When it comes to loyalty, no breed shines brighter than the American Quarter Horse. This breed originated around the 1660s and is one of the oldest recognized breeds in the United States. The Quarter Horse is a cross between native Spanish horses that very early American settlers brought from Spain and horses brought by English colonists in 1610.
The name “Quarter Horse” comes from the breed’s ability to run a very fast quarter of a mile. The Quarter Horse is also well known for its shape: short and stocky, with well-developed muscles. They are known to be calm, docile, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them excellent workhorses and loyal companions.
Today, the quarter horse is primarily used as a working horse by ranchers and cattle herders in the midwestern and western United States. Their tough, muscular bodies and no-nonsense dispositions make them well-suited for this strenuous work.
The Clydesdale seems intimidating because of its size, but it is one of the calmest and most well-mannered horses in the world. Clydesdales are friendly, patient, and obedient; this is why they are known throughout the world as “Gentle Giants.” They can become incredibly attached and loyal when paired with the right rider.
The Clydesdale is a native Scottish horse breed with roots dating back to the 18th century. The name “Clydesdale” comes from the district in Scotland where the breed originated. Many Clydesdales today can trace their lineage directly back to a few pedigree horses bred around that time, including Thompson’s Black Horse and Lochlyloch.
Today, the Clydesdale enjoys notoriety as one of the most recognizable breeds, with its convex head, fringed feet, and enormous size. Clydesdales appear drawing carriages, starring in commercials for Budweiser, and can be cross-bred with Thoroughbreds to produce sturdy and reliable sport horses.
A lesser-known breed, the Morgan is another horse that can trace its roots back to the earliest days of the American frontier. Bred from a founding stallion named Figure, who belonged to Justin Morgan, the breed is thought to be a cross between the Arabian and the Welsh Cobb. They are stocky and well-muscled and typically bay or black.
The Morgan is an all-purpose horse known for its versatility and uses across various applications. They were used as cavalry mounts during wartime and were hitched to wagons or ridden by pioneers in the American West. Today, Morgans compete in nearly all equestrian sports and are well-regarded for their loyal temperament.
The Morgan Horse is also known for its loyalty. Morgan Horses can form strong attachments to their handlers and become foundational family members for many an equine-lover.
The Arabian is one of the most instantly-recognizable breeds of horse in the world, and many people regard it as one of the most beautiful. It’s easy to see why: their arching tails, distinctive dished heads, and beautiful range of colors makes them stand out in a crowd. But did you know that Arabians are also one of the most loyal breeds of horses?
The Arabian is small compared to other breeds, making it an agile, compact, and efficient sprinter. Their compact size and agility are why many Arabians compete in dressage and other agility competitions. They are native to the Arabian peninsula and are known for their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty.
Unfortunately, the Arabian frequently suffers from overbreeding, which can result in deformed facial features like an overly concave face and large nostrils. These deformities can lead to breathing difficulties, similar to the difficulties experienced by brachycephalic dog breeds like pugs.
The Irish Thoroughbred is an Irish sport horse used primarily in jumping, eventing, and dressage. They were originally bred in 1923 by crossing Irish Draught horse blood with the Thoroughbred lineage. Their heritage means they have the best characteristics of the IDH and Thoroughbred.
The Irish Thoroughbred is eager to please and enjoys the company of people, making it a loyal and hardworking companion. Today, the breed is primarily known for its speed and agility. Irish Thoroughbreds are versatile and efficient, with solid hindquarters that make them excellent jumpers.
The Irish Thoroughbred excels as a show horse but also has the versatility and temperament to be used as a cross-country rider.
