Popular horse breeds

The blond Haflingers originate from South Tyrol and are classified as mountain horses.

• This breed is considered particularly robust, sure-footed, and strong-nerved. No wonder, then, that these friendly small horses are extremely popular, especially with recreational riders.
• This breed only comes in chestnut with a flaxen mane. Since Haflingers are very good-natured and not easily spooked, they are considered particularly suitable for beginner riders.

Among Irish Tinkers, also known as Gypsy Cobs, piebalds are particularly common. Since colorful horses were not popular in the military or in equestrian sports, piebalds could be bought cheaply by traveling people.

• The name Tinker loosely translates as “coppersmith.” Crossbreeding with cold-blooded breeds such as the Shire Horse resulted in a strong and undemanding draft horse.
• Even today, the Tinker is still very popular in front of carriages, but it also has a fan base as a riding horse. This is because they are friendly, very safe in traffic, and will go through thick and thin with their rider.

Like the Hanoverian, the Holsteiner is one of the most popular sport horse breeds.

• While this breed was mainly used in military service in its early days, Holsteiners are now mainly found in show jumping. This is because these horses have particularly powerful hindquarters.
• Holsteiners are also used in dressage and as leisure horses.
• They are mainly bay, but black, chestnut, and gray are also permitted colors.

In terms of height, the Shetland pony is not considered a large horse, but these brave little Scots make up for it with their character.

• These small, sturdy horses are considered extremely robust and intelligent. They are no longer considered purely children’s ponies.
• They are no longer considered to be just children’s ponies. They are also used by adults, especially in front of carriages, and even compete in sporting competitions.
• Compared to their size, Shetland ponies are among the strongest breeds. They come in all colors.

The Friesian is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe.

• These black beauties originate from the Netherlands. With their high-set heads and strongly arched necks, these horses have a particularly noble appearance.
• Friesian horses are exclusively jet black. In addition, a long mane and a lush tail are just as much a part of the Friesian ideal of beauty as the feathering on their legs.
• Despite their imposing appearance, Friesian horses are reliable and gentle. These animals are particularly popular in dressage, but also in driving sports.

Although Icelandic horses are the size of ponies, the inhabitants of Iceland always refer to them as full-fledged horses.

• The robust Icelandic horses are extremely strong and are also suitable as mounts for adults. This is the only breed available to the Icelandic population for riding, as no other breeds are allowed to be brought to the island.
• Apart from tiger pinto, all coat colors are represented among Icelandic horses.
• Unlike most other breeds, Icelandic horses not only master the walk, trot, and canter, but also the pace and tölt. This makes them one of the so-called gaited horses.

The Fjord horse is also called the Norwegian horse, in keeping with its origins.

• These horses are exclusively dun in color with a corresponding dorsal stripe on their backs.
• Many owners of this breed trim the two-tone mane into a brush cut. This gives the Fjord horse a distinctive look reminiscent of the wild Przewalski’s horses. Some representatives of this breed even have zebra stripes on their legs.
• Despite their wild appearance, Norwegians are extremely good-natured animals and therefore very popular with beginners.

The Quarter Horse is not only very popular in Germany. It is the most common horse breed worldwide.

• These are true workhorses, which are mainly used as herding animals in cattle breeding. The Quarter Horse is practically born to follow cattle. This is referred to as “cow sense.”
• Apart from its use in cattle herding, the Quarter Horse is particularly popular with Western riders. They are easy to train and enjoy cooperating with their riders.

The Arabian, which belongs to the thoroughbred breed, has an exotic and delicate appearance.

• This breed is considered to be extremely people-oriented and affectionate. Despite their almost fragile-looking physique, Arabians are very robust and undemanding.
• Arabians are one of the oldest horse breeds in existence. Arabs were originally used by Bedouin peoples primarily for hunting, but also as war horses.
• Their endurance and speed make Arabs particularly popular with endurance riders.

Popular horse breeds are characterized by different character traits, areas of use, and special features that can be traced back to their history and breeding goals. Warmbloods, thoroughbreds, coldbloods, ponies, and specific breeds such as Icelandic horses, Hanoverians, Holsteiners, and Quarter Horses are particularly well-known and versatile.

• Warmbloods: A collective category that includes athletic, muscular horses with lively gaits. They are very popular in equestrian sports, especially dressage and show jumping. Examples include Hanoverians, Oldenburgs, Trakehners, Holsteiners, and Westphalians. Warmbloods are often well-balanced, willing to perform, and adaptable. They lie between the spirited Thoroughbreds and the solid Coldbloods.
• Thoroughbreds: Very fast and enduring horses that are often used in racing. They are very spirited and often sensitive, which makes them less suitable for beginners.
• Cold-blooded horses: Large, powerful horses with a calm disposition, traditionally used as workhorses in agriculture and for pulling heavy loads. They are gentle and enduring, but less agile than warm-blooded horses.
• Ponies: Smaller horses that are not only popular with children, but are also considered athletic and very robust animals, such as Shetland ponies or Icelandic horses. Icelandic horses, for example, are very versatile and popular due to their friendly nature and sure-footedness.
• Typical areas of use: Warmblood breeds such as Hanoverians, Trakehners, and Holsteiners often dominate dressage and show jumping due to their agility, strength, and eagerness to work. Breeds such as the Quarter Horse and the Tennessee Walking Horse are popular because of their even temperament and sure-footedness. They are well suited for beginners, eventing, and western riding.
• Cold-blooded horses take on traditional tasks in agriculture or forestry, as they are very strong and can handle heavy work. Pony breeds such as the Connemara Pony or Icelandic Pony are considered patient, gentle, and easy to handle, ideal for beginner riders and children.
• Special characteristics of well-known breeds: Icelandic Ponies are small, robust, very sure-footed, easy-going, yet enduring. They often have five gaits, including the characteristic “tölt.” Hanoverians are athletic, loyal, and willing to perform, often seen at competitions, versatile in dressage and jumping.
• Holssteiners are often very successful jumpers, intelligent and uncomplicated, often used as leisure horses. Quarter Horses are very muscular, fast over short distances, popular in Western riding, with a very friendly and willing character.
• This diversity of horse breeds is reflected in their specific strengths, which range from athletic elegance and work ethic to calmness and child-friendliness. Selective breeding always focuses on the health and robustness of the horses in order to best adapt them to their individual purposes.