horse with a gentle disposition. They have great versatility and are easy to train. Therefore, they are popular carriage and dressage horses, and appear in circus shows and other performance events, and in the film and entertainment industry.
Cleveland Bay
A docile, multi-talented horse commonly used in dressage, general riding, hunting and work activities. They are rather large horses averaging about 1,450 pounds, which makes them great work and hunting horses. Also known as the"Bay" horse.
Arabian Horse
Small and with delicate features, Arabians are one of the oldest horse breeds. They excel in all sports despite their lack of size, 800-1000 pounds, but dominate in endurance riding. Arabian horses are quite intelligent and affectionate toward their owners and are considered good horses for beginners.
Appaloosa
Native American horses, they are one of the most popular horse breeds in the United States. This horse is known for its spotted coat, which can appear in five different patterns: blanket, snowflake, leopard, marble and frost. They are the only horses with vertically striped hooves.
FAQs
Appaloosas are not strictly a "color breed". All ApHC-registered Appaloosas must be the offspring of two registered Appaloosa parents or a registered Appaloosa and a horse from an approved breed registry, which includes Arabian horses, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds.
What is the rarest color of Appaloosa? ›
True black is the rarest Appaloosa color.
What makes Appaloosa horses special? ›
As a modern horse breed, the Appaloosa is distinctive for its mottled skin, visible sclera (the white outer layer of the eye), and vertical-striped hooves. The Appaloosa is one of the most distinctive and valued American horse breeds in the world.
What is the personality of the Appaloosa? ›
Appaloosa Personality
Appaloosas are an independent, intelligent, and gentle horse breed. They're brave and adept at handling stressful scenarios.
Are Thoroughbreds smart horses? ›
Thoroughbred horses are known for their excellent temperament. They're smart and full of energy, and they often have a strong work ethic. The Thoroughbred personality is usually very spirited. As a result, they may be better suited for experienced riders, as they may be too bold for beginners.
Are Thoroughbreds good horses to own? ›
They are incredibly fast, with an intelligent and hard working temperament which makes them easy to train in the right hands. Aside from racing, Thoroughbreds are also popular in a range of equestrian sports including dressage and show jumping.
Do Appaloosas change color as they age? ›
These foals have dark coats at birth and lighten in color as they age. The Appaloosa horse commonly has mottled skin — or areas of darker pigmentation — around the eyes, muzzle, and genitalia.
Can Appaloosas have no spots? ›
Many have the characteristic spotted pattern either all over their bodies or on their hindquarters, but variations are common and include only a few spots – or no spots at all. Any horse whose parents are registered Appaloosas can be called an Appaloosa whether it carries the breed characteristics or not.
What is a fun fact about Appaloosa? ›
The word “Appaloosa” comes from the phrase “A Palouse Horse” referring to the origin of the breed in the Palouse. In addition to their unique coat patterns, Appaloosa horses also often have mottled or parti-colored skin, white sclera around their eyes, and striped hooves.
Are Appaloosas difficult? ›
They are quite gentle and respectful when they believe their relationship is solid, but can be stubborn and somewhat aggressive if they feel like they are being abused in some way. Appaloosas are a horse of great strength and stamina and can be a horse that is willing to please.
Their compliant nature also make them enjoyable mounts for riders of all capabilities. But like all horses, individual personalities vary depending on breeding and handling. For example, Appaloosas with Thoroughbred blood may have more energy and sensitivity than those with Quarter horse bloodlines.
Are Appaloosas expensive? ›
How to Adopt or Buy Appaloosas. Appaloosas generally cost between $1,000 and $10,000 on average. The price can fluctuate depending on their age, training, and pedigree.
Are Appaloosa horses gaited? ›
Some Foundation Bred Appaloosa horses perform an old time gait known as the “Indian Shuffle,” a variation of the stepping pace. Most shuffling horses are extraordinarily smooth and naturally gaited, and have a rocking horse canter, to boot.
What are thoroughbred horses known for? ›
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed developed for horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are considered "hot-blooded" horses that are known for their agility, speed, and spirit.
What qualifies a horse as an Appaloosa? ›
The Appaloosa horse commonly has mottled skin — or areas of darker pigmentation — around the eyes, muzzle, and genitalia. The breed has a prominent white sclera around the eye, and the hooves frequently have vertical light or dark stripes.
Can thoroughbreds be cremello? ›
El Dorado is a Cremello Thoroughbred stallion. He is a definite eye catcher because of his sky blue eyes and pearl white coat which Cremellos are known for. With this comes the Guarantee of unique colours in his offspring.
Can thoroughbreds be buckskin? ›
There are buckskin, palomino, cremello and perlino TBs. There are even some sabino and dominant white patterns that mimic pinto markings in TB lines. People who breed for color can be a mixed bag.
Can a Thoroughbred be a trail horse? ›
Hit the Trails
When you feel totally comfortable on your ex-racer in the arena, you can try going on a trail ride. It's so important to get your horse out of the arena. Too much schooling can make him sour.
