Horse Breed Comparison Tool

This tool lets you compare two breeds of horses, ponies, or donkeys in the blink of an eye. See their geographical origins, heights, and weights to better understand each type of equine.

 Trakehner bay, model - Public domain - Lena

Trakehner

Origin:

The Trakehner originated at the Royal Stud of Trakehnen, founded in 1732 by King Frederick William I of Prussia, in East Prussia.


This historical region, now divided between Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast), Lithuania, and Poland, was a major center of military horse breeding.


The breed was developed from local Prussian mares crossed with Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Shagya Arabians, with the goal of producing a noble, enduring, fast horse suited for cavalry work.


The Trakehner breed nearly disappeared after World War II, during the dramatic evacuation of East Prussia, but was re-established in West Germany with a small number of surviving horses and carefully selected breeding stock registered with the Trakehner Verband.

Height: 160 – 172 cm

Weight: 500 – 600 kg

 Curly horse in palomino dress. - CC BY-SA 2.0 - Ron Manke

North American Curly Horse

Origin:

A discovery in the plains of the American West

The North American Curly Horse originates from the northwestern plains of the United States, particularly Wyoming and Nevada, in the 19th century. Horses with naturally curly coats were discovered among herds of wild horses, known as “Curly Mustangs.”

These unusual horses intrigued the Native American tribes, especially the Lakota Sioux, who valued them for their exceptional cold resistance, gentle temperament, and intelligence.


An ancient and mysterious genetic base

The exact origin of the curly gene remains debated. Several hypotheses exist:

  • a natural mutation that appeared among Mustangs,
  • an influence from Russian or Mongolian horses brought by explorers or settlers,
  • or a partial heritage from the Bashkir horse, a Siberian breed with a curly coat.

From rediscovery to modern selection

In the 20th century, breeders such as Peter and John Damele (Nevada) began to select and preserve these unique horses, leading to the creation of the official North American Curly Horse breed.

Today, it is recognized for its hypoallergenic qualities, its gentle disposition, and its adaptability to all types of equestrian disciplines.

Height: 142 – 163 cm

Weight: 450 – 550 kg