Horse Breeding

The Rugged Percheron Horse

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:19:39 -0400

The Percheron hails from the Perche valley of northern France. These horses are powerful draft horses. The origins of this horse are unclear but some of its history is known. The ancestors of this horse were bred with the forest horses hailing from Europe. They were commonly used as war horses. Once war became more advanced these horses were used for pulling heavy carriages and plows. They were also used on farms as all purpose workhorses. They are versatile and hardworking. They now serve as workhorses, carriage horses and pleasure riding horses. Tags: Percheron

Characteristics of the Appaloosa Horse

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:19:39 -0400

The Appaloosa horse is best known for its distinctive and beautiful spotted coat. This breed of horse is associated with the Nez Perce Native American tribe. This tribe was instrumental in the development of the breed. In 1995 the Nez Perce tribe began a breeding program for Appaloosas in an attempt to develop a distinct Nez Perce breed of horse. It is estimated that there are more than 650,000 Appaloosas registered in the United States with the ApHC (Appaloosa Horse Club.) When most people think of this breed, they immediately think of a spotted coat. However, there are more features that define these beautiful horses. Tags: Appaloosa

The Quarter Horse -- An American Classic

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:19:39 -0400

The Quarter Horse is a breed from the United States that is best known as a sprinter who can run short distances. This is the most popular breed of horse in the entire country and the AQHA has millions of horses registered. These horses are not just race horses, but are also used as rodeo horses, ranch horses and show horses. This horse features a compact body that lends itself perfectly to the agility required for various western riding tasks. These horses are used for roping, reining, cutting, herding and more. They excel in the show ring or at the ranch. Tags: Quarter Horse

The Standardbred -- A Horse for Racing and Companionship

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:19:39 -0400

While this breed is compared to the Thoroughbred, they are longer in body and feature more muscle than the Thoroughbred. Their disposition is placid and trainable. They enjoy spending time with their handlers and like meeting challenges. Their height ranges from 14 to 17 hands. The coat is most always brown or black. Other colors are not uncommon but are not seen as often as the brown or black coloration. There may be some white coloration on the nose. This breed of horse comes in two varieties -- trotters and pacers. Tags: Standardbred