We’ve all heard of popular British horse breeds such as the Thoroughbred, Shire, Clydesdale, Dartmoor, Welsh Cob, Connemara, etc. Therefore, here at Discount Equestrian, we have decided to write a series of blog posts introducing you to various horse breeds you’re less likely to have heard about. Today’s blog post investigates unusual horse breeds beginning with letters A to B. If you know of any other unusual or endangered horse breeds you like us to write about, please let us know!
Akhal-Teke
Originating from Ashkhabad in Turkmenistan, the Akhal-Teke is famed for being one of the oldest domesticated horse breeds, and having a golden coat with a metallic shine. As well as being golden or silver in colour, Akhal-Teke horses can also have a bay, chestnut, dun, black, or grey coat. They range in height from 14.3hh to around 16hh and are popular endurance because of their ability to withstand challenging conditions in the desert. Aspects of the Akhal-Teke’s conformation that are most recognisable include a sparse, silky mane and tail; narrow chest; long, thin neck; high withers; long back with a shallow ribcage; long legs; and small yet strong hooves. However, Akhal-Teke horses can be prone to conformational issues such as being cow-hocked or having their forelegs develop too close together. Despite having a stubborn personality, the Akhal-Teke is resilient and fiercely loyal.
Alter Real
Their only coat colours being bay or brown, the Alter Real is a breed that originated in Portugal. The height range of the Alter Real is around 15hh to 17hh, and their conformation is representative of a typical Iberian horse with a short, muscular neck and low-set tail, with a deep, broad chest. Due to their showy action and courageous spirit, the Alter Real was traditionally used by bullfighters. Today, however, they remain the exclusive breed of choice for the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. Although not as prolific as the Andalucian, the Alter Real tends to compete in dressage and carriage driving.
Ardennais (also known as Ardennes)
Primarily red-roan, iron grey, or liver chestnut, the Ardennais is a heavy horse breed originating from the Ardennes region of Belgium. They usually reach a height of about 15.3hh and are known for being lively, hardworking, and powerful. Their characteristic conformation includes small ears atop a low, flat forehead with a distinctively square-shaped nose. The Ardennais is broad but short-coupled and has short, thick legs with light feathering to protect them. The military prized the Ardennais as cavalry horses, and they were even greatly admired by Julias Caesar! Whilst the Ardennais have a gentle, calm disposition and are known for being fantastic draught horses, they are now unfortunately bred primarily for the meat market.
Ariégeois
The Ariégeois breed originates in France, can only have a solid black coat, and reaches a maximum of 14.3hh. Ariégeois horses are tough and able to withstand harsh winters in a mountainous environment. Not dissimilar to our UK’s very own Fell pony breed, the Ariégeois is perfectly designed for mountain life with a waterproof coat and dense hooves, a thick, lustrous tail, and slightly feathered heels. Although they are still used for forestry work, the Ariégeois are most popular in trekking due to their sure-footedness and the fact their hooves are strong enough not to require shoeing. Their willingness to work and fantastic agility have also seen Ariégeois horses compete in other disciplines such as carriage driving, jumping, and even stunt riding!
Australian Stock Horse
As you have probably already assumed, the Australian Stock Horse originated in Australia. They are usually 15hh to 16.2hh in height and can be any solid colour. Not only are they elegant and agile, but the Australian Stock Horse has also proven to be exceedingly versatile. They are renowned for being an incredible cavalry horse, fantastic at endurance, brilliant at carriage driving, and, of course, excellent at working with livestock such as cattle. The Australian Stock Horse is also known for their gentle temperament, which makes the Australian Stock Horse the ultimate all-rounder when combined with their bravery.
Barb
The Barb is the second oldest domesticated horse breed in the world, after the Arabian. It might surprise you that Barb provided a foundation bloodline for many horse breeds in Europe and America, including the Thoroughbred, Andalucian, and even the Connemara! Usually grey or black, the Barb ranges in height from around 14.2hh to 15.2hh and originates in Morocco. Characteristics of the Barb’s conformation include narrow hooves; sloping hindquarters; low-set tail; short but strong back; prominent withers; arched neck; and straight face shape. A steed of choice for armies across the world, the Barb is known for speed and stamina, as well as for having a resilient personality.
Bashkir Curly
Although their true origin is unknown, the Bashkir Curly can be traced back to Mustangs, Quarter Horses, and Morgans – with character traits recognised only in feral horses. Their story is believed to have started in 1898 when a father and son were travelling through Nevada and noticed a herd of Mustangs containing three horses with curly coats, whom they took home. Bashkir Curly horses are an average height of around 15hh and are perfect for general riding. As well as being highly intelligent, the Bashkir Curly are gentle and are said to be hypoallergenic thanks to their curly coat. Another fun fact about the Bashkir Curly is that their coat can be spun into wool!
Batak
At the height of around 13hh, the Batak may look cute, but they’re actually exceedingly tough ponies, capable of working in difficult conditions and able to carry adults. Originating from Sumatra, the Batak was a pony originally used for transporting goods across challenging terrain. Nowadays, the Batak pony tends to be a popular riding pony whose shimmering, silky coat affords them continuing popularity in Indonesia.
Brumby
A beautiful breed originating in Australia, the Brumby ranges in height from 14hh to 15hh and can be found in all colours, including roan. The Brumby is rumoured to have developed from horses who were released, or had escaped, after the Great Australian Gold Rush in 1851. After they were released, or had escaped, the horses became feral and were left to fend for themselves, roaming vast expanses of land that varied extensively in search of food, shelter and water supply. Brumbies evolved to survive the toughest of environments, where they’d suffer predation and were required to have a strong survival instinct. A Brumby’s conformation does not allow for strenuous jumping work because their hindquarters have a weak point, and their back tends to be flat. They do, however, have intelligent facial features and slender legs, meaning Brumbies are fantastic for general riding and as companion horses.
Boulonnais
Usually grey or chestnut, the Boulonnais breed ranges in height from 15.1hh to 17.3hh and originates in northern France. Their strikingly elegant appearance, combined with their robust draught-horse frame, makes the Boulonnais a stunning horse to behold. The breed almost went extinct during both world wars, though the Boulonnais is thankfully enjoying the efforts of some dedicated teams around the world who are fighting for the breed’s survival. It has been said that the Boulonnais breed was a popular mount of the Roman army because their power and courage made them the perfect warhorse. The Boulonnais is usually seen in showing nowadays, though they’re also great riding horses and are capable agricultural workhorses.
