Equid Types: Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Mules
Discover the main equid categories and a selection of representative breeds. Riding horses, draft horses, ponies, donkeys and miniature horses each have distinct origins, conformations and abilities.
How are equid breeds classified?
The term equid refers to animals belonging to the horse family, including horses, ponies, donkeys and hybrids such as the mule.
Breeds may also be grouped according to their conformation, history or traditional use. This includes riding horses, primarily developed to be ridden, and draft horses, bred for pulling loads and performing demanding work.
This page presents a selection of breeds from each category. Dedicated category pages allow you to explore all the breeds belonging to a particular equid type.
Horse
The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is the most widespread domesticated equid in the world. Horse breeds differ in their origin, conformation, temperament, and abilities, whether they are bred for riding, sport, work, leisure, or the preservation of historical bloodlines.
Horse
Baise–Guangxi
Discover the Baise horse, a native breed from Guangxi Zhuang, China: origins, characteristics, hardiness, traditional uses and genetic importance.
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Horse
Garrano
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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Horse
Pindos Pony
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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Gaited Horse
Gaited horses possess one or more natural intermediate gaits, such as the tölt or running walk, providing exceptionally smooth and comfortable rides. These breeds are highly valued for trail riding, endurance, and long-distance travel.
Gaited Horse
American Saddlebred
Discover the American Saddlebred, an elegant and expressive saddle horse, famous for its high-stepping gaits and iconic role in equestrian shows.
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Gaited Horse
Campolina
Discover the Campolina, a refined and comfortable Brazilian horse, valued for leisure riding, farm work, and gaited competitions.
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Gaited Horse
Icelandic
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, and uses.
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Gaited Horse
Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse
Discover the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, an American breed renowned for its exceptionally smooth gait, gentle temperament, and versatility.
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Riding Horse
Riding horses include breeds primarily developed for mounted work and equestrian activities. They excel in disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, endurance, leisure riding, and working equitation, combining athleticism, balance, and rideability.
Riding Horse
Akhal-Teke
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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Riding Horse
Alter Real
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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Riding Horse
American Paint Horse
The Paint Horse, an American breed recognized for its pinto coat and versatility, excels in western riding, leisure, and competitions.
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Riding Horse
American Quarter Horse
The Quarter Horse is the ultimate American horse, famous for its power, sprinting speed, and exceptional versatility.
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Draft Horse
Draft horses are powerful breeds developed for pulling heavy loads, agricultural work, forestry, and carriage driving. Their strength, calm temperament, and reliability also make them popular for recreational driving, heritage events, and sustainable land management.
Draft Horse
Abtenauer
Discover the Abtenauer, a local variety of the Noriker, a rare Austrian draft horse, compact and perfectly suited for mountain work.
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Draft Horse
American Cream Draft
Strength, gentleness, and a remarkable coat: discover the history and characteristics of the American Cream Draft, an iconic American horse breed.
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Draft Horse
Ardennais (Draft)
Why is the Ardennes horse so strong? Discover this powerful draft horse from the Ardennes and its many uses.
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Draft Horse
Auxois (Horse)
The Auxois, a Burgundian draft descended from medieval warhorses, can exceed 910 kg. Rescued from extinction in the 1970s, it remains one of France's rarest and most endangered draft breeds.
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Miniature Horse
Miniature horses are true horses selectively bred for their small size while maintaining the proportions of a full-sized horse. They are commonly used as companion animals, in shows, animal-assisted therapy, educational programs, and, in some cases, as service animals.
Miniature Horse
American Miniature
Discover the American Miniature Horse, an elegant and intelligent miniature horse under 86 cm tall, admired for its beauty and gentle temperament.
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Miniature Horse
Falabella
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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Miniature Horse
Skyros Pony
Discover the Skyros horse, a rare and ancestral Greek miniature pony, known for its hardiness, agility, and cultural significance in Greece.
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Primitive Horse
Primitive horses are breeds that have retained many ancestral characteristics through limited selective breeding. They are generally hardy, resilient, and well adapted to harsh environments, often displaying primitive markings such as dorsal stripes and leg barring.
Mule
The mule is a hybrid resulting from the cross between a male donkey and a female horse. Known for its strength, endurance, intelligence, and longevity, it has been used for centuries in agriculture, transport, pack work, mountain trails, and demanding terrain.
Pony
Ponies are small equids, generally measuring no more than 148 cm (14.2 hands) at the withers, recognized for their strength, intelligence, and versatility. Pony breeds are widely used for children’s riding, equestrian sports, carriage driving, leisure riding, endurance, and sometimes agricultural work.
Pony
Albanian Pony
Why is the Albanian pony so hardy? Discover this mountain breed, well adapted to rugged terrain and traditional uses.
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Pony
Asturcón
Rustic, hardy and almost wild, the Asturcón is one of the oldest breeds of the Iberian Peninsula. Discover its history, characteristics and origins.
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Pony
Australian Riding Pony
Discover 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 balanced temperament.
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Pony
Bardigiano
Discover the Bardigiano horse, a small mountain pony from Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Height 135–149 cm, weight 350–450 kg. A robust and versatile breed, ideal for driving, leisure, and light agricultural work. Complete information on its studbook, history, and breeding perspectives.
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Explore the diversity of equid breeds
Each equid type includes breeds shaped by their environment, the needs of local communities and regional equestrian traditions. Explore the detailed breed profiles to learn more about their origins, conformation, temperament, uses and current conservation status.
Frequently asked questions about equid types
What is the difference between a horse and a pony?
The distinction is primarily based on height at the withers, with a commonly used limit of 148 cm, or 14.2 hands, without shoes. Conformation and individual breed standards are also taken into account.
What is the difference between a riding horse and a draft horse?
A riding horse is primarily bred to be ridden for leisure, sport or mounted work. A draft horse generally has a stronger and more powerful conformation adapted to pulling loads and performing physically demanding work.
Is a mule a horse breed?
No. A mule is a hybrid usually produced by crossing a male donkey with a female horse. Mules are valued for their strength, endurance, intelligence and sure-footedness.
Is a miniature horse a pony?
Not necessarily. Despite its small size, a miniature horse is bred to retain the general proportions of a full-sized horse, rather than the compact conformation commonly associated with many pony breeds.