Breeds You Don’t See Everyday

New Forest Pony

Build - Ponies built for work, the new forest pony will have sloping shoulders, strong hindquarters, straight limbs and strong feet.
Nature - Intelligent and kind, these ponies are easy to train and eager to please.
Colors - Found in almost any color, exceptions from registration include, pintos, appaloosa, and creme dilutions.
Origin - Documentation of this breed from G.B. dates back to 1016. During the years their stock was improved through many different bloodline enhancements such as Arab, hackney, fell ponies, dells, dartmoor and exmoor ponies.
More information - New Forest Pony

Poitou Donkey

Build - Very large for a donkey, bred for large ears and heads and robust leg joints. Their ears are often carried horizontally due to their extreme length. Coat is long and thick and if left unkempt will grow into dreadlocks.
Nature - Friendly and mellow.
Colors - Black or bay with a mealy gene.
Origin - Donkey breeding was introduced to the Poitou region of France by the Romans. Evidence supports the Poitou as a well established breed of donkey by 1717. Now it is the rarest breed of donkey.
More information - OK State

Sable Island Pony

Build - Breeding has not been managed, so these ponies display a variety of physical attributes.
Nature - Tough and adaptable, these animals are feral so as with any wild animal, they are unpredictable and stubborn.
Colors - Usually black or bay, however colors vary as there is no breed standard.
Origin - These horses are thought to have Spanish blood in them, and their lineage is thought to go back to the 16th century. However much of their history is unknown. They come from Sable Island which is a small island off the coast of Nova Scotia.
More information - Equine Kingdom

Shetland Pony

Build - One of the strongest equines relative to their size, their body has a wide barrel and short robust legs.
Nature - Tough and willing, these ponies make great family pets and enjoy contact with people. They are, however ponies and can exhibit that ‘pony attitude’.
Colors - May show a variety of colors, but black and bay are the most common.
Origin - One of the oldest of Britain’s pony breeds, the shetland pony is named for Shetland Isles off the coast of Scotland.
More information - OK State

Welsh Mountain (Section A) Pony

Build - Small head, sloping shoulder, short back and sturdy legs.
Nature - Kind and attentive, this pony is brave and full of energy.
Colors - All colors except pinto.
Origin - Bloodlines could date back to around 930 AD, and the Welsh Pony and Cob Society was formed in 1901.
More information - Equine World

Welsh Pony

Build - Bright eyes, strong shoulder, dense hooves and powerful hocks. Built for a high stepping gait and driving purposes.
Nature - Gentle, but strong and active, this pony is hardy, powerful and enjoys people.
Colors - Black, grey, bay, roan, chestnut, cream. Pinto colors are discouraged.
Origin - Originally used to carry British Knights in the 15th century, their role was leading larger battle horses into battle.
More information - Welsh Pony

Be sure to read out the first two installments Rare ponies A - E and Rare ponies F - K.

Why not check out the Rare horse series while you are at it?
Read about the rare horses of the world
A - D
F - I
K - O
P - W

Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?
Image From Mundo

Zebra Austin, better than he was before, better, stronger, faster…
Image From Photoshop Talent

Tigers, enhancing their bloodlines to avoid extinction since 1969
Image From Freaking News

Shunned from the olympic equestrian games, the centaur takes up archery in the hopes of competing in 2012
Image From Louie Cocchiola

I told you to stay away from dentists in the city, yo
Image From Photoshop Talent

Like being an ugly duckling wasn’t bad enough…
Image From Oskar N

I used to eat fresh seafood, now I eat grass. Whoopee my dream came true…
Image From Joey Bootz

Sarah rocks the competition on her favorite mount Rusty Old Toy
Image From mmbk

How to terrify a woman on the first date…
Image From Urban Legends

One horse + two attitudes = no fun to ride
Image From Photoshop Talent

The new spokes model for Nike Airabian shoes
Image From Photoshop Talent

Centaur Carl makes an ass of himself on the topless beach
Image From Photoshop Talent

Texas Limo, getting your kids to the square dance safely since 1975
Image From Louie Cocchiola

Be sure to check out more cool photoshop horse pictures

Be sure to check out our 2008 equestrian olympic cheat sheet for information about all things equestrian at the olympics.

4th - 10th
4. Switzerland
Christina Liebherr and No Mercy
Pius Schwizer and Nobless M
Niklaus Schurtenberger and Cantus
Steve Guerdat and Jalisca Solier

5. Netherlands
Angelique Hoorn and O’Brien
Marc Houtzager and Opium
Vincent Voorn and Alpapillon-Armanie
Gerco Schroder and Monaco

5. Germany
Christian Ahlmann and Coster
Marco Kutscher and Cornet Obolensky
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly
Ludger Beerbaum and All Inclusive

7. Great Britain
Nick Skelton and Russel
Tim Stockdale and Corlato
Ben Maher and Rolette
John Whitaker and Peppermill

8. Sweden
Peter Eriksson and Jaguar Mail
Lotta Schultz and Calibra II
Helena Lundback and Erbblume
Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Ninja

9. Australia
Peter McMahon and Genoa
Laurie Lever and Drossel Dan
Edwina Alexander and Itot du Chateau
Matt Williams and Leconte

Team Jumping Round 1

1. USA
McLain Ward and Sapphire
Laura Kraut and Cedric
Will Simpson and Carlsson Vom Dach
Breezie Madden and Authentic

2. Switzerland
Christina Liebherr and No Mercy
Pius Schwizer and Nobless M
Niklaus Schurtenberger and Cantus
Steve Guerdat and Jalisca Solier

3. Brazil
Pedro Veniss and Un Blanc de Blancs
Bernardo Alves and Chupa Chup
Camila Benedicto and Bonito Z
Rodrigo Pessoa and Rufus

4. Canada
Mac Cone and Ole
Jull Henselwood and Special Ed
Eric Lamaze and Hickstead
Ian Millar and In Style

5. Norway
Stein Endresen and Le Beau
Morten Djupvik and Casino
Geir Gulliksen and Cattani
Tony Andre Hansen and Camiro

6. Nethrlands
Angelique Hoorn and O’Brien
Marc Houtzager and Opium
Vincent Voorn and Alpapillon-Armanie
Gerco Schroder and Monaco

6. Great Britain
Nick Skelton and Russel
Tim Stockdale and Corlato
Ben Maher and Rolette
John Whitaker and Peppermill

8. Australia
Peter McMahon and genoa
Laurie Lever and Drossel Dan
Edwina Alexander and Itot du Chateau
Matt Williams and Leconte

9. Mexico
Alberto Michan and Chinobampo Lavita
Antonio Chedraui and Don Porfirio
Enrique Gonzalez and Frida
Federico Fernandez and Zorro

10. Sweden
Peter Eriksson and Jaguar Mail
Lotta Schultz and Calibra II
Helena Lundback and Erbblume
Rolf-Garan Bengtsson and Ninja

Team Jumping Round 2

1. Canada
Mac Cone and Ole
Jill Henselwood and Special Ed
Eric Lamaze and Hickstead
Ian Millar and In Style

2. USA
McLain Ward and Sapphire
Laure Kraut and Cedric
Will Simpson an Carlsson Vom Dach
Breezie Madden and Authentic

3. Norway
Stein Endresen and Le Beau
Morten Djupvik and Casino
Geir Gulliksen and Cattani
Tony Andre Hansen and Camiro

4. Switzerland
Christina Liebherr and No Mercy
Pius Schwizer and Nobless M
Niklaus Schurtenberger and Cantus
Steve Guerdat and Jalisca Solier

5. Germany
Christian Ahlmann and Coster
Marco Kutscher and Cornet Obolensky
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Shutterfly
Ludger Beerbaum and All Inclusive

5. Netherlands
Angelique Hoorn and O’Brien
Marc Houtzager and Opium
Vincent Voorn and Alpapillion-Armanie
Gerco Schroder and Monaco

7. Great Britain
Nick Skelton and Russel
Tim Stockdale and Corlato
Ben Maher and Rolette
John Whitaker and Peppermill

8. Sweden
Peter Eriksson and Jaguar Mail
Lotta Schultz and Calibra II
Helena Lundback and Erbblume
Rolf-Goran Bengtsson and Ninja

9. Australia
Peter McMahon and Genoa
Laurie Lever and Drossel Dan
Edwina Alexander Itot du Chateau
Matt Williams and Leconte

Individual Jumping 1st Qualifier

1. Switzerland - Christina Liebherr and No Mercy
2. Brazil - Pedro Veniss and Un Blanc de Blancs
3. Japan - Taizo Sugitani and California
4. Canada - Mac Cone and Ole
5. Norway - Stein Endresen and Le Beau
6. USA - McLain Ward and Sapphire
7. China - Patrick Lam and Urban
8. Brazil - Bernardo Alves and Chupa Chup
9. Netherlands - Vincent Voorn and Alpapillon-Armanie
10. Switzerland - Niklaus Schurtenberger and Cantus

Individual Jumping 2nd Qualifier

1. USA - McLain Ward and Sapphire
2. Canada - Eric Lamaze and Hickstead
3. Brazil - Rodrigo Pessoa and Rufus
4. Ireland - Denis Lynch and Lantinus
4. Belgium - Jos Lansink - Cumano
4. Norway - Tony Andre Hansen and Norway
7. Netherlands - Marc Houtzager and Opium
8. Sweden - Rolf-Goran bengtsson and Ninja
8. Norway - Stein Endresen and Le Beau
8. Switzerland - Christina Liebherr and No Mercy

Individual Jumping 3rd Qualifier

1. Norway - Tony Andre Hansen and Camiro
2. Belgium - Jos Lansink and Cumano
2. USA - McLain Ward and Sapphire
2. Australia - Edwina Alexander and Itot du Chateau
2. Canada - Eric Lamaze and Hickstead
6. Great Britain - Ben Maher and Rolette
7. Brazil - Rodrigo Pessoa and Rufus
8. Ireland - Denis Lynch and Lantinus
8. Netherlands - Marc Houtzager and Opium
8. Canada - Ian Millar and In Style

Be sure to find out when you can watch the the US jumping team take part in the final event for 2008.

Here is a taste of horse life in a place where the ocean is a part of daily life

Image from Queen of Subtle

Image from Janet

Image from dpix07

Image from bz3rk

Image from Janet

Image from Kate Yaeger

Image from Crimson Ninja Girl Yaeger

Image from Urbindimo

Image from Daniel Wilder

Travel to other locations in the horse world too
Scotland
Egypt
America
Morocco
Spain
France
England
Portugal
Japan

Image from Stuck in Customs

A

Above the bit
When a horse stretches forward and raises his head to get the bit above the rider’s hand.

Acre
A unit of land measurement - equals 4840 sq yards or 43560 sq feet.

Action
A general term used to describe the way a horse travels and the movement of their legs. Includes the degree of animation and flexion of the leg joints as well as the head, neck and tail carriage. The desired action for a horse varies by breed and discipline.

B

Bale
Hay measurement equal to 10 flakes of hay

Balk
Refusing to move.

Bareback
Riding without a saddle.

Barefoot
A barefoot horse wears no shoes.

Barn sour
A horse who balks when asked to leave the barn or stable area.

Beat
One step in a horses gait, can involve one leg or two.

Bedding
Wood chips, straw or shavings used on the floor of a horses stall to absorb moisture and provide padding.

Behind the bit
When a horse evades contact with the bit by putting his head down.

Bell boots
Rubber boots (that have a bell-shape) that fit over a horses hoof to protect them during workout.

Bit
The part of the bridle that goes in the horses mouth and attaches to the reins.

Blanket
A term used to describe the white pattern of some appaloosa horses.

Bowed hocks
A fault in conformation which means the hocks of the hind legs turn outwards.

Bowed tendons
A tendon that stays inflamed all the time. Doesn’t generally result in lameness, however that tendon is not as strong which can create other issues.

Breed
A group of horses with distinct genetics, animals recognized for each breed are kept in official stud books.

Breeding stock
A stallion or mare that meets the expected requirements which make them eligible to be registered for a specific breed.

Bridle
Worn on the horses head and used to control them, a bridle includes the headpiece, bit, reins, chin strap and headstall.

Bridle path
The area between the forelock and the mane generally clipped to allow the bridle a place to rest.

Bronco
Also called a bronc
A horse who has never been broken or tamed for use.

Broodmare
A female horse used solely for breeding.

Bot fly
A fly often found around horses that looks similar to a big bee. They lay tiny white eggs on horses legs and belly. If ingested the larvae migrate to the stomach wall where they attach themselves.

Buck
When a horse jumps upwards, arches their back and kicks their heels up.

C

Canter
Also called lope or slow gallop
A three beat gait - english discipline.

Cast
A cast horse is one that has fallen or laid down so close to a fence or wall that they can’t get up without help.

Chestnut
A bony protrusion on the inside of bottom of each foreleg.

Cinch
Also called a girth
The piece of tack that holds the saddle on the horse.

Cold-blooded
Horses with roots in the draft breeds and heavy war horses. Cold blooded breeds often develop in colder climate and generally exhibit a thick coat, long fetlocks and dense bone structure.

Colostrum
A mares first milk which is high in protein, sugar, and globulins. The globulins pass along essential proteins to foals which provide temporary immunity against infectious diseases.

Colic
Spasms of the intestine which cause spasmodic pain in horses. Symptoms include sweating, excessive rolling and kicking at their stomach.

Colt
A male horse under 4 years of age that has not been castrated.

Conformation
The overall structure of the horse. Varies from breed to breed.

Countercanter
Cantering on the incorrect lead.

Cow hocks
A fault in conformation which means the hocks of the hind legs turn inwards.

Cow horse
A horse trained to work roping, cutting or working herds of cows.

Cribbing
When a horse takes a horizontal object into their mouth and stretches its esophagus to suck wind. This behavior is learned and can become obsessive.

Curry comb
A horse brush made of either metal, plastic or rubber with small teeth for cleaning in a circular motion. Often the first brush used.

Cutting horse
Cow horses used to cut specific cattle from the heard for branding. There are also cutting horse competitions.

D

Dam
A horses mother.

Diagonal
A pair of diagonal legs at the trot, right front and left hind or left front and right hind. In the english discipline a rider “posts” or sits forward as the outside foreleg rises in stride.

Donkey
Also called burros
A common name for a member of the ass family.

Dorsal Stripe
A dark line from the base of the mane to the base of the tail, this is a primitive marking found on horses with a dun dilution gene.

Draft horse
One of the heavy breeds of horse, developed originally for farm or heavy freight work. Average 1,500 - 2,200 pounds and can reach 17 hands in height. Includes the percheron, belgian and clydesdale.

Dressage
An english discipline which is often called horse ballet. One of the three events at the Olympic games.

E

Equine
The Equidae family, includes horses, asses and zebras.

Equitation
The art of riding.

Eventing
Competitions which include three different areas, dressage, cross country and stadium jumping.

Extention
Increasing speed and stride length in any gait while maintaining the original rhythm.

F

Far side
Right side of the horse.

Farrier
Shapes horse shoes with fire and fits them to horses hooves.

Feathers
Hair on the fetlock that grows long enough to cover the hooves of some draft breeds.

Filly
A female horse under 4 year of age.

Flake
Hay measurement, there are 10 flakes in a bale.

Floating teeth
Horses teeth never stop growing and the process of filing off sharp edges is called floating horses teeth.

Flying lead change
Changing from one lead to the other without breaking gait.

Foal
A baby horse or pony still suckling from their dam.

Frog
A shock absorbing wedge-shaped pad in the sole of the hoof that contacts the ground first with each step.

Fox Trot
A broken diagonal gait with a very distinctive rhythm, this rhythm is created when the front foot leaves the ground a split second before the opposite rear foot hits the ground. Two feet are on the ground at all times which makes this gait very smooth.

G

Gait
A pattern of repetitive foot movements used in locomotion, including the walk, trot and canter.

Gaited horse
A horse with flashy gaits bred for comfort on plantations. Includes the American Saddlebred, Morgan horse and Tennessee Walking Horse.

Gallop
A three-beat gait and the fastest a horse can go.

Gelding
A male horse that has been castrated.

Glass-eyed
A blue eyed horse.

Green Horse
A horse that is in the early stages of training.

Green Rider
A rider that is in the early stages of training.

Ground tie
The term used to described a horse who stands in place with the reins on the ground in front of it.

Gymkhana
A variety of timed, competitive mounted games

H

Hackamore
A bitless bridle that uses pressure on the nose and jaw to control the horse.

Halter
A leather or rope harness placed around the horses head and fastened, used as a place to anchor a lead line.

Hand
A unit of measurement for horses = 4 inches.

Head shy
A horse that spooks or starts when you move too quickly near their head, often an indication of abuse.

Height
Horses are measured from the ground to the top of the withers and measured in 4 inch increments called hands.

Hinny
Produced by crossing a female donkey (also called a jennet or jenny) with a male horse.

Hobbles
Used to keep a horse from getting far, rope or leather loops used to tie the forelegs together.

Horse
An equine taller than 14.2 hands.

Hot-blooded
Horses whose bloodlines are Thoroughbred or Arabian. Hot blooded breeds often develop in hot countries where horses are used for transportation over long, hot distances. Generally they exhibit fine bones, fine, thin coat and high energy.

I

In season
When a mare is ready to breed.

J

Jack
Male of the ass species

Jennet
Female of the ass species

Jog
Slow trot - western discipline.

L

Lame
A term used to describe a horse that is limping or displaying signs of leg or foot problems.

Lead
The pattern of footfall at the canter (lope). The foreleg on the inside reaches out further in the stride than that of the outside leg. (This aides in balance in many four-legged animals).

Lope
Also called canter
Three-beat gait - western discipline.

Longe
To work a horse on a long line in a circle around you.

M

Mare
A female horse over 4 years old.

Martingale
A piece of leather tack used to control how high the horse raises their head, it consists of a strap around the girth and a strap around the chinstrap of the bridle. English descipline.

Mule
The offspring of a female horse and a male donkey (also called a jack).

Mustang
A wild (or feral) horse. The word comes from the Spanish word for mixed blood - mestizo.

N

Near side
The left side of the horse.

Neck rein
Also called brace rein and bearing rein
Guiding a horse by moving the reins against their neck

P

Pace
A two-beat lateral gait, both legs on the right side moving forward, then both legs on the left, front and rear legs are picked up and put down simultaneously. A pacing horse moves its head side to side to counter balance the way their feet move.

Points
Mane, tail and lower legs - sometimes muzzle.

Pony
Small breeds, ponies must be under 14.2 hands tall.

Purebred
A horse with pure bloodlines who can produce the physical characteristics required by their breed.

R

Rear
When a horse stands on its hind legs with its forelegs in the air.

S

Sire
A horses father.

Sound
A sound horse is a horse with good legs and feet - no lameness.

Splint
Term used to describe inflammation of the area where the splint bone attached to the cannon bone. On older horses splints can become large bony growths along the splint bone.

Splint boots
Boots worn around the cannons on the forelegs to protect them and prevent injury during training.

Stallion
A male horse that hasn’t been castrated.

Stud
A stallion used for breeding (usually used exclusively for that purpose).

Stud book
A listing of breeding stallions kept by the registered organization for their breed.

T

Tack
Horse tack is a general term to describe items used in horsemanship including bridles, saddles, leathers, blankets, halters, ropes, etc.

Thoroughbred tatto
All thoroughbreds registered with the Jockey Club carry an identification number on the inside of their upper lip.

Thrush
A common disease of the hoof which causes the frog to decompose and stink. Often caused by standing in wet footing, unsanitary conditions, lack of exercise or neglected foot care.

Tie down
A piece of leather tack used to control how high the horse raises their head, it consists of a strap around the girth and a strap around the chinstrap of the bridle. western descipline.

Topline
The top line of the horse from the ears to the top of the tail.

Trot
A two-beat gait.

Twitch
A metal clasp which is used to clamp the top lip of a horse to keep them calm during treatment.

U

Underline
The bottom line of the horse from the elbow to the sheath or udder.

W

Walk
A four-beat flat-footed gait.

Weanling
A horse under one years of age that has been separated (or weaned) from its mother.

Y

Yearling
A general term used to describe a horse right around one years old.

*Feed readers click through to see the video

Do you clean your horse this well?

Be sure to check out our 2008 equestrian olympic cheat sheet for information about all things equestrian at the olympics.

Individual Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle

4th - 10th
4. USA - Peter Steffen and Ravel
5. Netherlands - Hans Peter Minderhoud and Nadine
6. Russia - Alexandra Balagur and Balagur
7. Great Britain - Emma Hindle and Lancet
8. Finland - Kyra Kyrklund and Max
9. Mexico - Bernadette Pujals and Vincent
10. Sweden - Jan Brink and Briar

Individual Dressage Grand Prix Day 1

1. Germany - Isabell Werth and Satchmo
2. Netherlands - Anky van Grunsven and Salinero
3. Germany - Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte
4. Great Britain - Emma Hindle and Lancet
5. Netherlands - Imke Schellekens-Bartels
6. Finland - Kyra Kyrklund and Max
7. USA - Courtney King and Mythilus
8. Denmark - Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittenstein and Digby
9. Germany - Nadine Capellmann and Elvis VA
10. USA - Steffen Peters and Ravel

Individual Dressage Grand Prix Day 2

1. Germany - Isabell Werth and Satchmo
2. Netherlands - Anky van Grunsven and Salinero
3. Germany - Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte
4. Great Britain - Emma Hindle and Lancet
5. Netherlands - Imke Schellekens-Bartels
6. Finland - Kyra Kyrklund and Max
7. USA - Courtney King and Mythilus
8. Denmark - Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittenstein and Digby
9. Germany - Nadine Capellmann and Elvis VA
10. USA - Steffen Peters and Ravel

Individual Dressage Grand Prix Special

1. Germany - Isabell Werth and Satchmo
2. Netherlands - Anky van Grunsven and Salinero
3. Germany - Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte
4. USA - Steffen Peters and Ravel
5. Russian Fed - Alexandra Korelova
6. Mexico - Bernadette Pujals
7. Netherlands - Hans Peter Minderhoud
8. USA - Courtney King and Mythilus
9. Great Britain - Emma Hindle and Lancet
10. Finland - Kyra Kyrklund and Max

Team Dressage Grand Prix

4th - 10th Place

4. USA
Team Members:
Courtney King and Mythilus
Debbie McDonald and Brentina
Steffen Peters and Ravel

5. Sweden
Pattik Kittel and Floresco
Tinne Silfven and Solos Carex
Jan Brink and Briar

6. Great Britain
Jane Gregory Lucky Star
Emma Hindle and Lancet
Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral hojris

7. France
Marc Boblet and Whitini Star
Julia Chevanne and Calimucho
Hubert Perring and Diabolo St Maurice

8. Australia
Heath Ryan and Greenoaks Dundee
Hayley Beresford and Relampago
Kristy Oatley and Quando Quando

9. Canada
Leslie Reid and Orion
Jacqueline Brooks and Gran Gesto
Ashley Holzer and Pop Art

10. Japan
Yuko Kitai and Rambo
Mieko Yagi and Dow Jones
Hiroski Hoketsu and Whisper

Be sure to find out when you can watch the the US jumping team take part in the final event for 2008.

The Reminisce horses are the product of an artist in San Francisco named Ruby Neri. She became a prolific horse graffiti artist while she attended the San Francisco Art Institute in the 90’s.

Although her work is graffiti in every sense, the subject matter was well-received within the community and many images of her work can still be found.

Today, Ruby sticks to sculpture, but I wanted to pay tribute to the 90’s and her lovely Reminisce Horses, so I collected as many as I could find.

Image from Graffiti.org

Image from Graffiti.org

Image from Graffiti.org

Image from 3580.com

Image from 3580.com

Image from Analog Medium

Image from 3580.com

Image from 3580.com

Video

I had difficulty finding much information on Ruby online, from what I can tell she moved to L.A. in the late 90’s to persue her career as a sculptor and never looked back.

For more information about the equestrian games in Hong Kong see the 2008 cheatsheet.

Belgian Warmblood

Image from Ludo Philippaerts
The Belgians have long been known for their draft horses, however the Belgian Warmblood sport horse has become increasingly popular due to their affinity for big fences and charming personality.

Dutch Warmblood

Image from Northwest Sport Horse Breeders Association
The Dutch Warmblood was bred specifically for looks and action in competition. This is done through a rigorous selection process using science and technology alongside traditional breeding practices to create a superior animal.

Hanoverian

Image from Katherine Poulin-Neff
300 years of organized breeding has created an bloodline that not only excels in equestrian sports but has influenced many of the other breeds used in sport competitions today. The World Breed Federation for Sport Horses has named the Hanoverian the “Best of All” award every year since they opened their doors.

Holsteiner

Image from Rangeview Stud
Their rangy frame and a sensible intellect is not an accident, the Holsteiner horse has been moulded by centuries of breeding. The result is an animal notable for their bright, elastic movement; lean, athletic build; and intelligent, bold personality.

Oldenburger

Image from Heritage Manor Farm
The Oldenburg horse holds one of the largest studbooks in Germany, a country known for their their eventing horses. Each autumn in Vechta, Oldenberg “Stallion Days” licensing evaluation is held which includes an auction and parades.

Selle Français

Image from French Stallions
Also called the French Saddle Horse, this is a modern warmblood and a proven sport horse. There were more Selle Français horses competiting in the 2002 olympics than any other breed and they helped to win 5 of the 7 medals won by the French equestrians that year.

Swedish Warmblood

Image from Wellington Farm
Traces of domesticated horse ancestry in Sweden dates back as far as 4,000 BC, and since then the development of the Swedish Warmblood has been shaped by difficult conditions and the conflicts of war into a strong and reliable animal with a ground-eating gait.

Westphalian

Image from Horse Canada
Originally bred as working and farm animals, the Westphalian horse was created to improve German horse stocks in the 18th century. Many records of the bloodlines were destroyed throughout the turmoil in Germany during the early 20th century, however the breed persisted as a popular sporting horse anyway.

Note the similarities in their confirmation and which breeds are versatile enough to cross competition lines and work well in eventing and dressage too.

Take a moment to meet the horses of the US olympic teams, jumpers, eventing, and dressage.

Interested in learning about more equine breeds? Be sure to checkout our horse breeds section.

For more information about the equestrian games in Hong Kong see the 2008 cheatsheet.

Andalusian

Image from Miriam Frenk
Also called Pura Raza, the Andalusian breed dates back to the 15th century and was influenced by the Barb during Moorish invasions. Since then a dramatic effort has been made to keep their bloodlines 100% pure.

Danish Warmblood

Image from Naturally Equine
Also called Koninklijk Warmblood, the Danish Warmblood was developed as Denmark’s own competitive sport horse, using the influence of the Trakehner, Hanoverian, Holsteiner and Swedish Warmbloods.

Hanoverian

Image from Hilltop Farm Inc.
Found on all five continents the Hanoverian has made a name for itself as a true athlete in every aspect of english discipline competitive riding.

Lusitano

Image from Brookside Equestrian
Portugal’s version of the Andalusian, the elegant Lusitano was named after the Lusitanian riders who could climb cliffs on horseback that no other mounted army would dare to try.

Oldenburg

Image from Oakmont Sport Horses
Originally a carriage horse, the Oldenburg has developed into an effective sport horse. This breed matures early for such a large horse, which lends an inherent kindness to the bold tendencies of their youth.

Westphalian

Image from Hopeful Farm
Horses have been bred in the state of Westphalia since the Roman period, and the modern day Westphalian comes from those bloodlines with a heavy Hanoverian influence.

Note the similarities in their confirmation and which breeds are versatile enough to cross competition lines and work well in eventing and stadium jumping too.

Take a moment to meet the horses of the US olympic teams, jumpers, eventing, and dressage.

Interested in learning about more equine breeds? Be sure to checkout our horse breeds section.