Conventionally, all existing and derived breeds of horses are divided into two groups according to the method of use – draft and riding. In turn, these categories are divided into subgroups depending on the purpose of the animal. Local breeds exploited in regions where horse breeding is widespread are distinguished separately.
Thoroughbred horse
Classification of horse breeds by nature of use
Riding types of horses differ significantly in purpose, external qualities and character traits. They are divided into two types. The first ones are involved in professional sports, long-distance races. Such horses are distinguished by their obstinate, stubborn character and recognize only one owner. Unlike “walking” breeds, they need regular power loads.
Horse
The second type is animals that are purchased for personal use, training, quiet walks. Such breeds are used in the tourism industry. They are characterized by a friendly, calm disposition, easily attached to a person. Some representatives take part in the races, showing good results.
Harness
Draft breeds include light-draft and heavy-draft horses. The former were used to transport goods and passengers, the latter in construction and agriculture. Such animals are distinguished by a strong physique, developed muscles, strong limbs. By their nature, draft horses are hardy, unpretentious, remaining efficient even in extreme conditions.
Reference. Riding-draft breeds of horses are universal – they perfectly manifest themselves both in hard work and in sports or riding. Animals are characterized by high productivity, easily adapt to any type of climate, rarely get sick.
Horse breeds for special purposes
The main types of horses used for riding are divided into the following breeds.
Akhalteke
Akhal-Teke horses are the standard of grace, attractiveness and grace. These animals were known 5 thousand years ago. They owe their name to the place of origin – the state of Akhal-Teke, which was located on the territory of modern Turkmenistan. The need for breeding horses was a necessity for local residents, so the owners carefully monitored the conditions for keeping animals. The owners did not allow the Akhal-Teke to cross with other horses – thanks to such a reverent attitude, they managed to maintain the purity of the breed. Modern Akhal-Teke horses practically do not differ from their ancestors.
Akhal-Tekes – the standard of grace
Арабская
Arabian – the oldest breed of horses, which does not lose its value today. It was these animals that had the maximum influence on the development of other species. Thoroughbred Arabian horses were widespread in the countries of the Persian Gulf. The breed developed in a hot, arid climate, which was reflected in the nature of the animals. These are strong, hardy horses that easily adapt to negative natural factors and retain the ability to reproduce in any conditions.
Thoroughbred
One of the fastest breeds is the thoroughbred horse, bred in England in the 17th century by crossing Arabian horses and local horses. They are actively used both in professional equestrian sports and for leisurely walks.
Terskaya
Terskaya was formed in the 20s of the last century by crossing Arab stallions with Russian breeds (Don, Streltsy, etc.). These are strong, powerful animals that easily adapt to cold climates. Due to the ability to learn, they are involved in equestrian sports, horseback riding, and agriculture. Often with Terek horses they perform in the circus.
Riding-draft breeds of horses
Of the riding-draft species, some breeds of horses can be distinguished.
Budennovskaya
The appearance of such animals is the result of a complex crossing of Don, thoroughbred riding and Black Sea horses. These are temperamental, active horses, perfect for various types of equestrian sports. Among the representatives, golden and red color prevails.
The Don
Used in the Rostov region for agricultural and field work. However, animals also perform well in riding. Don horses are efficient, hardy, unpretentious in terms of nutrition and conditions of detention. But, like many domestic horse breeds, they need company.
Donchak
Kostanay
It was bred in Kazakhstan at the end of the 19th century by crossing mares of the Kazakh breed with thoroughbred riding stallions. These frisky, fast animals overcome considerable distances without any problems, which is confirmed by the results of numerous competitions. There are Kustanai horses of bay, brown, red color.
Light draft horse breeds
Among the variety of light-draft horses, 4 species stand out especially.
Orlovsky trotter
It is rightfully considered a national treasure. These animals owe their name to Count Orlov, who set out to breed a unique breed of horses. Graceful, stately, graceful horses are known all over the world – they regularly become winners of international exhibitions, demonstrating excellent external and working qualities. The most common gray suit, but often there are black and bay individuals. Now animals are purchased for amateur and professional competitions or just aesthetic pleasure.
Russian trotter
Representatives of this breed were actively used in the USSR for the development of equestrian sports. The exterior of the animals varies: there are horses of bay, brown, red, black color. However, regardless of color, Russian trotters have common features: muscular, “dry” limbs, long back, strong body.
german trotter
The German trotter meets the world standards of a racing horse, which is confirmed by its appearance. These are slender, lean animals with pronounced muscles, mobile joints and without a drop of excess fat.
Mezenskaya
Bred in the Arkhangelsk region, which is characterized by a harsh climate, a sharp change in weather, an abundance of midges and other blood-sucking insects. These factors have left their mark on the behavior and disposition of animals. Mezen horses are not afraid of severe frosts, they easily move through snow-covered snowdrifts and calmly endure temperature changes.
Mezen horse breed
Heavy-duty breeds
Popular representatives of heavy draft breeds include the following species.
Russian heavy truck
Horses of this species are designed to perform complex agricultural work. In addition, animals demonstrate high milk productivity and good meat qualities, which makes them in demand in industrial horse breeding. Heavy trucks are characterized by efficiency, endurance and fertility.
Arden
An ancient Arden breed named after its place of origin (a region on the border of France and Belgium). The combination of strength and energy made these horses indispensable during the First World War, when the animals were used in artillery. The use of horses is beneficial in small farms, since representatives of the Arden breed demonstrate unpretentiousness in feed and maintenance.
Soviet heavy truck
The largest heavy draft breed in Russia is the Soviet heavy truck. Animals are valued for agility, productivity, ability to survive even in harsh climatic conditions. Outwardly, the horses are distinguished by their massive physique and complaisant, calm character.
Brabanson
Belgian heavy draft breed, common in Europe. Animals were used for transportation of goods, in agriculture, military affairs. “Spartan” conditions of detention affected the character of the Brabancons. These strong, agile, hard-working horses easily overcome considerable distances, are not afraid of cold and temperature changes.
It is impossible to list all known breeds of horses from A to Z, because there are a huge number of them, including rare, little-known species. In addition, many special-purpose animals were in demand until the 20th century, when mechanization had not yet affected industrial sectors. Today, machinery is involved in construction and agriculture, so some breeds bred specifically for hard work are in crisis or even on the verge of extinction. Their further development depends on the efforts of breeders.
