Equine coat
Discover horse breeds that can have a Black coat. This page gathers available profiles, examples of related breeds and useful information to better understand this coat colour.
The Black coat: Solid black hair and mane, dark skin.
Horse coat colors depend on genetics, but also on visible traits such as mane color, lower legs, skin tone, and the presence of markings or patterns. The same coat color can therefore vary from one individual to another.
Family: Base color
Basic genetics: Black pigment expressed across the coat without visible Agouti restriction on the body.
Not to be confused with: Smoky black may resemble a standard black coat.
Browse breed profiles where this coat colour is present or mentioned.
The Akhal-Teke, a 3,000-year-old breed from Turkmenistan, captivates with its unique golden coat and legendary endurance. Discover one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.
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Why is the Albanian pony so hardy? Discover this mountain breed, well adapted to rugged terrain and traditional uses.
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Discover the Alter Real, an elegant and powerful Portuguese baroque horse, descendant of the Lusitano, admired in classical dressage and haute école.
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Discover the American Miniature Horse, an elegant and intelligent miniature horse under 86 cm tall, admired for its beauty and gentle temperament.
View profileDiscover the American Mule, the remarkable horse–donkey hybrid known for its impressive strength, outstanding endurance, and dependable temperament. Height, weight, and abilities r...
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The Paint Horse, an American breed recognized for its pinto coat and versatility, excels in western riding, leisure, and competitions.
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The Quarter Horse is the ultimate American horse, famous for its power, sprinting speed, and exceptional versatility.
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Discover the American Saddlebred, an elegant and expressive saddle horse, famous for its high-stepping gaits and iconic role in equestrian shows.
View profileThe Andravida, cavalry horse of the Athenians in the 4th century BC, was saved from extinction by a single stallion named Pegasus in the 1990s. Fewer than 300 individuals survive i...
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The Anglo-Arab is an elegant and athletic horse, renowned for its versatility in competition and its noble origins.
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Why is the Appaloosa unique? Discover its spotted coat, temperament, origin and uses in western riding and more.
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Discover the Persian Arabian horse, a living treasure of Iran: unique beauty, exceptional resilience, and a major influence on the world’s greatest breeds.
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Why is the Ardennes horse so strong? Discover this powerful draft horse from the Ardennes and its many uses.
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Why does the Argentinian polo horse dominate world polo? Fast and agile, discover this exceptional horse and its unique performance.
View profileDiscover the Australian Riding Pony, an elegant pony standing 127 to 147 cm and around 275 kg, prized in Australia for leisure riding and competition thanks to its beauty and balan...
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Discover the Australian Stock Horse, a versatile Australian breed. Size, weight, build, and key traits of this exceptional horse.
View profileDiscover the Australian Waler horse, its height, weight, Australian origins, and unique qualities that make it a versatile and robust breed.
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The Austrian Warmblood blends Nonius, Shagya and Trakehner bloodlines from the imperial Austro-Hungarian studs. Selectively bred since 1964 for show jumping and dressage.
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Discover the Bagual horse, a symbol of freedom in Chile. Descended from the Criollo, it embodies strength, hardiness, and the spirit of South American wild horses.
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Discover the Baise horse, a native breed from Guangxi Zhuang, China: origins, characteristics, hardiness, traditional uses and genetic importance.
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The Barb, a 3,000-year-old North African breed, shaped the Andalusian, Lusitano and Mustang. Hero of Maghreb fantasias, only 2,500 purebreds remain worldwide.
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The Barock Pinto is a horse bred from the crossing of the Friesian and piebald horses. Elegant, powerful and colorful, it excels in driving, dressage and show.
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The Bavarian Warmblood, descended from the near-extinct Rottaler, excels in show jumping, dressage and eventing. A top Olympic sport horse bred in Bavaria since 1963.
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The Byelorussian Harness Horse, bred for Belarus's swamps and forests, impresses with exceptional longevity — mares remain fertile until age 26. A rare, hardy and docile working br...
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Discover the Bosnian horse, a hardy mountain pony, renowned for its robustness, docile character and unique genetic heritage.
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The Breton, Brittany's iconic draft horse and France's most widespread, still harvests seaweed along the coastline. Sturdy, powerful and gentle, a truly authentic French breed.
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The Brumby, Australia’s wild horse, sparks debate: heritage or invasive species? Discover its origin and the challenges it represents today.
View profileDiscover the Campeiro horse, a rare Brazilian breed known for its hardiness, smooth marcha gait, and adaptation to the southern mountain regions of Brazil.
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Discover the Campolina, a refined and comfortable Brazilian horse, valued for leisure riding, farm work, and gaited competitions.
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Athletic Canadian breed derived from the Quarter Horse, the Cutting Horse excels in cattle sorting thanks to its agility, balance, and strong working instinct.
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Why is the Canadian horse so special? Strong, versatile and gentle, discover this iconic Quebec breed and its many qualities.
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Discover the Canadian Rustic Pony, a small yet strong and enduring horse breed from Canada, known for its hardiness, versatility, and gentle temperament.
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Developed from European bloodlines, the Canadian Sport Horse combines strength, agility and balance, ideal for show jumping, dressage and eventing.
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Discover the story of the Cape Horse, a South African breed now extinct, used for work and war during the 17th to 19th centuries.
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Discover the Cartujano horse, a prestigious lineage of the Pure Spanish Breed. History, morphology, temperament, and role in classical equestrian arts.
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Discover the Castillonnais horse, a rare mountain breed originating from Ariège, ideal for hiking, driving and leisure activities.
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An ancient and heritage breed, the Chilean horse combines endurance, courage, and agility. A symbol of Chilean tradition and the heart of the rodeo.
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Discover the Clydesdale horse, a Scottish draft breed renowned for its strength, elegance, and abundant feathering. A gentle and majestic giant.
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Discover the Colorado Ranger, an American horse known for its versatility, strength, and the refined elegance inherited from its Arabian and Quarter Horse ancestry.
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The Connemara, Ireland's only native breed, descends from Viking ponies and Andalusian horses from the 1588 Spanish Armada shipwreck. Olympic medallist in 1968, it's the ultimate s...
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Discover the Cretan horse, or Messara, a rare breed from Crete: height 1.34–1.40 m, weight 300–400 kg, fine Arab-type build and unique arravani gait, perfect for trekking on rugged...
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An emblematic Argentine breed, the Criollo stands out for its endurance, resilience, and deep connection to gaucho traditions.
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Discover the Croatian Coldblood (Hrvatski hladnokrvnjak): full breed standard, history, breeding zones, temperament and future of this rustic horse.
View profileDiscover the Czech Sport Pony, a versatile and athletic breed, ideal for children’s riding and pony sport competitions.
View profileDiscover the Czech-Moravian Belgian, a heavy draft horse from the Czech Republic, bred from Belgian Drafts and local stock, strong and used in farming and forestry.
View profileRare breed from the Caucasus, the Dagestan Pony is hardy, frugal, and mountain-adapted, bred for mare’s milk, pack work, and riding.
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The Dales Pony is a powerful, enduring, and gentle British pony, ideal for driving, trekking, and work over challenging terrain.
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The Danish Warmblood is an athletic sport horse, renowned in dressage and show jumping, and originally bred in Denmark.
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Danubian horse: a light Bulgarian draft breed known for its strength, docility, and use in traction and driving. History, build, temperament, and future.
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Hardy, gentle and versatile, the Dartmoor Pony is ideal for children and leisure riding. Discover its origin, temperament and key qualities.
View profileDiscover the Datong horse, an ancient Chinese breed known for its endurance and adaptation to cold climates. Origins, traits and traditional uses.
View profileDiscover the Debao Pony, a rare natural miniature horse from China: ancient origins, extreme adaptation, and major genetic conservation challenges.
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The Døle, Norway's national horse from the Gudbrandsdal valley, comes in two types: heavy draft and harness racer. Every Døle Trotter traces its bloodlines to one stallion — Odin, ...
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Learn about the East Bulgarian Horse, a rare sport breed from the Balkans, with its history, traits, and uses in equestrian sports.
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Discover the Einsiedeln horse, a Swiss breed from the monastery stud, valued for its robustness, versatility, and centuries-old history.
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Discover the English Hunter horse, an elegant and athletic type, ideal for fox hunting, show jumping, and hunter competitions.
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Discover the Eriskay pony, a rare breed from the Outer Hebrides: height, weight, physical traits, origin, uses, and breeding areas.
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Discover the Estonian horse, a hardy and versatile breed from Northern Europe, valued for its strength, longevity, and gentle temperament.
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Discover the Falabella, one of the smallest horse breeds in the world: docile, elegant, hardy, and native to Argentina. Used in driving and equine therapy.
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The Faroe Pony, one of the world's rarest breeds with just 90 individuals, nearly vanished in the 1960s. Strictly forbidden from export, it can only be seen in the Faroe Islands.
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Discover the Finnish Warmblood (FWB), an elegant and athletic sport horse breed from Finland, ideal for dressage and show jumping.
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Discover the Florida Cracker Horse, a Spanish colonial horse from Florida, agile and fast, used for cattle work and known for its exceptional endurance.
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Discover the Franches-Montagnes horse, a versatile Swiss breed, ideal for driving, trekking, and leisure riding.
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The Friesian, an iconic breed from the Netherlands, stuns with its jet-black coat, flowing mane, and remarkable talent in driving and dressage. Discover this exceptional horse.
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Discover the Furioso-North Star horse, a Hungarian warmblood breed from 19th-century English lines, renowned for carriage driving, sport riding, and Hungarian equestrian tradition.
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Why is the Galician pony so hardy? Discover this native breed from Galicia, perfectly adapted to mountain environments and rich in history.
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Discover the Gallega pony, a rustic breed from Galicia: morphology, temperament, uses, breeding and key facts.
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Discover the Garrano horse, one of Portugal’s oldest breeds: small, robust, rustic, adapted to the northern mountains, a historic companion and unique genetic heritage.
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Discover the Gelderland horse, descended from the Guelders horse: a Dutch breed both elegant and powerful, renowned for driving and sport.
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Discover the Giara Pony, an indigenous Sardinian breed living semi-wild on the Giara di Gesturi plateau. Hardy, enduring, and rare, it represents a unique genetic and cultural heri...
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The Gotland, Sweden's only native pony since the Stone Age, pulled the Goths' chariots all the way to Rome. By 1922, only 14 individuals remained. A breed rescued from extinction.
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The Groningen horse is a Dutch breed known for its strength, elegance, and versatility in driving, dressage, and leisure riding.
View profileOriginating from Shaanxi, the Guanzhong horse is a powerful breed long used for agricultural work and transport in China.
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Discover the Guizhou horse, a rare breed from the mountains of China: a small, hardy and enduring horse perfectly adapted to difficult terrain.
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Why is the Irish Cob so loved? Gentle, hardy and versatile, this horse with abundant feathering is ideal for riding and driving.
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Discover the Hackney horse, a British breed famous for its elegance, spectacular high-stepping trot, and excellence in competitive and show driving.
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Discover the Hanoverian, a German warmblood renowned for its strength, elegance, and excellence in dressage, jumping, and eventing.
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Chinese horse breed from the Tibetan Plateau, the Hequ (Nanfan) is known for its hardiness, endurance, cold resistance, and high-altitude adaptation.
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The Hokkaido Washu, also known as Dosanko, is a rustic and hardy Japanese horse adapted to cold climates, traditionally used for agricultural work and leisure.
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Discover the Holsteiner horse, a German breed known for its strength, elegance, and outstanding abilities in show jumping.
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Discover the Hucul pony, a hardy mountain horse of the Carpathians, known for its rusticity, endurance, and unique cultural heritage.
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Discover the Hungarian Draft Horse, a powerful and hardy breed from Hungary, renowned for its pulling strength, versatility, and essential role in agriculture and cultural heritage...
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Discover the Hungarian Half-bred, or Magyar félvér, a versatile, elegant and robust Hungarian horse breed, used in sport and leisure riding.
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Discover the Icelandic Horse, Iceland’s iconic breed, renowned for its unique gaits (tölt and pace), hardiness, and gentle temperament. Complete information on its origin, traits, ...
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Ireland's national horse, the Irish Draught plowed fields by week and hunted on Saturdays. Father of the Irish Sport Horse, it is now listed as endangered by the UN despite its leg...
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Discover the Irish Hunter, a sport horse from Ireland. Height 1.60–1.70 m, weight 500–600 kg. Athletic and versatile, it excels in eventing, jumping, and fox hunting.
View profileThe Jianchang horse, a small Chinese mountain breed from Sichuan, known for its hardiness and agility, measuring around 110–120 cm and weighing 180–250 kg.
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The Kaimanawa, whose Māori name means "eat the wind", is New Zealand's wild horse. Only 300 individuals remain, managed by the army and listed as rare genetic heritage by the UN.
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An ancient horse breed from Uzbekistan, the Karabair is known for its endurance and versatility. Discover its origins, temperament and traditional uses.
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Is the Karakatchan pony at risk? Discover this ancient Bulgarian mountain breed and its role in conservation efforts.
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The Kerry Bog Pony, Ireland's Heritage Pony from County Kerry's peat bogs, nearly vanished after the Great Famine. Saved by a single stallion named Flashy Fox, it is now a protecte...
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Discover the Kisber Felver horse, an elegant and versatile Hungarian breed from the Kisbér stud. History, uses, physical traits, and breeding areas.
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Discover the Kladruber, a Czech baroque carriage horse, renowned for its power, elegance, and distinctive gray and black coats.
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The KWPN, a renowned Dutch warmblood, excels in show jumping, dressage and driving. Carefully selected for performance and sporting elegance.
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Discover the Landais Pony, a rare and versatile French breed, ideal for driving, trekking, and children's riding.
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Discover the Latvian Horse, a versatile breed from Latvia, robust and elegant, used for driving, equestrian sports, and agricultural work.
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Discover the Lijiang horse, a hardy Chinese breed from Yunnan: origin, morphology, mountain adaptations and traditional uses.
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The Lipizzan fascinates with its white coat, natural grace and mastery of classical dressage. The legendary horse of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.
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Discover the Lithuanian Draft Horse, a strong and docile breed, ideal for farm work, heavy pulling, and traditional rural use.
View profileDiscover the Lokai horse, a robust and agile Tajik mountain breed used for riding, pack work, kokpar and endurance.
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Why is the Lusitano so valued in dressage? Elegant and versatile, discover this Portuguese horse and its unique qualities.
View profileThe Luxembourg Warmblood, developed from Hanoverian and Holsteiner bloodlines, stands out for its performance-based studbook selection. A versatile sport horse excelling in show ju...
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The Mallorquín, Majorca's ancient black horse, numbers just 300 worldwide. Critically endangered by the FAO, it embodies centuries of Balearic history and equestrian tradition.
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Discover the Mangalarga Marchador, a Brazilian horse renowned for its smooth gaits, elegance, and exceptional endurance.
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Discover the Maremmano horse, an emblematic breed of Tuscany and Lazio. Height 1.55–1.70 m, weight 500–650 kg. Robust, elegant, and enduring, used for cattle work, riding, and eque...
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Discover the Marquesan Horse, a small rustic breed from French Polynesia. Height 1.40 to 1.45 m, weight 400–500 kg, robust and suited to rugged terrain.
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Discover the Muraköz horse, a rare Hungarian draft breed from the Muraköz plain. Strong, docile and powerful, used for farming, driving and breeding.
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Discover the Mérens horse, a black mountain breed from the Pyrenees known for its strength, versatility, and ancient origins.
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Why is the Missouri Fox Trotter so comfortable? Discover this smooth gaited horse, perfect for trail riding and western riding.
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Découvrez le Poney de Monterufoli, une race rare originaire de Toscane, reconnue pour sa rusticité, son endurance et sa préservation en Italie.
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Why is the Morab so popular? This Morgan–Arabian cross offers elegance, endurance and versatility.
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Discover the Morgan horse, an American breed renowned for its elegance, strength, and versatility, descended from the legendary stallion Figure.
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The Murgese, black Apulian horse descended from Barb and Andalusian bloodlines since the 15th century, is an ancestor of the Lipizzaner. Raised semi-wild on the Murge plateau, acti...
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Discover the Mustang, America’s wild horse, a symbol of freedom and endurance, still roaming across the Western United States.
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Discover the New Forest Pony, a versatile British breed from Hampshire, standing 122–148 cm and weighing 300–450 kg. Origin, uses, colors, and semi-wild breeding.
View profileThe Ningqiang horse is a traditional Chinese breed adapted to mountainous terrain. Discover its origin, physical traits, and historical uses.
View profileAn ancient horse breed from Dagestan, the Nogai was used for riding, draft work, and milk. Extinct in the 20th century, it influenced the Kabardin.
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The Nokota is a rare American horse from the wild herds of North Dakota. Discover its unique history, roan coats, and hardy temperament.
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Discover the Nonius horse, a robust and elegant Hungarian breed from the Mezőhegyes stud. Valued for versatility, endurance, and a docile nature, it remains a precious genetic heri...
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Originating from the Austrian Alps, the Noriker is a powerful and versatile draft horse. Discover its uses and its calm, gentle temperament.
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Discover the Cob Normand, a powerful and elegant French draft horse, known for its strength, docility, and versatility in harness and work.
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Discover the North American Curly Horse, a hardy and hypoallergenic breed known for its unique curly coat, intelligence, and gentle temperament.
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The Norwegian Coldblood Trotter, or Norsk Kaldblodstraver, is an athletic and hardy horse derived from the Døle. Height
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The New Altai, developed by Soviet zootechnicians in the 1920s and only recognized in 2000, numbers just 2,000 individuals raised semi-wild in Russia's Altai Mountains.
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The Oldenburg is a German sport horse renowned for its talent in show jumping, dressage, and driving.
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Discover the Orlov Trotter, a Russian breed famed for its speed, elegance, and endurance, ideal for harness driving and competitions.
View profileDiscover the Orlov-Rostopchin, a Russian riding horse born from prestigious crosses. Elegant, powerful and enduring, it excels in sport and dressage.
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Discover the Paraguayan Horse, or Paraguayan Criollo: a small, hardy and enduring horse, loyal and perfectly adapted to South American ranch life.
View profileDiscover the Peneia, a rare ambling pony from the Peloponnese (Greece), grey, critically endangered. History, morphology and unique traits of this breed.
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Discover the Percheron, a French draft horse breed renowned for its strength, elegance, and versatility. Info on origins, uses, and more.
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Discover the Peruvian Paso, a natural “paso llano” gaited horse famous for its exceptional smoothness, noble temperament, and strong cultural heritage in Peru.
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Discover the Pindos Pony, a Greek mountain breed known for its hardiness, endurance, and traditional role in rural farming and transport.
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Discover the Poitevin Mulassier, an iconic French draft horse from the Marais Poitevin, known for its strength, rarity, and role in mule breeding.
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Discover the Polish Coldblood Horse, a robust and docile breed from Poland, valued for its strength, hardiness, and qualities in farming and driving.
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The Pottok is a hardy pony from the Basque Country, known for its freedom, strength, and use in trekking and riding schools.
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The Andalusian horse (PRE) is renowned for its elegance, gentle temperament and expressive gaits. Discover its role in dressage and Spanish riding tradition.
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The Rhenish Warmblood, a modern German sport horse from the 1970s, captivates with its long elastic gaits. Bred at Warendorf State Stud, it excels in jumping and dressage.
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Discover the Romanian Draft Horse, a robust and versatile breed used in farming, traction, and driving, symbol of Romania’s rural tradition.
View profileDiscover the Romanian Trotter, an athletic and enduring horse, used for harness racing, equestrian sport, and breeding in Romania.
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Discover the Russian Heavy Draft, a calm and powerful horse, developed in the 19th century in Russia for farming, draft work and breeding.
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Découvrez le Trotteur Russe, aussi appelé Trotteur Métis : un cheval de trot endurant, issu du croisement Orlov et Standardbred, apprécié pour sa vitesse.
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Discover the Salernitano horse, an elegant and athletic Italian breed from Campania. Height, weight, traits, history, uses, studbook, and breeding prospects.
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The SBS, founded in 1920 as a cavalry horse, nearly vanished during World War II. Awarded Royal status in 1967, it now dominates international show jumping worldwide.
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Discover the Italian Warmblood, an elegant and athletic sport horse, valued for show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
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The Selle Français, France's premier sport horse, excels in show jumping and dressage at the highest level. Discover the origins, morphology and character of this exceptional breed...
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Discover the Shagya horse, a Hungarian breed of Arabian origin, renowned for its elegance, versatility, endurance and genetic importance.
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The Shetland Pony, the world's strongest horse relative to its size, can pull twice its own weight. Present since the Bronze Age, thousands spent their entire lives hauling coal un...
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Discover the Shire, a giant and elegant English draft horse, famed for its strength, towering stature, and calm, gentle temperament.
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Discover the Silesian horse, a Polish improved draft breed, renowned for its strength, elegance, and versatility in driving and agricultural work.
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Discover the Slovak Warmblood, a sport horse from Slovakia, renowned for its elegance, strength, and versatility in equestrian competitions.
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Discover the Slovenian Warmblood, a Slovenian warmblood horse combining hardiness and athletic ability, excelling in dressage, driving and show jumping.
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The Standardbred, world's fastest harness horse, traces 90% of its bloodlines to one stallion — Hambletonian 10. Named after the 1879 speed standard: one mile in under 2 minutes 30...
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Why is the Suomenhevonen so appreciated? Strong and versatile, discover this Finnish horse and its unique qualities.
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Discover the Swedish Trotter, an elegant and powerful racehorse, renowned for its speed, stamina, and performances in harness and mounted trotting.
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Discover the Swedish Warmblood, a versatile sport horse from Sweden, renowned for its abilities in show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
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Discover the Swiss Warmblood, a versatile sport horse combining power, elegance and reliability, excelling in dressage, jumping and eventing.
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Discover the Tennessee Walking Horse, an American breed renowned for its smooth gaits, natural elegance, and calm temperament.
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Exceptional speed, English origin, star of horse racing: discover the Thoroughbred, the most iconic racehorse in the world of gallop racing.
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The Trait du Nord is a massive and docile French draft horse, used for driving, farm work, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
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The Trakehner, world's oldest warmblood breed, survived the 1000 km Great Trek in WW2. An Olympic champion since 1924, excelling in dressage, jumping and eventing.
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A Colombian breed derived from the Paso Fino, the Trocha Pura Colombiana stands out for its smooth four-beat gait, riding comfort, and gentle temperament.
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Discover the Ukrainian Riding Horse, a sport breed from Ukraine known for its power, elegance, and excellent performance in dressage and show jumping.
View profileThe Uruguayan Cimarrón is a hardy horse born in the wild, known for its endurance, resilience, and ability to adapt to difficult terrain. Learn about its history and uses.
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Discover the Welsh Cob, a robust and elegant Welsh pony, ideal for driving, riding, and leisure. Originating from Wales, it combines strength and character.
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The Welsh Section B, an elegant and athletic Welsh pony, nearly faced extinction under a 16th-century Tudor law. Gentle and versatile, it is today the favourite pony for children a...
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The Westphalian is a German sport horse breed known for its talent in dressage and show jumping, closely related to the Hanoverian.
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Discover the Wielkopolski, an elegant and robust Polish horse, valued for its versatility in equestrian sports, driving, and leisure riding.
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Württemberg – Elegant and sporty breed, ideal for dressage, jumping and driving.
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Discover the Yunnan horse, a hardy Chinese breed adapted to mountainous terrain, known for its endurance, strength, and deep historical ties to southwestern China.
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The Žemaitukas horse is an ancient Lithuanian breed, robust and versatile. Standing 128–138 cm and weighing 350–420 kg, it is valued for endurance, hardiness, and historical import...
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