Equine Identification and Characteristics

Chapter 2: Classifications to Identify Horses

 A breed is defined as a group of domesticated animals that are descended from common ancestors and share similar characteristics. Horse breeds have specific characteristics, including coat colours, gait and temperament as well as origin and background. Horse classifications refer to groups of horse breeds with common characteristics. Common classifications include cold-blooded, hot-blooded, warm-blooded, light, draft, and pony.

Cold-Blooded, Hot-Blooded, Warm-Blooded~

Cold-blooded - The term cold-blooded is commonly used to describe a draft horse. A cold-blooded horse is a heavy, solid, strong horse. These horses originated in the colder regions of Europe. They are a work horse.

Hot-blooded - A hot-blooded horse is a horse that is bred to be fast and athletic, with ancestors traced back to the Middle East. The Arabian and Barb horse is one of the ancestors for the modern day Thoroughbred. Originating in desert climates, they are more resistant to heat and tend to have a very thin skin and coat. Most hot-blooded horses have Arabian, Barb, or Thoroughbred blood in their history.

Warm-blooded - Warm-blooded horses are finer boned than a cold-blooded horse but heavier than a hot-blooded horse. They are suitable for riding or driving and originated from breeding heavier local working horses to lighter, more athletic horses like the Arabian and the Thoroughbred. Warm-blooded horses have ancestors that are from both hot and cold-blooded classifications.

Light Horse, Draft Horse, Ponies~

Light horse - The term light horse is primarily used to describe horses used for riding, driving, showing, or racing. These horses typically stand greater than 14.2 hands high (hh).

Draft horse - The term draft horse describes horses that are used as work animals. They are used to pull wagons or heavy loads. Draft horses typically stand over 14.2 hh and can weigh approximately 1400lbs and up. Today, many draft horses are shown in harnesses. They are also shown in heavy pulling competitions at which they compete to pull the heaviest load.

Ponies - Ponies must be 14.2 hh or under in height. They are very compact, strong, and hardy animals. Ponies can be used for driving or riding, and are also used as work animals.