Horse breeds (part 1) - Gustavo Mirabal Castro

Trying to make a list of all the horse races is a titanic task, it can be a “Neverending Story” (It is worth the nod to Artax the horse of Atreyu :P).

Despite this, today we will share some horse breeds more valued in the equine world and the characteristics that make them special. The horse race determines attributes and characteristics that make it more suitable for different types of competition.

In the following lines we will describe the following breeds of horses: Tennessee Walking Horse, Arab Horse Breed, Purebred Spanish and Thoroughbred.

Table of Contents.

1- Tennessee Walking Horse

It is a horse originally from the United States that was developed by crossing the Tennessee Pacer with the Pure English Blood, the Standerbred, Morgan, and with blood of American Chair horses.

Due to the robustness of the Tennessee Pacer they were chosen by cotton planters since monitoring the crops was one of their main functions. That is why he was selected to be one of the original races of the Tennessee Walking

It is a popular riding horse due to its calm disposition, smooth gaits and sure-footedness. The Tennessee Walking Horse is often seen in the show ring, but is also popular as a pleasure and trail riding horse.

2- Arabian Horse Breed

Breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds. It is also one of the oldest breeds.

There are theories that suppose its existence for 4,500 years since by then there were horses very similar to the Arabs. Given its resistance and intelligence is widely used in exhibitions, dressage, jumping and therapeutic riding.

Arabian horses are the topic of many myths and legends. One origin story tells how Muhammad chose his foundation mares by a test of their courage and loyalty.

3- Purebreed Spanish Horse

Also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or Andalusian horse, is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula. In the Iberian Peninsula its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. The Andalusian has been recognized as an distinct breed since the 15th century.

Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. They can be found in many colors but mainly in gray. The Purebreed Spanish are known for their sesitivity, intelligence and docility.

4- Thoroughbred

Thoroughbreds are considered “hot-blooded” horses that are known for their agility, speed, and spirit.

It is the horse breed preferred for race horses because of its resistance and speed. His athletic figure makes them the most desirable when it comes to riding. This breed is the result of the crossing of English mares with Arab horses Godolphin and Darley.

The Thoroughbred was developed in 17th- and 18th-century England, when english mares were crossbred with imported Oriental stallions of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman breeding. All modern Thoroughbreds can trace their pedigrees to three stallions originally imported into England in the 17th century and 18th century. The stallions names were: the Byerley Turk (1680s), the Darley Arabian (1704), and the Godolphin Arabian (1729)