Horse Breeds

You’re looking for the right horse breed, but you don’t know where to start. You’ve come to the right place! There are many types of horses and ponies, but finding the right one for your needs will take some consideration. Is the horse for you or a child? Is this your first time in the saddle or are you comfortable taking the reins? Some horses are bred for a specific job, while others can be trained to do what you’d like. And horse breeds, like other domestic animals, have their own personalities and challenges. Before you make a decision, get specific information about the many Horse Breeds here.

Beloved for their magnificent looks and fascinating personalities, horses have been by our sides for millennia. These days, horses are often kept as pets, or as a help around farms, usually with transportation or rounding up cattle. Some people have horses that compete in shows and races. Whichever reason you have for wanting a horse of your own, it is important to realize that horses are a big commitment and, more often than not, very expensive to keep. That being said, it’s incredibly rewarding having a horse in your life.

With Petguide.com’s Horse Breeds research tool, you can find the best equine match for your personality and needs! Select the parameters that match your preferences in our finder tool, and you’ll instantly get a list of breeds that match your criteria. Each result leads to an individual horse breed page, with all the essential information about the breed’s needs and traits.

Same as it is with all animals, no two equines are alike. Find out all about the temperament and abilities of different Horse Breeds with our research tool. Whether you’re looking for a show pony, riding or a working horse, Petguide.com has got you covered!

Hackney Pony

In addition to being beautiful, the Hackney Pony also has an appealing personality. They have great stamina and enjoy being active.

Miniature Horse

The Miniature horse is known for being gentle and friendly towards people. They enjoy spending time around humans, even strangers.

Chincoteague Pony

The Chincoteague pony is also known as the Assateague Pony. Once domesticated, Chincoteague ponies are friendly and easy to keep.

Canadian Horse

The Canadian Horse is a beautiful, strong horse that is known for being spirited and full of energy, as well as powerful.

Breton Horse

The Breton Horse is a breed of draft horse from Brittany. These horses are talented and can be used for a variety of tasks.

Altai Horse

The Altai horse is also known as the Alta's Kaya horse. The name is derived from the breed's place of origin, which is the Altai Mountains in Central Asia.

Arabian Horse

It is thought that the Arabian Horse is the oldest horse breed on the planet. These horses enjoy speed and athletic activity, and they will learn quickly.

Sorraia Horse

The Sorraia Horse is an ancient breed from the Iberian Peninsula. Once trained, the Sorraia horse could make a wonderful companion.

American Saddlebred Horse

The American Saddlebred Horse are used as driving horses, pleasure horses, jumpers, hunters, and more. It boasts a friendly and calm temperament.

Friesian Horse

The Friesian horse is smart and gentle, though this breed is best suited to individuals who have some level of experience working with horses.

Florida Cracker Horse

The Florida Cracker horse is willing to work, and it is a spirited animal, with high levels of endurance and stamina, even in unfavorable environments.

Cleveland Bay Horse

The Cleveland Bay Horse was bred to be a hard working and devoted horse. This breed has high amounts of strength and stamina.

Oldenburg Horse

The Oldenburg horse displays an air of nobility, and have evolved into a popular sport breed. This breed is known for having a pleasant personality,

Connemara Pony

Ireland's only native equine breed, it is believed that the Connemara Pony has a rich history that dates all the way back to the ancient Celts.

Mongolian Horse

The native equine breed of Mongolia and one of the indigenous equine breeds of China, the Mongolian horse is considered one of the oldest breeds of horses.

Gypsy Horse

The Gypsy horse is docile, gentle, quiet, and patient. They come in a variety of colors, and some can even have uniquely beautiful blue eyes.

Orlov Trotter

The quiet temperament of the Orlov Trotter makes it a wonderful companion, whether you need a work horse, a sport horse, or a riding horse.

Rocky Mountain Horse

The Rocky Mountain horse is known for its gentle attitude. It has a natural ambling gait of four beats. It works well with riders of all experience levels.

Hanoverian Horse

The Hanoverian horse breed is one of the oldest of all of the warmblood horses, as its history dates back to the 17th century.

Shire Horse

The Shire Horse is massive, with an appearance that would make it perfect for a medieval setting. They are popular because they aim to please.

American Walking Pony

The American Walking Pony is a true pleasure to work with. This horse breed is calm and docile, and is comfortable to ride.

Mustang Horse

Known as "The Symbol of the American West," the Mustang Horse is even tempered, so they can be used for endurance and pleasure riding.

Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse

The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is ideal for families, and works well with adults, seniors, and children. The breed is easygoing and social.

Westphalian Horse

The Westphalian Horse has a relaxed nature, making it easy to work with. These athletic, attractive, and strong horses are also known for their work ethic.

American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is known for having a pleasant personality. These horses are are highly intelligent and willing to please.

Irish Draught Horse

In addition to being a strong, versatile, and attractive breed, the Irish Draught Horse is also known for its endearing personality.

Morgan Horse

The Morgan Horse is one of America's first native equine breeds. This breed is known for its pleasant personality, willing attitude, and cooperative nature.

Boulonnais Horse

Considered the most elegant of all of the equine draft breeds, the Boulonnais Horse is also referred to as the White Marble Horse.

Pinto Horse

The Pinto Horse is bred for its color pattern. This is multi-talented horse and it can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of tasks.

Trakehner Horse

The Trakehner horse is beloved for its appealing, stable, and charming personality. It is one of the oldest warmblood breeds from Germany.

Welsh Pony

There are four categories of horses within the Welsh Pony breed: Welsh Mountain Ponies, Welsh Pony of Riding Type, Welsh Pony of Cob Type and Welsh Cobs.

Shetland Pony

The Shetland Pony is one of the most popular horse breeds, especially for children. It's gentle disposition makes it ideal for new riders.

Fjord Horse

The Fjord horse is friendly, gentle, and willing to work. Its mane is distinctive as it features dark hair in the center and white outer hair.

American Paint Horse

The American Paint Horse is one of the fastest growing horse breeds. They are known for being friendly and social, and can be used for multiple purposes.

Andalusian Horse

The Andalusian Horse breed is the foundation for many other breeds. They have a wonderful temperament, are easy to train and quite versatile.

Thoroughbred Horse

The Thoroughbred Horse has a bold and spirited personality that isn't suitable for riders and owners who do not have experience.

Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking Horse is ideal for all levels of riders, as it is known for its calm, friendly, social, and docile temperament.

Anglo-Arabian Horse

The Anglo-Arabian Horse gets most of its physical features from the Thoroughbred. They are known for having a pleasant disposition

Dutch Warmblood Horse

The Dutch Warmblood Horse is willing to work hard, and is reliable and intelligent. This horses are in tune with the needs of their rider.

Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is adaptable, patient, and uncomplicated. It is one of a few horse breeds that can exhibit almost all possible colors.

Irish Sport Horse

The Irish Sport Horse makes wonderful riding horses because of its sensible temperament. It exhibits intelligence, strength, and a gentle disposition.

Kathiawari Horse

The Kathiawari Horse is an equine breed from India. Known for being affectionate and faithful, this horse are also extremely brave.

Paso Fino Horse

The Paso Fino horse is known for its friendly, docile, and social personality. They are gentle horses that are easy to handle and train

Spotted Saddle Horse

The Spotted Saddle Horse has a comfortable, smooth gait and an endearing personality. Every horse has a different coat pattern, making each one unique.

Barb Horse

The Barb horse is ideal for general riding. This horse breed has a willing and docile personality, and it likely had a lot of influence on racing breeds.

Australian Pony

The Australian Pony is ideal for all levels of riders, including children. This horse breed is obedient, gentle, and good-natured.

Lusitano Horse

The Lusitano horse is filled with a lot of energy, so it needs to be exercised regularly. These horses are known for their endearing personality.

Selle Français Horse

The Selle Franais Horse is also known as the French Saddle Horse. The Selle Franais is considered friendly, patient, and intelligent.

Fell Pony

Once used by the Vikings, the Fell Pony prefers to engage in activities that stimulate its curiosity. It can be ridden by children and adults.

French Trotter Horse

The French Trotter Horse is calm, gentle, submissive, and easy to train. It can trot almost as quickly as a Thoroughbred can gallop.

American Standardbred Horse

The American Standardbred Horse is popular for its beauty, personality, speed, and agility. It's also known for being a steady, friendly, and calm breed.

Percheron Horse

The Percheron Horse is a large draft breed that exhibits more energy than other draft horses. They are known for their pleasing personality.

Appaloosa Horse

The Appaloosa horse is known for being trustworthy, so it makes a wonderful equine companion. They are very gentle, as well as highly intelligent.

Lipizzan Horse

The Lipizzan Horse is known for being highly intelligent and trainable. Considered a horse of royalty, the Lipizzaner is renowned for its proud carriage.

Missouri Fox Trotter

The Missouri Fox Trotter is known for its calm and gentle nature. This horse breed is docile and reliable, and it thoroughly enjoys being around people.

Akhal-Teke Horse

The Akhal-Teke Horse is one of the oldest of all of the modern domesticated horse breeds. This horse will form a strong bond with a single person.

Hackney Horse

The Hackney horse enjoys being around handlers and being petted. When in motion, the Hackney Horse seems as though it's floating over the ground.

Colorado Ranger Horse

The Colorado Ranger Horse is also known as the Rangerbred. These horses are bold, clever, and intelligent, and are able to perform a variety of tasks.

Holsteiner Horse

The Holsteiner Horse is popular in international competitions. They are known for being easygoing animals, and they are typically quiet.

Palomino Horse

The Palomino horse is gentle, easy to train, and easy to work with in a variety of settings.It is most often described based upon its coat color.