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Types of Horses

'Types of horses' refers to a way of classifying horses. Horses can be classified in various ways. They can be classified by breeds, by colors, by sizes and also by types of horses.

A breed of horse is a group of animals that share distinctive inherited characteristics. A breed will have a common ancestry and thus a similar genetic makeup. With the domestication of the horse, man began pairing horses for reproduction to produce offspring that could perform certain types of work. Thus a heavy pair of horses would be good plow horses to work the fields. A slightly lighter build of horse with a calm temperament would be well used as a carriage horse. Horses belonging to a certain breed have their pedigree registered in a stud book.

Types of Horses by Color.

Most horses are a specific color within a number of colors that define horses such as gray, bay and black . But a few horses and ponies have an unusual, distinct and exotic coat color and patterns. Some people value this color differentiation above everything else and breeds have been started that pertain to these specific horse colorations. Examples of these breed associations would be:

The Palomino Horse Association

The Paint Horse Association

The Appaloosa Horse Club

The Knabstrup society

Types of horses by Size.

Horses can either be horse size or pony size. Although there are different breeds of ponies, horses that are under a certain height are also classified as pony size. Pony breeds may include Welsh, Shetland and POA. Yet a horse that is a Quarter Horse Breed can be a “pony size” if it is under 14-2 hands tall. A 'hand' is equivalent to 4” and is measured from the ground to the top of the horses withers.

Types of Horses by Use.

This would include such horses that seem to be suitable for a certain task that is of value to riders. For instance there is hunter type horse , or cob type, or polo ponies. These do not have to be of any specific breed but rather have the characteristics of temperament , size and conformation that meet the requirements for the designated task.

Hunter type horses, should have good stamina, be able to jump and have the boldness to gallop over varied terrain with the hounds, in hot pursuit of a fox.

Polo ponies are usually not larger than 15-1 hands. They must be capable of short bursts of speed and agile enough to make quick turns. Good balance and smooth gaits will make the polo player’s job of hitting the ball easier.

A cob is a shorter, stockier horse, with excellent freedom of movement. The Cob has an unflappable nature and a willing attitude. Although remember that nutrition can have an impact on a horse's attitude. Cobs seem to be very useful for elderly riders or riders with not to much athletic ability, and because of their stockiness have great weight carrying ability.

Horse’s designated by type are fewer than those designated by breed. However grade horses or cross bred horses usually are more apt to be designated as a certain ‘type’ especially if their ancestry is completely unknown.

Quote for a Wednsday

Life is good, a horse makes it better" Anonymous

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