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Home , American Quarter Horse, American Saddlebred, Appaloosa, Clydesdale Horse, Color breed, Draft horse

ALABAMA A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES Light Types and Uses ANR-899

ight , also termed short, strong backs and medium- "hot-blooded" horses, Stock Type length legs. The ’s neck Lgenerally weigh under A stock type horse is built for should come forward from its 1,500 pounds at maturity and work. Stock horses usually shoulder (as opposed to upward) typically are used as riding have a muscular build with mas- so that its head is carried low. horses. Draft horses, also termed sive muscles in the shoulders, fore- The stock horse should move "cold-blooded" horses, generally arms, and hindquarters. They have with a relaxed, soft stride with weigh over 1,500 pounds and its feet close to the ground. Stock are used more as work horses horses can start, stop, and turn than as riding horses. are quickly, and they have a lot of smaller than horses, but are the speed for short-distance sprints. same and as horses ( caballus). Riding horses are selected from many different . Horses within a breed usually have a common origin and have traits that set them apart from other breeds of horses. Different breeds have been developed to perform different jobs under . For example, some breeds usually are used as race horses, and other breeds are used as high-stepping show horses. Some breeds are noted for a particular coat color. Certain Stock type horse. breeds are known for their superiority in a particular activity. However, this does not prevent individuals from a breed noted for one activity from excelling in an unrelated activity. Most of the horses in a certain breed usually will have the build and tempera- ment to do a particularARCHIVE job. This means that most in a breed will follow a certain “type.” A horse’s type is determined by its build, or conformation, which in turn helps what kind of job the horse might perform well.

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www.aces.edu Stock horses are noted for their pleasure. A taller, leaner horse calm, quiet dispositions. They that is more suitable for is Hunter Type are used as ranch horses, the second type. The racing type Sport horses typically are horses, pleasure horses, and show Quarter Horse has been devel- developed for activities such as horses for western events such as oped by adding , , show jump- , roping, , to the Quarter . ing, competitive , and and . They are used for The breed . breeds and short distance racing and contests was developed by the Nez are commonly that require speed and agility, Perce Indians in the American used in these sports. such as (racing Northwest. The body build and The or hunter around three barrels set in a clo- size of the Appaloosa is similar type horse is built to carry riders verleaf pattern). Stock horses are to the Quarter Horse, but the cross-country and over fences at a traditionally ridden with a western Appaloosa has a spotted coat gallop. They have a longer, leaner style (or stock seat) saddle and color. The spots may be dark body build, longer legs, and longer bridle. However, many people spots on a white coat, white spots necks than stock type horses. The are beginning to use stock type on a dark coat, or a dark coat hunter’s neck should come forward horses in sport horse activities with a white “blanket” over the and slightly upward from the with an (forward horse’s hips and . In addi- shoulder so that its head is carried seat) today. Typical breeds of tion to the spotted color pattern, higher than that of a stock horse. stock horses are the American the have three other A hunter will not have the mas- Quarter Horse, the Appaloosa, distinct characteristics: sive muscling typically seen in a and the Paint. • The sclera of the stock horse but should have long, The Quarter Horse breed should be circled with white like smooth muscling. was developed in colonial the human . The sport horse should move America in and the • The should be with long, low, ground-covering Carolinas. The Quarter Horse was striped with black and white verti- strides. It should have stamina developed as a general purpose cal stripes. to gallop long distances and the horse that could be used for riding • The should be mottled athletic ability to jump fences and and work. However, the with irregular black and white shorten or lengthen its stride as breed name came from the horse’s spots, especially over the muzzle needed. Sport horses are usually ability to excel in short distance and genitals. ridden with English style . races that were about ¼ mile in Hunters and jumpers are ridden length. The horse was further The color pattern of the with forward (hunt) seat saddles developed in the Southwest into a Appaloosa does not breed true; and dressage horses with dressage dependable stock horse and it is that is, born to Appaloosa saddles. known for its “cow sense” or abil- parents do not always have ity to work with . Today the an Appaloosa color pattern. The Thoroughbred breed Quarter Horse is the most popular Appaloosas are known for their was developed in as breed in America based on the endurance and surefootedness. a race horse for intermediate number of horses registered. The Paint Horse breed distances. It was developed by The Quarter Horse usually has a also has a spotted coat color. It crossing native English horses short, broad head with large jaws differs from the Appaloosa in with Arabians. Most Thorough- and small ears. It is a muscular that the paint color pattern (also breds can trace their ancestry to horse, usually standing 14.3 to called pinto) has large spots that three or four Arabian 16 hands tall (one equals 4 often run together where the imported to England in the inches; a 14.3 hand horse would Appaloosa spots are smaller and late 1600s and early . The be 14 hands and 3 inches) at the separate. The Paint Horse breed breed name, Thoroughbred, is withers (top of the shoulders) and was formed to register horses often confused with the term ARCHIVE“.” Purebred refers to any weighing 1,000 to 1,250 pounds. of Quarter with Because Quarter has the paint color pattern, so the whose ancestors are all become increasingly popular, the body build and size of these two from the same breed. With horses, breed has developed two distinct breeds are very similar. Like the Thoroughbred refers to a specific types of horses in recent years. Appaloosa color pattern, the paint breed. Thoroughbreds are usually The short, stocky typical Quarter color pattern does not breed true. between 15 and 16.3 hands high Horse is used for ranch work and and weigh 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. They are noted for their speed, athletic ability, and desire to win.

2 Alabama Cooperative Extension System Their temperaments generally blood breeds were developed by the horse’s shoulder, rather than for- are considered more nervous crossing native lightweight draft ward, resulting in a high head car- than those of stock type horses. horses with Thoroughbreds and riage. Their legs are long compared Thoroughbreds have been used Arabians. Warmblood breeds are to the depth of their bodies. to increase the speed, athletic named according to their area of A saddle horse should have ability, and refinement of many origin; for example, Hanovians a lively way of moving with its breeds of horses in the world and were developed in the feet lifted high off the ground have been used in the develop- region of and Dutch with each step. The saddle horse ment of many other breeds, such were developed in should be comfortable and pleas- as the , the . Typically, warm- ant to ride. It should give the the , the bloods will be bigger and sturdier appearance of being a spirited , and the Morgan. than Thoroughbreds and will have horse that is easily controlled by The term “warmblood” gen- more tractable temperaments. the rider. Usually saddle horses erally refers to breeds developed are ridden in an English style in to provide horses capa- Saddle Type saddle, called a park saddle or ble of competing in international flat saddle. For showing, this The saddle type horse is built for , dressage, eventing, and saddle is modified so the rider is and showing. Saddle competitive driving. Most warm- seated farther toward the horse’s horses tend to be more refined with hindquarters. The show version of lighter and muscling than the saddle is called a cut-back or either the stock type or hunter type a Lane Fox show saddle. Typical horses. Saddle horses have long breeds of saddle horses are the necks that come straight up from American Saddlebred, Morgan, and Arabian. Tennessee Horses and Racking Horses also fit into the saddle horse type, even though their body builds are heavier and their are differ- ent from the other saddle horse breeds. The American Saddlebred was developed in the , Tennessee, , and Missouri as an easy-riding, gen- eral purpose plantation horse. Thoroughbred, Morgan, Arabian, and trotting and pacing horses were used to develop the breed. Hunter type horse. The Saddlebred breed is known as the “peacock of the horse ARCHIVE

Full double or weymouth bridle, show type. Hunting snaffle bridle. English saddle. Light Horse Breed Types and Uses 3 world.” They have long arched necks with a high head , short backs that are level from the withers to the , long legs, high tail sets, and flashy gaits. Saddlebreds are usually 15 to 16 hands tall and weigh 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. The breed has both three- gaited horses and five-gaited horses. The three-gaited Saddlebred performs a springy, four-beat, flat-footed walk, a high-stepping, two-beat , and a slow, smooth, three-beat canter. The five-gaited horse has two additional gaits, the slow and the rack. The slow gait is a slow, high action, four-beat gait, and the rack is a fast, flashy, four-beat gait in which each supports the horse’s body weight separately. Saddlebred show horses give the appearance of being almost uncon- trollable, but they are actually gentle, easily handled horses. The Morgan breed was developed in New England as a general purpose horse that could be used on the farm or as a trot- ting harness horse and as a saddle horse. The foundation sire for the breed was a horse called “Justin Morgan” after its owner. Today the breed shows more refine- Saddle type horse. ment than original Morgans and is mainly used as a pleasure and show horse. Morgans have high head carriage, short backs that are level from the withers to the tail, and long, sloping shoulders. Their necks are wider at the base than the Saddlebred’s, and they are smaller than the Saddlebred. They are usually 14.1 to 15.1 hands tall and weigh 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. Morgans are known for their quiet attitudes and their sturdiness.ARCHIVE Morgan horses have been used in the development of the Saddlebred and Quarter Horse breeds. The Arabian breed was developed in the deserts of the Mideast and northern Africa and Park or flat saddle. is probably the oldest breed of horse in the world. Many breeds Cut back or Lane Fox show of riding horses have Arabians in saddle.

4 Alabama Cooperative Extension System their backgrounds, often through The trotting and pacing breeds. Its the Thoroughbred breed, which and the have a natu- body build is similar to the was developed using Arabians. ral overstride. That is, the hind foot Thoroughbred with a larger head, Today the Arabian is used as will land in front of the print left longer body, and shorter legs. a show horse, race horse, and by the front foot. In show horses, The breed is endurance horse. Arabians excel this overstride can be more than 50 a in which horses at , which is inches. The gaits of the Tennessee are registered according to their long distance cross-country racing. Walking Horse are the walk, run- color rather than their type and Arabians are smaller than most ning walk, and canter. During the ancestry. The palomino body other breeds of riding horses, walk, each foot will hit color is golden with a white standing 14 to 15.1 hands tall and the ground separately at regular and tail. Although the majority of weighing between 800 and 1,000 intervals. The front feet should be are stock type horses, pounds. Arabians have a distinctive lifted high off the ground and the hunter and saddle type horses head shape. Their heads should back feet should stay close to the of registered parents with the be small, with large eyes, small ground, so that the horse looks like palomino color can also be regis- muzzles, and a “dish” below their it is pulling with its front feet and tered. Like most color breeds, the eyes, giving the horse a concave driving under its body with its back palomino color pattern will not profile. The Arabian should have feet. The breed shows a distinct breed true. a long, arched neck, a short back nodding head action at the running The Pinto breed is also a that is level from the withers to tail, walk. Racking Horses are shown at color breed that will register and a high tail carriage. It is widely the walk, slow rack, and fast rack. horses with the pinto body color believed that Arabians have only The footfall pattern for the rack is that are from purebred parents. five lumbar vertebrae in their back- similar to the Saddlebred’s rack; Pintos can be registered as stock bones, rather than the six found however, the appearance of the gait type, sport type, pleasure type in most horses, giving Arabians a is different. Racking Horse breed- (Arabians and Morgans), or saddle shorter, stronger back. However, ers stress that the rack must be a type (Saddlebreds and Tennessee research shows that the percentage natural gait with no nodding head Walking Horses). Although pinto of Arabians with only five lumbar motion. The hocks should move and paint refer to the same color vertebrae is the same as the per- forward rather than upward so the pattern, the Paint breed will regis- centage found in each horse breed. hind feet stay close to the ground. ter only stock type horses. The Tennessee Walking This is a basic description of the Horse and the Racking Horse Other Light three main types of riding horses are similar in ancestry and body found in the and type but have different gaits. The Horse Breeds popular breeds that fit into each Tennessee Walking Horse was A light horse breed that fits type. However, many other horse developed in Tennessee as a the hunter type body build but and breeds can be found general purpose plantation horse generally is not considered a riding in the United States and many for riding, driving, and farm work. horse is the Standardbred. The foreign breeds are being imported. Thoroughbreds, , Standardbred is raced under har- You should use this information Saddlebreds, Morgans, and trot- ness at either a trot or pace. The when selecting riding horses for a ting and pacing harness horses trot is a two-beat gait in which particular job. Decide what type of were used in developing the diagonal front and hind legs move riding you are most interested in breed. Racking Horses were together. The pace is a two-beat (stock, sport, or saddle seat) and developed directly from the gait in which the horse’s lateral choose a horse from a breed that Tennessee Walking Horse breed. (on the same side of the body) usually performs this type of riding Both breeds are popular as show legs move together. The breed well. It does not guarantee that you horses, pleasure horses, and trail name comes from the practice of will have a champion horse, but it horses. Both breeds averageARCHIVE 15.2 registering any horse that could will help you select a horse that is hands in height and are about trot or pace a mile in a standard suitable for the work you expect it 1,000 pounds in weight. They time when the breed was being to perform. are similar to the Saddlebred in developed. The Standardbred body conformation, but they have was developed in America from larger bones, heavier muscles, and Thoroughbred, Morgan, and thicker necks than Saddlebreds. They also usually have more slop- ing rumps and a sharper angle in their hocks than Saddlebreds.

Light Horse Breed Types and Uses 5 in difficulty as the horse reaches A Note on Donkeys and higher levels of training, is used to evaluate the precision and Drafts, Ponies, smoothness of the pattern, the Donkeys and mules are transitions between movements, and Miniatures growing in popularity. They are and the horse’s obedience to and Draft and pony breeds are used for pleasure riding, as pack harmony with the rider. often named for the country or animals, show animals, and race Driving activities can range region in which they originated; for animals. Because of their ten- from simply driving horses in har- example, the is dency to attack and , ness for pleasure to international- from and the Welsh pony donkeys are used to guard cattle level competitive driving contests. is from Wales. There is a growing and . Donkeys are the Competitive driving encompasses interest in breeds in same genus as horses (Equus), but a dressage phase, a the United States. They are used are a different species (). phase that tests the horses’ or in parades, in pulling (strength) Mules are a cross between a teams’ fitness and stamina, and contests, as carriage horses and male (jack) and a female an obstacle driving phase that as show horses, and some are still horse (). The opposite cross, tests the horses’ or teams’ obedi- used as work animals on . between a female donkey (jenny) ence and suppleness and the Many are crossed with light horse and a male horse (), is horsemanship of the driver. Horse breeds to result in a large riding called a . Donkeys and mules shows also offer various driving horse, which is often more tractable come in all sizes from miniature or harness classes that judge a than many of the purebred light to mammoth. They generally have horse’s movement and obedience. horse breeds. Some of the more docile temperaments, but also are and Horsemanship popular draft breeds in the United noted for their stubbornness. are terms used to indicate a rider’s States are the Belgian, Clydesdale, ability to sit on a horse in a bal- and . Common anced, correct, and functional man- Ponies are popular as chil- ner and to control a horse effectively. dren’s mounts because their small Horse Activities In equitation and horsemanship size makes them less intimidating classes the rider is being judged, but and more appropriately matched to Primer a well-trained, smooth-gaited, and a child’s body build and strength. responsive horse contributes greatly Cattle Events were developed to a winning presentation. A well-trained, even-tempered to test a horse’s ability to perform pony can bring top dollar as a typical chores on a cattle ranch. Eventing is an equestrian triath- child’s mount. Generally, equine In cutting competitions, a horse lon competition that was developed that are under 14.2 hands in height separates a cow from the to test military horses. Horses first are considered ponies, although and keeps it from returning by must exhibit their ability to respond individual breed associations may anticipating and outmaneuver- to a rider through a dressage test. have different height standards. ing its attempts to join the herd. Then their speed, endurance, and Miniature horses are diminu- Roping events exhibit the horse’s cross-country jumping abilities are tive versions of horses and are no ability to track a running calf or tested in an endurance phase, and taller than 34 inches at the with- steer, allowing the rider to finally, their stamina and jumping ers. The breed is defined by this the animal and restrain it momen- abilities are evaluated in a final show height requirement and resemble tarily. classes jumping competition. miniature versions of light horse test a horse’s ability to work and events are games and draft horse breeds. They are control cattle and its maneuver- on horseback. These games may not dwarves or stunted horses, ability and control by the rider. highlight a rider’s abilities, the but are produced through selec- is a timed contest horse’s maneuverability and speed, tive breeding of smallerARCHIVE animals. in which a team of riders must or just be for fun. Ride-a-buck separate specific cattle from a (dollar bill), egg and spoon races, herd, move them into a pen, and lancing rings, and speed events are hold them there. examples of gymkhana games. Dressage is a competition , or conformation, that evaluates a horse’s training, classes evaluate a horse’s structure responsiveness, and obedience and suitability for a specific use. In to the rider. A prescribed pattern these classes, horses are shown “in of movements, which increases hand,” meaning that they are led

6 Alabama Cooperative Extension System into the ring, rather than ridden, Reining horses perform a is probably one and evaluated against breed stan- set pattern that emphasizes their of the most popular horseback dards or against a specific type. responsiveness to and control by riding activities. Most trail riders Hunter horses are used to the rider. Flying changes, enjoy the changing scenery and gallop cross-country and over spinning turns, sliding stops, and the companionship of other riders jumps in . Show lengthening and shortening the and their horses. In trail classes in ring hunters are judged on traits stride are maneuvers required to horse shows, the horse goes over needed to perform successfully in exhibit a horse’s ability to respond a series of obstacles mimicking the hunt field. Quality and ease to a rider. those commonly encountered on of gaits, manners, and form and events are often the trail, which tests the horse’s safety over fences are important characterized by horses, ability to safely, calmly, and will- judging criteria. but horses are used in a variety ingly negotiate the obstacles. Jumpers are shown in high of other rodeo activities, such as Competitive trail riding is an event jumping competitions. Getting roping and barrel racing. Rodeo in which a horse is judged on over the jump without errors, such horses are also used to track condition, soundness, and ability as refusing to jump or knocking steers for bull-dogging (steer to negotiate natural trail obstacles down the jump, is the primary wrestling), in which the contestant and the rider is judged on his or goal. Quality of gaits and manners drops from a running horse onto her ability to care for and ride the are not considered. a steer to wrestle it to the ground, trail horse. Pleasure horses are evalu- and as mounts for the “pick-up” Vaulting is gymnastics on ated on the comfort, quality, and riders who assist contestants in horseback. Both team and indi- attractiveness of their gaits, their gracefully and safely getting off vidual gymnastic exercises are responsiveness to the rider, and the bucking horses. performed from the back of a their manners. Western pleasure Showmanship classes judge cantering horse. horses exhibit slow, comfortable the handler’s ability to present horses are gaits. horses a horse at its best in a halter evaluated on their ability to per- should have animated, flashy competition. Both the horse and form a set pattern that emphasizes gaits, but still should be smooth- handler’s turnout is judged as their ability to perform flying lead moving, calm, and dependable well as the handler’s ability to changes (changing the leading mounts. maneuver the horse and present legs at the lope without breaking Performance classes are the horse favorably to the judge. to a jog or walk). Quality and similar to English pleasure classes Speed events are tests of a cadence of gaits, responsiveness except that more emphasis is horse’s agility and speed. Horses to the rider, and manners are also placed on the animation and compete against the clock and the evaluated. flashiness of a horse’s gait and fastest time wins. Barrel racing is less on its manners. These are racing a horse around barrels set More true show horse classes. Different in a cloverleaf pattern. Pole bend- types of horses are shown in sep- ing is weaving a horse in and out Information arate classes, such as five-gaited of six tightly spaced poles. A stake classes, racking horse classes, and race is running the horse in a You can find more informa- park horse classes. figure 8 pattern around two poles. tion about breeds of horses and ponies on the Internet by typing Racing is a popular spectator There are many other speed “horse breeds” into your search sport. Most people are familiar events for horses. engine or by visiting specific with flat racing, in which mounted Therapeutic Riding and breed association sites. horses are raced against each Hippotherapy activities use other. horses horses to assist in the of compete while pulling a small physically, mentally, and emotion- two-wheeled vehicle ()ARCHIVE and ally challenged people. Riding driver. Steeplechasing is racing strengthens muscles, improves mounted horses over fences. In flexibility, balance, and mobiliza- endurance racing, mounted horses tion, and stimulates emotional and are raced cross-country over long mental activities. There are many distances (25 to 100 miles) in types of therapeutic riding activi- which a horse’s speed and fitness ties, which can be tailored for the are tested. needs of specific individuals by trained therapists.

Light Horse Breed Types and Uses 7 ARCHIVE

Cynthia A. McCall, Extension Animal Scientist, Professor, Animal and Science, Auburn University For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county’s name to find the number. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. Web Only, Revised May 2011, ANR-899 © 2006 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved. ANR-899