Shire harness. - CC BY 2.0 - Just chaos

Breeds to discover

Shire United Kingdom

Discover the Shire, a giant and elegant English draft horse, famed for its strength, towering stature, and calm, gentle temperament.…

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Akhal-Teke stallion presented in traditional costume. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton

Breeds to discover

Akhal-Teke Turkmenistan

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 …

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Humayun, Marwari stallion - Public domain - Virendra.kankariya

Breeds to discover

Marwari India

Marwari, a saddle horse from India known for its inward-curving ears, endurance, and graceful appearance.…

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KWPN horse during a dressage competition. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Chefsna

Breeds to discover

KWPN Netherlands

The KWPN, a renowned Dutch warmblood, excels in show jumping, dressage and driving. Carefully selected for performance and sporting elegance.…

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Ardennes stallion from the Fourneau Saint-Michel estate in Saint-Hubert (Belgium). - CC BY 3.0 - Marie-Claire

Breeds to discover

Ardennais (Draft) France

Why is the Ardennes horse so strong? Discover this powerful draft horse from the Ardennes and its many uses.…

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The encyclopedia of horse breeds around the world

Discover detailed breed profiles, educational articles, and useful resources to better understand the origins, temperament, conformation, coat colours, and uses of horses from around the world.

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Shire harness. - CC BY 2.0 - Just chaos
Akhal-Teke stallion presented in traditional costume. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton
Humayun, Marwari stallion - Public domain - Virendra.kankariya

All breeds

Browse the complete inventory of horse breeds from around the world.

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Akhal-Teke stallion presented in traditional costume. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton
Humayun, Marwari stallion - Public domain - Virendra.kankariya
KWPN horse during a dressage competition. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Chefsna

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Horse and rider crossing a bridge during a western trail course in an outdoor arena.
Close-up of a traditional western saddle with its horn on a ranch at sunset.
Reining, a Sliding Stop - CC BY-SA 3.0 - AllX

The blog

Read guides, comparisons, and educational articles about horses.

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Award-winning Highland pony at the 2005 Royal Highland Show, showing visible obesity. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Confuslefu

Endangered breeds

Discover threatened breeds and the conservation efforts linked to them.

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Illustration Standard of Breed Pony Albanais

Draft Horse Breeds

Symbols of strength and tradition, draft horses have shaped history. Discover their origins, roles, and future.

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Racing horse breeds

Racing Horse Breeds

Discover the breeds selected for speed, competition, and horse racing.

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Dressage horse breeds

Dressage Horse Breeds

Elegance, precision, and harmony: discover the breeds that excel in dressage and classical riding.

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Western horse breeds

Western horse breeds

Maneuverability, responsiveness, and cattle work: discover the iconic breeds of western riding and ranch work.

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Pony breeds

Pony breeds

Hardy, spirited and versatile: explore pony breeds from around the world, their sizes, uses, and detailed profiles.

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Featured
Standardbred mare in harness trotting race. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Markus Kauppinen
Breed of the day

Standardbred

Country: United States · Category: Horse

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 seconds.

Discover this breed

Featured on 05/18/2026

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Shire harness. - CC BY 2.0 - Just chaos

Shire

United Kingdom · Horse

Discover the Shire, a giant and elegant English draft horse, famed for its strength, towering stature, an…

View breed
Akhal-Teke stallion presented in traditional costume. - CC BY 2.0 - Heather Moreton

Akhal-Teke

Turkmenistan · Horse

The Akhal-Teke, a 3,000-year-old breed from Turkmenistan, captivates with its unique golden coat and lege…

View breed
Humayun, Marwari stallion - Public domain - Virendra.kankariya

Marwari

India · Horse

Marwari, a saddle horse from India known for its inward-curving ears, endurance, and graceful appearance.…

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KWPN horse during a dressage competition. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Chefsna

KWPN

Netherlands · Horse

The KWPN, a renowned Dutch warmblood, excels in show jumping, dressage and driving. Carefully selected fo…

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Ardennes stallion from the Fourneau Saint-Michel estate in Saint-Hubert (Belgium). - CC BY 3.0 - Marie-Claire

Ardennais (Draft)

France · Horse

Why is the Ardennes horse so strong? Discover this powerful draft horse from the Ardennes and its many us…

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Eastern Bulgarian mare and foal - Public domain - Izvora

East Bulgarian

Bulgaria · Horse

Learn about the East Bulgarian Horse, a rare sport breed from the Balkans, with its history, traits, and …

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Trotting Friesian. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - B0rder

Friesian

Netherlands · Horse

The Friesian, an iconic breed from the Netherlands, stuns with its jet-black coat, flowing mane, and rema…

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A model of a piebald Irish Cob with its characteristic abundant mane, at a show in Prague, Czech Republic. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Karakal

Gypsy Cob – Irish Cob – Gypsy Vanner (Tinker)

Ireland · Horse

Why is the Irish Cob so loved? Gentle, hardy and versatile, this horse with abundant feathering is ideal …

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Ploughing with a draft horse in Bulgaria at the beginning of the 20th century. - Domaine public

Bulgarian Draft Horse

Bulgaria · Horse

The Bulgarian Draft, a cross of Russian and Ardennes bloodlines, was officially recognized only in the 21…

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Percherons harnessed at the 2011 World Championships, Haras National du Pin. - CC BY 2.0 - INRA DIST from France

Percheron

France · Horse

Discover the Percheron, a French draft horse breed renowned for its strength, elegance, and versatility. …

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Henrik von Eckermann and Hanoverian Gotha FRH in a show jumping competition. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Clément Bucco-Lechat

Hanoverian

Germany · Horse

Discover the Hanoverian, a German warmblood renowned for its strength, elegance, and excellence in dressa…

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Black Nonius at Mezőhegyes National Stud in Hungary, 2007. - Public domain - Tommy lieven

Nonius

Hungary · Horse

Discover the Nonius horse, a robust and elegant Hungarian breed from the Mezőhegyes stud. Valued for vers…

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Guides & reading

Latest articles

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Horse and rider crossing a bridge during a western trail course in an outdoor arena.

Western

Western trail: the ideal discipline for beginners?

Western trail is now one of the most accessible and popular disciplines in western riding. Less spectacular th…

Lire l’article
Close-up of a traditional western saddle with its horn on a ranch at sunset.

Western

Why do western saddles have a horn?

The western saddle is instantly recognizable thanks to one very distinctive feature: the horn located at the f…

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Reining, a Sliding Stop - CC BY-SA 3.0 - AllX

Western

Reining: origins, rules, and how it works

Reining is now considered one of the most spectacular disciplines in western riding. Combining precision, spee…

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Western Horseback Riding - CC BY 2.5 - Photo by Chuck Szmurlo

Western

Can you practice western riding with any horse?

Western riding is often associated with famous American breeds such as the Quarter Horse, the Paint Horse, and…

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Comparison between western riding and English riding with two riders and two different riding styles.

Western

Western riding vs English riding: what are the differences?

Western riding and English riding are now the two best-known riding styles in the world. However, despite thei…

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Bay Quarter Horse ridden in Western pleasure. - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Esroh17

Western

Why does the Quarter Horse dominate western riding?

The Quarter Horse is now considered the iconic breed of western riding. Used on American ranches, in high-leve…

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Two ponies with different builds standing in a pasture

Ponies

Rustic pony vs sport pony what are the differences

Two profiles that are often confusedRustic ponies and sport ponies are often seen as two completely separate c…

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Overweight pony standing in a grassy pasture

Ponies

Why do ponies gain weight ? Causes and solutions

An imbalance between their nature and modern living conditionsOverweight in ponies is not simply the result of…

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Pony gently nibbling a person’s hand in a paddock

Ponies

Why do ponies bite ? Causes and solutions

Biting in ponies is a relatively common behavior, especially in young animals or those handled inconsistently.…

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Pony in a pasture with a wooden shelter in a rural setting

Ponies

Can ponies live outside all year round good or bad idea

Leaving a pony in the field all year round is entirely possible. In many cases, it is even a lifestyle well su…

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Adult riding a sturdy pony outdoors in a natural setting

Ponies

Can a pony carry an adult Weight limits and guidelines

Many people wonder whether a pony can carry an adult. The answer is neither completely yes nor completely no. …

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Portrait of a brown pony with an expressive gaze in a natural setting

Ponies

Why ponies are stubborn understanding pony behavior

A reputation for stubborn ponies that is often misunderstoodPonies have long carried the image of being stubbo…

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Gray horse and brown pony standing side by side in a meadow showing the size difference between horse and pony

Ponies

Difference Horse and Pony Size Breed and Criteria

The difference between a horse and a pony is often misunderstood. Many people think a pony is simply a small h…

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A piebald Shetland pony on the Shetland Islands. - CC BY-SA 2.0 - Ronnie Robertson

Ponies

Which Pony Should You Choose for a Child Complete Guide

Choosing a pony for a child is an important step. A suitable pony can offer years of enjoyment, learning and c…

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Horse in profile with ears slightly pinned back in a natural environment

Ethology & behavior

Why do horses pin their ears ?

When a horse pins its ears back, it is not just a simple change in mood. It is a precise signal, often underes…

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A Finnish stallion neighing - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Pitke

Ethology & behavior

Why do horses neigh ? Understanding their meaning

The horse neigh is one of the most iconic sounds in the equine world. Yet behind this powerful call lies a tru…

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Person observing and comparing several horses in a paddock to choose a first horse

Practical Guides & Tips

How to Choose Your First Horse? Criteria and Advice

Buying your first horse is one of the most significant decisions an equestrian enthusiast can make. It is also…

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Horse in a paddock with saddle, hay and shelter, illustrating maintenance, boarding, feeding and equipment costs of horse ownership

Practical Guides & Tips

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse? Full Guide

Owning a horse is a dream for many. But before taking the leap, it is essential to look at the financial reali…

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Underside view of a horse hoof comparing a shod and a barefoot hoof, with the frog clearly visible

Health & Veterinary Care, Craftsmanship & Equine Professions

Shod or Barefoot: How to Choose for Your Horse?

The question of horseshoes is one of the most debated in the equestrian world. On one side, a centuries-old tr…

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Farrier forging and fitting a horseshoe onto a horse’s hoof in a rural setting

Craftsmanship & Equine Professions

How to Become a Farrier? Training, Salary and Career

The farrier is one of the oldest professions in the world, yet one of the least understood by the general publ…

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Discovery

Lesser-known breeds to discover

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Award-winning Highland pony at the 2005 Royal Highland Show, showing visible obesity. - CC BY-SA 3.0 - Confuslefu

Highland

United Kingdom · Pony

Discover the Highland Pony, a robust and friendly breed, perfect for trail riding, driving, and riders of…

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Cracker horse in the Paynes Prairie State Preserve - CC BY 2.0 - Geoff Gallice

Florida Cracker Horse

United States · Horse

Discover the Florida Cracker Horse, a Spanish colonial horse from Florida, agile and fast, used for cattl…

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Nokota - CC BY-SA 3.0 - François Marchal and Dana boomer

Nokota

United States · Horse

The Nokota is a rare American horse from the wild herds of North Dakota. Discover its unique history, roa…

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Yunnan Lijiang type pony ridden by a Naxi horse - CC BY 2.0 - Tom Thai

Yunnan

China · Pony

Discover the Yunnan horse, a hardy Chinese breed adapted to mountainous terrain, known for its endurance,…

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Guizhou - CC0 - pan zhen alpacccca

Guizhou

China · Pony

Discover the Guizhou horse, a rare breed from the mountains of China: a small, hardy and enduring horse p…

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Dongola from Mali - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Tiebokafitoure

Dongola

Sudan · Horse

Is the Dongola a unique desert horse? Discover this elegant Nubian breed, its history and its role in Afr…

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Group of ponies in Lijiang - CC BY 2.0 - rose_symotiuk

Lijiang

China · Pony

Discover the Lijiang horse, a hardy Chinese breed from Yunnan: origin, morphology, mountain adaptations a…

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Kokpar horses in Kazakhstan - CC BY-SA 4.0 - Rustam Uzbekov

Karabaïr

Uzbekistan · Horse

An ancient horse breed from Uzbekistan, the Karabair is known for its endurance and versatility. Discover…

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A Tibetan nomad and his Jiaoke-type Hequ horse in Gansu, China. - CC BY 2.0 - gill_penney

Hequ – Nanfan

China · Horse

Chinese horse breed from the Tibetan Plateau, the Hequ (Nanfan) is known for its hardiness, endurance, co…

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Horse along a terraced rice paddy, Longsheng, Guangxi, China - CC BY-2.0 - Elvir K

Baise–Guangxi

China · Horse

Discover the Baise horse, a native breed from Guangxi Zhuang, China: origins, characteristics, hardiness,…

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Hokkaido Pony"Dosanko" (Japan Hokkaido native horse) - CC BY-SA 3.0 - タクナワン

Hokkaido Washu

Japan · Pony

The Hokkaido Washu, also known as Dosanko, is a rustic and hardy Japanese horse adapted to cold climates,…

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Paraguayan Criollo Paraguayan Horse - Domaine public - Andrea Grosse NBII

Paraguayan Criollo – Paraguayan Horse

Paraguay · Horse

Discover the Paraguayan Horse, or Paraguayan Criollo: a small, hardy and enduring horse, loyal and perfec…

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Did you know?

The American Appaloosa is easily recognized by its distinctive spotted coat, inherited from the Nez Perce horses.