12 Popular Horse Breeds From Around the World

The most popular horse breed in the world, the American Quarter Horse can run 1/4 mile in 21 seconds—hence, the breed’s name. It’s used in a variety of disciplines, including dressage, jumping, trail riding, western, and racing (they can sprint up to 55 mph!).

Because they’re intelligent, eager to please, and friendly, Quarter Horses are suitable for riders of all levels, including beginners. They’re even used in equine therapy because they’re so calm and gentle.

Bred for endurance and swiftness, the Thoroughbred horse can reach speeds of around 40 mph—making them outstanding racehorses. These powerful horses can also perform well in other sports, including jumping, dressage, and eventing.

Hot-blooded Thoroughbreds may be harder to control than other breeds, so they’re generally best for experienced riders. These athletic horses may also be more prone to injuries and arthritis, especially as they age.

Also known as the Hannoveraner, the Hanoverian horse is a German breed and is considered one of the top sport horses in the world.

These agile, strong, and versatile horses compete in driving, dressage, jumping, and eventing—and have even won Olympic gold medals.

Like other popular horse breeds, Hanoverians are known for their lovely temperament. They’re intelligent, courageous, and willing to work. And while the breed is generally healthy, they can be prone to some genetic conditions.

One of the oldest equine breeds with a history that dates back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian horse is found all over the world.

These horses are used for various purposes, from competing in equestrian sports to simply being a reliable family companion.

The talented and athletic Arabian is intelligent and strong. They can excel in disciplines that include dressage, reining, racing, and driving. And when cared for properly and given the right diet and exercise, Arabian horses can live more than 30 years. 

The Appaloosa is an eye-catching horse who can showcase a variety of colors and patterns, such as blanket, spots, and roan. Developed by the Nez Perce Indigenous people in what today is the US Pacific Northwest, this breed used to be known as the Palouse horse. 

Different breeds of horses excel in different disciplines, but the Appaloosa is multi-talented and can perform well in everything from racing, jumping, and roping to pole bending, reining, and dressage. They also make good companions for general riding and get along with riders of all levels, including youngsters and beginners.

The massive Clydesdale can grow to be 18 hands tall (72 inches) and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. As one of the most recognized draft horse breeds, they’re best known for their starring role in Budweiser beer ads.

Though their size can be intimidating, Clydesdales are gentle giants—laid-back, easygoing, and calm. With the right grooming routine for their coat and leg feathering, they look stunning, too, whether they’re working, riding, or pulling a carriage.

The Friesian is an equine breed from the Netherlands that dates back to the Middle Ages.

These friendly horses are willing to learn and work and can excel in multiple areas, such as hunt and saddle seat, driving, and dressage. They’ve also been used in films, thanks to their striking appearance. 

Unfortunately, due to past inbreeding, Friesian horses have a shorter lifespan than other breeds (around 16 years) and are prone to some health issues. Their leg feathering and long mane and tail also require extra grooming. A sturdy mane and tail brush and a detangler spray are must-haves!

You can find feral Mustang horses in the western United States, and if you want to adopt one, you can do so through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is in charge of managing the wild population. After they’re removed from the wild, Mustangs need to be tamed by an experienced horse trainer.

A domesticated Mustang makes a good riding companion and can be used for work or competing in equestrian sports like reining, dressage, and barrel racing. These horses are also quite hardy, with standard grooming needs.

One of the first horse breeds developed in the U.S., the Morgan is a versatile, compact horse suited for riders of all levels. They’re also relatively low-maintenance, thanks to their simple grooming needs and overall good health.

Because they’re a pleasure to train and handle, Morgans are typically used for recreation and work. They excel at sports like driving, jumping, and dressage, and are known for being effective ranch, police, and therapy horses.

The Paso Fino breed is a unique one, thanks to their natural four-beat gait, which gives riders a smooth and very comfortable ride. Another standout feature is their “tiger eye” coloring—orange, amber, or yellow eyes—which is a possible genetic trait.

Paso Finos are a good choice for riders of all ages and experience levels. They’re docile, loyal, and friendly and can be used for therapeutic riding. They’re also eager to please, making them a joy to handle whether they’re competing in a sporting event or working on a ranch.

The American Paint Horse combines beautiful looks with an endearing personality. Their coat is white with any other equine color, but it’s their coat patterns—overo, tobiano, and tovero—that really make them stand out.

In addition to being wonderful family pets, American Paint Horses can be trained to succeed in sports, such as jumping, dressage, and reining.

Paint horses are suitable for riders of all levels, including anyone who’s seeking an easygoing, friendly, and calm equine companion. Just remember to keep a supply of whitening shampoo in the barn if you plan to show these colorful horses.

Dating to the Middle Ages, Andalusians are cooperative horses renowned for many attractive traits: They’re adaptable, intelligent, and willing to learn, making them easy to work with; and because they’re docile and friendly, they make suitable companions for riders of all levels.

Andalusians are often gray, which makes them more prone to melanoma. And because they have gorgeous manes and thick, long tails, they require extra care to keep them clean and free of tangles. 

This content was medically reviewed by Jennifer Rice, DVM, CVSMT, Chewy veterinarian.