American horse breeds are mostly varieties that can reach high speeds. There are practically no heavy trucks among them (the only exception is the American cream horse). This is due to the conditions under which these species were formed. After all, the colonists had to go on horseback over very long distances. Here, the horses were required to be able to develop speed and a smooth ride, so that new breeds were specially formed with special gaits that were most convenient for riders. For many people, American horses are often associated with mustangs. Indeed, it was these wild or feral horses that originally corresponded to the characteristics described above. But all this is in the past. Today American horse breeds are found on racetracks around the world. And they had a great influence on the development of this area of ​​horse breeding.

American riding horse

This is the most popular variety in the United States. It was bred in the 19th century. on the basis of Canadian, thoroughbred horse and Morgan breed. Although her studbook has been kept since the 1880s, it was known before, for example, it was used during the Civil War (1860s). But in those days she was called the Kentucky horse. Indeed, the homeland of these horses is the state of Kentucky. Also in those days it was bred in the states of Virginia and Tennessee, that is, in the southern United States. Today, representatives of this species can be seen at parades, during various performances, they are also used for amateur equestrian sports and tourism.

Horse

These are fairly large animals, the height at the withers is 152-162 cm, although specimens up to 173 cm high are also found. Weight on average ranges from 450-540 kg. These are very beautiful animals (a lot of attention was paid to their exterior from the very beginning), with a very proportional physique, a long neck, a straight profile and a strong back. The suits can be varied. However, most often there are bay, brown, red and black individuals.

Important! This horse is known for its distinctive gait called "wreck". This is a special kind of four-stroke gait. The gap between the paces is very small, it is comfortable for the rider, but at the same time a high-spirited run allows you to develop a sufficiently high speed.

This variety is also often referred to as the five-paced variety, as it can move at a gallop, trot, walk, amble and stroll. For representatives of this breed in the United States they even hold special competitions, which are still very popular today.

On the basis of the described type in the state of Tennessee, another variety was bred - the American walking horse. Its main characteristics are the same as the American riding breed, and the distinctive feature is an even smoother and wider stride.

American Cream Horse

The American Cream Horse is believed to be the only harness breed developed in the United States. There is a version that it comes from a heavy truck. The first representative of the breed presented to the public is the mare Granny Granny. It was registered in 1911; researchers do not know about its origin. A few years later, the cream foal Nelson was obtained from this mare and black stallion, which is considered the founder of the breed.

American Cream Horse

Bityug and other breeds of heavy draft horses in Russia

Unfortunately, there were difficulties in breeding this variety from the very beginning. First the Great Depression, during which many farmers went bankrupt, then the widespread use of agricultural machinery. This breed was officially registered in the 1950s.

Outwardly in the representatives of this breed, features of heavyweights are noticeable. These are animals with a height of 163-176 cm with a strong back, strong legs and a medium-sized broad-forehead head.

Note! Cream horses have a calm disposition, they are very obedient and hardworking, well trained.

Standardbred breed

How horses are trained

The standardbred horse is also called the American trotter. Unlike the cream horses described above, representatives of this breed can be found not only in North America, but also in Australia, in the countries of Northern Europe, Italy, Russia, that is, everywhere where equestrian sports in general and trotting races in particular are popular.

This variety was formed during the 18-19th century. But it is officially believed that it was possible to withdraw it only in the 19th century. The stallion Gambletonian X, who was born in 1849, is considered the ancestor of the stallion.

Standardbred breed

The Standardbred is a variety that was originally bred to participate in the racetrack race. The name itself ("deduced according to the standard") arose because from the end of the 19th century. only horses corresponding to a certain speed indicator are entered into herd books, because from the very beginning attention was paid to agility.

Important! For a trotter, the indicator should be no more than 2 minutes. 30 sec. 1 mile, for pacers even a little less - 2 min. and 25 sec. Even today, the world record for a one mile distance is held by the American Trotter (1 minute and 51 seconds).

Despite the fact that when breeding the breed, the exterior was not at the forefront, outwardly the American trotter looks very attractive. Height can be 155-170 cm at the withers. Suits can be any, but most often brown and bay. Black and gray are rare, the latter are even tried not to be allowed to breed. In general, the American trotter resembles a thoroughbred racehorse, but has shorter legs.

American Curly Horse

The American curly horse looks very unusual. This breed has a long history. It begins in 1898, when farmers from Nevada noticed a small herd of horses covered with hair with large curls. They drove the animals back to their farm and soon decided to breed them with their horses. The selection process took quite a long time. At least officially, the new breed in the United States was registered only in 1971. Its full name sounds like American Bashkir Curly Horse, that is, American curly-haired Bashkir.

American Curly Horse

Horse breeding and breeding

The main characteristic of the representatives of this breed is wavy hair. It is interesting that in the summer it is partially dumped, and by winter it grows back. If breeders are interested in which breed representatives best tolerate harsh winters, then they will be interested in curly American horses, since they perfectly tolerate frosts down to -40 ° C. Growth averages 138-150 cm, with stallions taller than mares. The body is muscular, the legs are relatively short and strong.

Important! The American curly horse is a rather meek and docile creature. It is easy to train. Representatives of this breed are used for agricultural work and in sports.

Other American horse breeds

There are other American horse breeds, for example, Appaloosa, Palomino. Specialists who, in their student years, wrote term papers on this topic, will certainly remember quarterhorses. The latter are a cowboy horse breed characterized by the development of high speed over short distances.

Another interesting variety is the American Miniature breed.Unlike those described above, even today for Europe and Russia it is rather exotic. It looks like a small copy of an ordinary riding horse. It is interesting that she and modern horses of habitual height had a common ancestor - a primitive horse, whose height at the withers did not exceed 50 cm.For some reason, which scientists currently do not know, the development of the two branches of the species went differently, and this is how the ancestors of modern miniature horses appeared. Today they are bred on purpose, and by standards, the height of such a horse should not exceed 86 cm.

Today North America in general and the USA in particular are leaders in horse breeding. The combined numbers of livestock in the states and in Mexico exceed those in China. And American horse breeds are gaining popularity outside of their homeland.