Horse Breeds

Learn about 25 horse breeds and species — size, lifespan, temperament and care requirements.

Horse

American Quarter Horse

United States 14-16 hands

Calm, willing, versatile

Arabian

Arabian Peninsula 14-15 hands

Intelligent, spirited, affectionate

Clydesdale

Scotland 16-18 hands

Gentle, willing, calm

Friesian

Netherlands 15-17 hands

Calm, willing, graceful

Thoroughbred

United Kingdom 15-17 hands

Energetic, brave, sensitive

American Saddlebred

United States 15-16 hands

Proud, energetic, spirited

Appaloosa

United States 14-16 hands

Bold, calm, loyal

Belgian Draft

Belgium 15-18 hands

Docile, calm, strong

Gypsy Vanner

Ireland/United Kingdom 13-16 hands

Gentle, calm, loyal

Hackney

England 14-16 hands

Energetic, high-stepping, spirited

Hanoverian

Germany 15-17 hands

Calm, willing, trainable

Holsteiner

Germany 15-17 hands

Calm, bold, versatile

Icelandic Horse

Iceland 13-14 hands

Cheerful, gentle, hardy

Miniature Horse

Various Under 9 hands

Friendly, intelligent, gentle

Morgan

United States 14-15 hands

Eager, friendly, versatile

Mustang

United States 13-15 hands

Sure-footed, intelligent, hardy

Paint Horse

United States 14-16 hands

Calm, willing, versatile

Percheron

France 15-18 hands

Gentle, willing, proud

Shetland Pony

Scotland (Shetland) Up to 10.2 hands

Clever, bold, sturdy

Shire

England 16-18 hands

Gentle, calm, patient

Standardbred

United States 14-16 hands

Calm, hardy, reliable

Tennessee Walking Horse

United States 14-16 hands

Calm, smooth, gentle

Trakehner

Germany 15-17 hands

Sensitive, willing, elegant

Warmblood

Europe 15-17 hands

Calm, willing, trainable