Arabian-Berber, Anglo-Luso, Appaloosa, Appaloosa Sport Horse, Appendix Quarter Horse and Arabian Horse

Arabian-Berber

Intro

This breed comes from the dream of local Moroccan tribesmen and was initially created as warhorse using Arabian and Barb (or Berber) bloodlines.

Origins

The cross drew on the best characteristics of both breeds an created a bold, fearless desert animal that was incredibly versatile.
Today this breed is perhaps the most common one in Northern Africa and their popularity has grown into Europe.

Interestingly enough, the Arabian-Berber is also known to display the told gait making their strides smooth and comfortable.

Features

Average height 15 – 16 hands
Loyalty of the Berbers
Speed & endurance of the Arabian

Physique

Head can follow Barb convex profile or Arabian dished face
Neck is long & muscular
Wide chest with oblique shoulder
Withers are high and back is short & strong
Body is square and harmonious
Mane and tail are thick and long

Traditional Colors

All colors, often with a metallic sheen to their coat.

Temperament

Courageous and bold
Strong and steady
Loyal animals

Use

Race horses
Transportation
Pleasure horses
Show horses

Arabian Horse

Intro

Today almost every breed owes some of its genetics to the Arabian horse, the beautiful and mighty Arabian is the fountainhead of the World’s horse breeds. Perhaps one of the most well-recognized profiles in the horse world, the Arabian’s physical loveliness is complimented by a hardy spirit and adaptable nature.

Origins

The breed is so old that it’s actual origin is unknown. Based on evidence, there is speculation that they came from the Arabian Peninsula sometime around 2500 BC. There they were bred for thousands of years as war mounts, through selective breeding and intense physical conditions this breed evolved into an animal with unparalleled lung capacity & a high level of endurance.

The prophet Mohammed was instrumental in bringing the Arabian to the rest of the world. He told his followers to cherish these animals and protect the mares who would continue to bear them. They were considered animals created by God and that good horsemanship would be rewarded in the afterlife.

Muslim conflicts in the 7th century AD continued to spread the breed’s influence outward. As nomads & warriors drifted further & further from home, they were forced to share scarce resources with their animals which created deep bonds between man & animal.

Until recent centuries the Bedouin tribes strictly maintained the purity of the breed. Their vigilant breeding practices the driving force behind the animal we know as Arabian today.

During the 18th and 19th centuries the breed made it’s way to Europe where development hit high gear and the Arabian’s popularity spread quickly through Russia, Scandinavia and the U.S. Today they are one of the most popular breeds in America and their blood refines a wide variety of breeds & bloodlines.

Features

Average height 14.1 – 15.1 hands
Built for speed and stamina, Arabians are quick and efficient.
Distinctive back shape and high set tail due their 17 ribs, 5 lumbar vertebrae, and 16 tail bone formation.

Physique

Head is wedge-shaped, dished and refined
Small muzzle with large nostrils
Big expressive eyes
Short curved ears
Neck is arched with a refined, clean throatlatch
Body is compact with short back
Tail is high set

Traditional Colors

chestnut | grey | bay

Temperament

Spirited
Intelligent
Bold

Use

Enhancing other bloodlines
Racing
Pleasure
Showing

Helpful Links

* all links open in a new window
Arabian Horse Association
Arabian Horse World
Arabian Horse Times
Arabian Jockey Club

Where to Buy

Arab Horse

Glebe Farm Arabians
Arabianhorse.org
Venture 2 Arabians

Arabian Studs

Arabian Sites
The Black Arabian Horse stud directory

Video

AraAppaloosa

Intro

The AraAppaloosa is represented by the AraAppaloosa & Foundation Breeder’s International and they consider the horses they breed to be the original appaloosahorse.

Origins

Spotted horses are one of the oldest identifiable distinct breeds and had influence in the foundation of the Arabian breed. Middle Eastern and Egyptian art from centuries past reflect spotted animals.

The registry for AraAppaloosa in the United States is rather new one and their goal is to combine the finest elements of each breed, the good-nature and strength of theappaloosa and the refinement and grace of the Arabian.

Features

Average height
Elegant performance ability
Sound and true

Physique

Animals will vary due to the numerous mixes of bloodlines

Traditional Colors

All appaloosa Leopard complex patterns

Temperament

Good-tempered and hard working

Use

Ranch horses
Pleasure riding horses
Show horses

Video

Appendix Quarter Horse

Intro

An Appendix Quarter Horse is a first generation cross between a registered Thoroughbred and an American Quarter Horse. They are registered as appendix but not initially eligible for a full AQHA registration.

Origins

The cross began in Texas and quickly took hold when the horse racing industry brought Thoroughbred bloodlines into the Quarter Horse Association.

Initially they were met with resistance by board members, but they relented to the cross with Thoroughbreds that held Quarter Horse type characteristics.

Through the years and selective breeding the resulting cross is a larger animal, with more refined features.

Features

Average height 15 – 17 hands

Physique

Due to the different mixes of blood, physical characteristics vary by animal.

Traditional Colors

black | chestnut | grey | bay | dun | roan | palomino & buckskin

Temperament

Should display an even willing temper

Use

Show horses
Pleasure horses
Farm horses
Race horses

Helpful Links

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American Appendix Horse Association

Where To Buy

Stone Ridge Farm
Legend Horse

Video

Appaloosa Sport Horse

Intro

The Appaloosa Sport Horse was created in the USA with the intention of creating a European style sport horse with the appaloosa coloring.

Origins

This cross was achieved by crossing Appaloosa coloring with the athletic qualities of the Trekehners. The result is a beautifully colored animal, larger and with finer lines than the original appaloosa.

Physique

Head is erect & attractive
Display characteristic white sclera & speckled mouth
Neck is long and well-arched
Shoulder is oblique and withers high
Back is long with rounded croup
Muscular hindquarters
Elegant & strong legs

Traditional Colors

Appaloosa color patterns

Temperament

Strong and willing
Good team player
Tenacious and tough

Use

Show horses
Eventing horses
Pleasure horses

Helpful Links

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Appaloosa Sport Horse Association

Where To Buy

JG Appaloosa Sport Horses
Appy Holaday’s Sport Horses

Appaloosa Sport Horse Studs

Design Sport Horse

Video

Appaloosa

Intro

Known for their flamboyant spotted patterns, the Appaloosa is a color breed, meaning that they are classified based on their coat colors not confirmation features. There are six different coat patterns in the appy family, each distinctive and flashy.

Origins

The Appaloosa was developed by the Nez Perce Indians in the mid-18th century Oregon, parts of Washington and Idaho. This is another breed originating with Spanish horses brought to North America by conquistadores. The name Appaloosa comes from the Palouse River running throught the Nez Perce territory.

Bred not just for richness of coat and spotting patterns, these Appaloosas were also bred for their strength and endurance. Making them suitable for work, hunting and war. Even Lewis and Clark noted the quailty of the Nez Perce Appaloosas.

Then the U.S Government began seizing tribal lands and re-locating tribes to reservations. The Nez Perce fought and were defeated, many of their prized horses slaughtered by the U.S. Government.

Later in 1938 the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed in Idaho in the hopes of reviving the breed. Just 50 years later the breed registry became the third largest in the world.

Features

Average height 14.2-15.2 hands
A striking mottled apperance of many different patterns.
Best specimens have the confirmation of well bred stock ponies.
White sclera of the eye and mottled muzzle skin

Physique

Compact
Strong, correct legs
Short-coupled thin mane and tail
Hard, striped feet

Traditional Colors:

The Leopard pattern displays in a number of ways.
Blanket
Few spot leopard
Frost
Leopard
Snowcap
Snowflake
Varnish Roan

Temperament

Tractable
Willing and hardy
Strong endurance

Use

Ranch work
Show horse
Pleasure horse
Parade horse
Stock horse
Racing
Long-distance riding

Helpful Links

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America Appaloosa Association Worldwide
Appaloosa Horse Club
International Colored Appaloosa Association
Just Appaloosa
Foundation Appaloosa Horse Registry

Where to Buy

White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue
Meucci Ranch
Nez Perce Appaloosas

Appaloosa Studs

International Breed Registry for Appaloosa Horses

Video

Anglo-Luso

Intro

The Anglo-Luso comes from Portugal and began with the crossing of local Lusitano mares with English Thoroughbred stallions. However, many of the Portuguese people objected to the cross-breeding, considering it a pollution to their purebred animals.

Origins

Despite objections, some valued the cross as it united the speed of the Thoroughbred with the courage and tenacity of the Lusitano. The result of the cross is a versatile animal whose physical characteristics resemble that of the Lusitano. The additional agility the Thoroughblood provides makes this animal highly agile and prized in the bullring.

In keeping the bloodlines as pure as possible, there is a special section in the Portuguese studbook for the Anglo-Luso.

Features

Average height 15.2 – 16 hands
Beautiful free-flowing action

Physique

Straight, elegant profile
Neck is long and well arched
Wide, deep chest with sloping shoulder
Straight & strong back
Short, muscular hindquarters
Legs are healthy & tough
Strong hooves

Traditional Colors

bay | grey | dun | roan | buckskin

Temperament

Lively and bold
Courageous and true

Use

Show horse
Bullring horse
Pleasure horse