Equestrian Maps: Where Famous Horse Breeds Originate

Breeding is one of the most commercially successful areas involving equines. The breeding process can often be a challenge, as there is no perfect science to getting the perfect characteristics.

This has been reflected throughout history when betting on race horses, as there have been countless occasions where impeccably bred thoroughbreds have failed to reach the standards set by their sires and dams. But, what are some of the most famous horse breeds, and where do they originate?

Thoroughbreds

The most prominent type of breed comes in the form of thoroughbreds, who are bred with the intention to run on track. These types of horses are considered to be ‘hot-blooded’, and there are revered for their speed, agility, and spirit.

Thoroughbreds were developed in the 17^th and 18^th century in England, with native mares being crossbred with imported stallions. The breeding of thoroughbreds spread across the world during the 19^th century, with imports to North America and Australia dating back to 1730.

This type of horse is mainly used for racing, but thoroughbreds can also be bred for disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and fox hunting.

Quarter Horses

Quarter horses are one of the most popular breeds found in the United States. This is reflected in the fact that the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breeding registry in the world.

As of 2014, there were three million American Quarter Horses registered. Quarter horses are revered for their speed over short distances, with competitions involving the equines typically covering no more than a quarter of a mile. Their speed can be breath-taking, as Quarter Horses can reach speed of up to 44 mph.

Origins of the horse date back to the 1600s in the United States. As well as racing, Quarter Horses are also common in rodeos and working on ranches. Since 2009, the breed have been recognised as the State Horse of Texas.

Friesian

There are potentially few more photogenic breeds than the Friesian. Originating from the Netherlands, this breed traces back to the province on Friesland in the north of the country.

The breed has endured a mixed history, and has almost become extinct on a number of occasions. This horse is described as a light draught horse, and in modern day, it is mostly used for driving and riding. It is unlike any other breed, as Friesian’s have an all-black coat colour and they have long flowing tails.

The breed is known for their willingness and energetic nature, but they are renowned for being gentle, which is why they are regularly used for pulling carts with members of the public inside.

Andalusian

Grey horses always standout more than other breeds, which makes Andalusian equines one of the most popular. The breed originates in Spain, and can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula.

This type of breed dates back generations, but their description and characteristics have changed very little since the 15^th century. These horses have long been revered for their prowess as a war horse, and they are commonly prized for their nobility. Historically, Andalusian horses have been used as a diplomatic tool by the Spanish government.

The breed saw a reduction in herd number due to disease and warfare during the 19^th century, with this trend continuing into the 20^th century. Prior to the 1960s, exporting Andalusian horses was restricted, but this has eased in modern history with a reported 185,000 horses now found across the world.

Fjord Horse

One of the more unusual looking horse breeds comes in the form of the Fjord Horse. This type of horse is typically more stocky, with a flat forehead and smaller legs in comparison to other breeds.

However, Fjord horses are one of the oldest breeds of equines, having been used for hundreds of years as a farm horse in its native Norway. The breed traces back to mountainous regions in the west of the country, and is regarded highly for his agility.

They can also be easily distinguished due to their dun colour. Fjord horses remain a popular breed in their native Norway, and are common used as a harness horse due to its good temperament.

Arabian

Arabian horses are regarded as one of the most majestic, and their origins can be found on the Arabian Peninsula. This type of horse is easily recognisable, as they have a distinctive head shape and have a high tail carriage.

As well as being one of the more beautiful breeds of horses, Arabians are also one of the oldest, as their roots can be traced back over 3,500 years to West Asia. Arabian bloodlines can be found in almost every modern incarnation of a riding horse.

This type of breed developed in a desert climate, and due to that, its main traits revolve around their stamina. In this modern day, Arabian horses can be found across the world, with equines located in nations such as Canada, Brazil, and the United States.