Horses, are among the most beautiful and most beloved animals on the planet. There is something about their beauty that is breath taking and mysterious at the same time. Humans have domesticated horses for thousands of years, and today we have managed to take part in the development of some astonishing breeds. Here is a list of 152 of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world.
There are about 400 different horse breeds across the world, each with its unique charm and character. They're often used for racing, farm work, meat, pulling loads, and more. They are of all sizes, conformations, and colors. However, there are a few unique horse breeds out there that are extraordinary when it comes to their appearance. Many of the most beautiful horse breeds such as the Arabian have been selectively bred in recent centuries to look unique for local horse shows. We created a list of the most beautiful horse breeds for you to feast your eyes on, but remember that beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. Scroll down and enjoy the pictures.
Arabian: Arabians are often referred to as the most beautiful horse breed in the world. They're considered to be some of the best endurance horses on the planet, and their genetics have been included in just about every racehorse breed that exists. They're also incredibly majestic creatures with a noble attitude and distinctive features that make them one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds. The Arabian horse has the potential to excel in almost any discipline. Due to their outstanding stamina, these horses are especially valued in the endurance sport.
Akhal-Teke: Akhal-Teke horse is considered one of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world due to its slender build and metallic-like sheen. It is believed to be one of the oldest surviving and purest horse breeds. These horses are fine-boned with shiny coats that gleam in the sun. They come in a wide variety of colors, and many Akhal-Teke horses have blue eyes. They're known as the "Golden Horses" because of the metallic sheen of their coats and common golden colors.
Cleveland Bay: Originally called the Chapman horse, the Cleveland Bay is the oldest horse breed in England, dating back to before written records began. Even-tempered, long-striding, and always bay in color, the church played a large role in this horse's breeding. The breed would later become popular as carriage and driving horses, but today, there are fewer than 300 Cleveland Bay horses in the UK and fewer than 900 purebred horses worldwide.
Friesian: Friesian horses are all black, standing tall at 15-17 hands. This light horse breed is picturesque, with flashy movements that make it catch your eye. Friesians are high-stepping horses that are versatile and train easily. Interesting Friesian fact for you: they are not always the black, some are also chestnut. Because of their elegant appearance and spectacular movement, they often pulled carriages for European royalty.
Percheron: Percherons are usually white or black in color. Although very heavily muscled, they are relatively delicate and agile for a draft horse. This is due to the addition of Arabian blood at the turn of the 19th century. Their immense pulling power makes these horses ideal for all types of draft work. In France, Percherons make up the majority of draft horses. Crosses of Percherons and warmbloods have even resulted in the breeding of successful dressage and show jumping horses!
Gypsy Vanner: The beautiful Gypsy Vanner, is the horse of the Irish Travellers and is a common sight in Ireland as well as the British Isles. It is a relatively new breed, with the official registry founded in 1996. The Gypsy Vanner, is a cob-type horse with a long flowing feather on the legs. Commonly found with a black and white-colored coat. Known for their funny mustaches, they are beautiful giants and an integral member of Romani families. These horses are still used today in the carriages of the Romani travelers. It is also a great children's pony and often ridden in amateur competitions.
Clydesdale: Clydesdale horses are known for their thick, flowing feathers, white blaze, and docile temperament. This charming breed comes from the Clyde river valley in Lanarkshire, Scotland. During the 19th and 20th centuries, they were exported in large numbers to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States where they became popular farm animals. As large draft horses, they originally were and are still used for agriculture and forestry work. Pleasure riders and drivers also enjoy Clydesdales as they're easy to train and move great in harness.
Appaloosa: Appaloosas are instantly recognizable for their striking appearance. These horses are spotted with white and dark patches that appear in patterns such as blanket, leopard, snowflake, and marble. They're known for their gentle and friendly disposition, which makes them a great horse for riders of any level.
Knabstrupper: Knabstrupper is a Danish breed that comes in two sizes. Some are pony-sized, standing less than 14.2 hands tall, though most specimens are 15.2-16 hands in height. This breed has a genetic mechanism known as the leopard complex, which causes them to have a spotted coat. Not all Knabstruppers are spotted though. They can be solid-colored, completely spotted, or anything in between. They look sort of like the Dalmatians of the horse world.
Marwari: This rare breed comes from the Marwar region of India and can easily be identified by their unique ears that turn inwards. The breed was created by mixing Arabian horses and ponies that were native to the region. Employed as calvary horses for centuries, the breed's loyalty and bravery on the battlefield are well-known.
The Black Forest Horse: As the name suggests, this breed originates from the Black Forest region of Germany. The breed is often referred to as the "Golden Retriever" of horses due to their outstanding patience and gentle temperament. The ancestors of the Black Forest horse were originally used in forestry and agriculture. Today, the breed is a popular all-rounder for both riding and driving. A light draft horse breed, the Black Forest horses are known for their beauty and referred to by many Black Forest farmers as the "Pearls of the Black Forest".
Mustang: Brought by the Spaniards to the Americans, this breed is equipped with great strength. It's known for being ferocious, thus gaining the name wild American horse. However, this breed may live in the wilderness but still came from domestic ancestry.