Breeders are not the only ones who have the knowledge of different horse breeds. Many horse lovers do, too. The history of horse breeding as well as the features of different breeds are interesting learning that can give you a better understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Horses Yesterday and Today

To understand horse breeds, it is important to first understand how the relationship between humans and horses began. Believe it or not, horses first became valuable to humans because they produced milk and could be eaten. Later on, however, humans realised that horses were strong and fast and began to use them to carry or draw loads and as a mode of transportation.

Now, horses are no longer just used to do labors. Rather, they are more often kept for sports or leisure riding. Hence, people are breeding horses to serve the different needs by human beings.

Horse Breeding

Purposeful breeding has thus been introduced, which means that horses are now bred in planned ways to meet specific human needs. To do that, the breeders need to select specific male and female horses with the desired characteristics to mate, so that the new-born horses will carry the traits desired by us humans. A widely known example is the racing horses. In fact, there are different registries around the world that document the various horse breeds.

It might be boring for an average person to learn the different horse breeds, but this is not the case for horse lovers. This is especially true for someone who is fond of horse racing or simply would like to get himself a horse. Often, knowing the breed of your horse would tell you what the horse is capable of doing and whether its price is truly justified.

Horse Species

Although there are many horse breeds, horses are generally placed under three main groups - pony, light, and heavy horses.

The smallest kind of horses are known to us as ponies. As they are so small, some would even not consider them horses at all. Even so, ponies can be as hardy as other horses. Some breeds can carry adult riders and pull heavy loads. Because of their size and mild nature, ponies are often kept as pets by children. Examples of pony breeds are the Shetland and Welsh ponies.

Light horses are also strong like ponies but they are definitely taller, faster and have a sleeker look. Most light horses are used for riding and racing. In some cases, breeds of this kind also help with cattle rounding and carriage pulling. Examples of light horse breeds are Arabian, Thoroughbred, Appaloosa, Quarter Horse, Morgan and Standardbred.

The horse breeds under the heavy classification do exactly what their class name implies. In the past, these horses were very useful in battles among warriors, knights and soldiers. The heavy breeds like the Clydesdale and Shire also became popular for heavy duty pulling and work. That is why heavy horses have solid muscles.

If you want to get a horse of your own, you only have to ask yourself what traits you would like your horse to have. Since there are just so many different horse breeds to choose from, you are sure to find the one that will fit your purpose and preference.