According to a genetic study, horses were first domesticated about 6,000 years ago. The first domestic horses were in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, although they quickly spread throughout Europe and Asia. These horses are used for a variety of purposes, including meat, dairy, and of course, horse riding.
Today, horses are still used all over the world for a variety of tasks. They are often used for racing, farm work, butchering, pulling weights, and more. Worldwide, there are about 400 different types of horses of all sizes, shapes, and colors. While all horses are majestic in their own right, some are more beautiful than others. The following 15 breeds represent the most elegant and extraordinary of all horse breeds, and each one is a marvel to behold.
15 Most Beautiful Horse Breeds
1. Akhal-Teke Kuda horse
The Akhal-Teke are one of the oldest of all domesticated horse breeds. They were first bred for speed and endurance, creating sleek, exotic-looking horses. These horses are smooth-boned with shiny coats that sparkle in the sun. They are a very rare breed, originating in the desert of Turkmenistan, with more than 6,000 specimens on the planet. They are known as “Golden Horses” due to the metallic sheen of their coats and the common gold coloration.
2. Appaloosa Horse
Appaloosa is instantly recognizable for its striking appearance. These horses are seen with white and dark patches appearing in patterns such as blankets, leopards, snowflakes, and marble. They are known for their gentle and friendly nature, which makes them great horses for riders of any level.
3. Arabian Horse
When it comes to iconic horse breeds, few can boast of the illustrious reputation of the Arabian horse. They are considered some of the best endurance horses on the planet, and their genetics have been included in almost every racehorse breed in existence. They are also very majestic creatures with noble demeanor and distinctive features that make them one of the most easily recognized horse breeds.
4. Friesian Horse
Friesian horses are all black, standing tall with 15-17 arms. They have muscular bodies and an elegant gait that makes them appear very dignified. Even though this breed was nearly extinct on several occasions, their popularity is increasing nowadays, which helps this breed to grow in numbers as well.
5. Gypsy Horse
Gypsy horses have coats somewhat similar to pintos, although these horses are made in a much different way. Also known as Galineers Cob or Gypsy Vanner, the Gypsy Horse is native to Ireland and Great Britain. Those horses are rather small, but very solidly built. Often, Gypsy horses are striped or skewbald.
6. Haflinger’s Horse
Developed in Austria and northern Italy, the Haflinger is a small but beautiful horse created through the mixing of several breeds, including the Tyrolean pony and the Arabian pony. These horses stand 13-15 hands tall with a smooth head, deep chest and sloping shoulders. They are muscular animals with a rhythmic gait. Haflinger’s body is chestnut, but his mane and tail are light yellow, creating a beautiful and unique juxtaposition.
7. Knabstrupper Horse
If you haven’t heard of Knabstrupper, you’re not alone. This is a Danish breed that comes in two sizes. Some are pony-sized, less than 14.2 hands tall, although most specimens are 15.2-16 hands tall. This breed has a genetic mechanism known as the leopard complex, which causes them to have spotted fur. Not all Knabstruppers are visible. They can be solid colors, completely visible, or anything in between. They look like the Dalmatians from the horse world.
8. Marwari horse
This rare breed is native to the Marwar region of India and can be easily recognized by their unique inward-facing ears. This breed was created by mixing Arabian horses and ponies native to the region. Employed as calvary horses for centuries, this breed’s loyalty and bravery on the battlefield was well known.
9. Norwegian Fjord Horse
Strong but compact, the Norwegian Fjord is an agile breed from the mountainous regions of Norway. They are all dark in color, although there are five recognized color variations in the breed standard. They have been used for hundreds of years in Norway as breeding horses, and they are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.
10. Orlov Trotter
The Orlov Trotter is named after sprinting, which is hereditary. These horses are known for their incredible stamina and speed. Created in Russia by Count Alexei Orlov in the late 1700s, the Orlov Trotter has become the most famous of all Russian horse breeds.
11. Percheron
Originally used as a warhorse, the Percheron was considered a gentle giant. These creatures can be very large, reaching up to 2,600 pounds in weight and 19 hands in height. Due to their balanced temperament, they are great for riders of all levels. First developed in the French province of Perche, little is known about the race’s origins other than its place of origin.
12. Pinto Horse
For many horse lovers, pinto horses are reminiscent of images of Native Americans riding horses with bows in hand. These horses were first brought to the New World from Europe, but wild populations flourished after they were released. Native Americans captured and domesticated these horses in large numbers, preferring them for their pinto patterns which functioned like built-in camouflage.
13. Rocky Mountain Horse
While many riders love the Rocky Mountain Horse for its four-step gait, the appearance of this breed is just as special. The most common iconic appearance for the Rocky Mountain Horse is to have a brown coat with a light yellow mane and tail, creating a beautiful contrast that gives the breed a unique appearance.
14. Shire Horses
A famous British draft horse breed, the Shire horse has previously held the record for being the largest and tallest horse ever. They are very strong horses that have long been used for a variety of hauling tasks. The breed is considered “at risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust due to their dwindling numbers.
15. Trakehner Horse
The Trakehner is a warm-blooded horse breed known for its athleticism. They are often used in equestrian disciplines such as show jumping and dressage where they excel. The breed is known to be calm and playful, which is why they are often used to teach younger riders.
Conclusion
Few would oppose us if we said that all horses are very beautiful. Although beauty is subjective, we can all agree that some creatures are objectively more beautiful than others. While this list is not exhaustive, the 15 horse breeds in it are definitely some of the most majestic and beautiful horses in the world.
Featured Image: Makarova Viktoria, Shutterstock
