From the wide-open plains of the Midwest to the rolling hills of Kentucky, American horses have played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s history and culture. Their stories are interwoven with those who relied on them for transportation, work, and companionship.
I’ve come to appreciate the practical roles these horses have played and the profound ways they reflect and shape American identity. Their influence stretches far beyond the ranches and racetracks; they embody the spirit of a nation defined by resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to its past. This blog post explores the various breeds that have become iconic symbols of American heritage and their impact on the country.
The Majestic Breeds of America
Several breeds stand out for their historical significance and unique characteristics when discussing American horses. The American Quarter Horse, known for its speed and agility, was developed from early Spanish horses brought to the continent and has since become a symbol of Western culture. Similarly, with its impressive high-stepping gait, the American Saddlebred has earned its place in the show ring and in the hearts of many enthusiasts. According to the American Quarter Horse, it contributed significantly to the cattle ranching industry, which remains a vital part of the U.S. economy. This breed’s versatility and speed were crucial in shaping the agricultural economy and the development of the American West.
The Cultural Impact of American Horses
Beyond their practical uses, American horses have also left a significant mark on the nation’s culture. They feature prominently in rodeos, racetracks, and even popular media. The Kentucky Derby, one of the most famous horse races in the world, showcases the elegance and speed of American Thoroughbreds and has become a storied tradition celebrated with fanfare and excitement.
Moreover, the Western movies and literature that have shaped the American mythos often highlight the pivotal role of horses in frontier life. The image of the cowboy on horseback, riding across the open range, is an enduring symbol of the American spirit of adventure and resilience.
The Morgan Horse
Gets its name from a stallion owned by Justin Morgan. The horse later took the name of its owner. All Morgans can be traced back to this stallion. The bloodlines that contributed to the original Morgan is thought to be Arabian, and Welsh Cob; some Thoroughbred and Friesian could also be in the mix. Straight limbs and compact, muscular bodies with small heads and high neck are all characteristics of the breed. The US Cavalry favored Morgans as mounts and artillery horses and were renowned for their versatility and stamina. They are also economical in their required food intake – another reason for their popularity with the US Army – but will tend to obesity if overindulged. Typically, they range from 14-15.2hh and upwards from 400kgs. Mostly dark colors or chestnut, but pintos, greys, and palominos are out there too. Several other strains have been developed from this breed, such as the Tennessee Walking Horse.
The Quarter Horse
So named because it was very good at Quarter Mile races. Being quite nimble and able to sprint, this breed was ideally suited to cattle herding. When trying to rope a cow, a horse that can “spin on a dime” and give chase is a boon to any professional cowboy. It is no surprise that even today, their numbers are in the millions, and their popularity is worldwide.
They originate from imported British Colonial and European bloodstock, coupled with relatively native breeds migrated from South America originally brought in from Spain. Some of these feral horses were further developed by Native American peoples such as the Comanche and Nez Perce tribes
They are popular at eventing, show jumping, point-to-point sprinting, dressage, driving, and rodeos, not forgetting they are still pretty useful on cattle ranches performing the roles they have covered for centuries. Typically ranging from 14-16hh and 400-500kgs, there are larger, heavy-muscled examples. Pony versions from 12hh are also suited to the younger rider. Various colors are available (examples are strawberry roan & palomino).
Appaloosa
It is thought to have its origins in Mongolia, although when the Bering Land Bridge existed (10,000 years ago,) mammals could travel either way between North America and North East Europe. In more recent times (last 300-400 years), they were selectively bred by the Nez Perez tribe of Native Americans. Curious, intelligent, and often stubborn, they were bred for stamina, endurance, and looks. The Iris (colored part of the eye) has a white ring or halo, believed to be unique to this breed. It can have areas of bald or light skin; if so, ensure areas of shade exist to avoid sunburn. The typical size is 14-15hh, 400-500kgs, and the patterns include leopard, blanket, snowflake, and marble.
American Welara Pony
The breed registry was formed in 1981 to develop & promote this breed. The original bloodstock was Welsh and Arabian from the early 1900’s. Lady Wentworth crossed her Welsh pony mares with Arabian stallions, hence Wel-Ara. These British experimental crosses were not initially intended to be a distinct breed (in 1900). Still, some years later, they were exported to the USA, where they gained some popularity, and in 1981, the American Welara Registry was formed and set the standards for the future. Various characteristics came from using class A, B, C & D Welsh ponies (A being the smallest under 13hh, with section D at 15hh). Popular with children and adults in sporting events, riding, jumping, and driving. All colors except appaloosa are allowed. Not so popular in the Eastern States, where other breeds were more established; even so, today, they are to be found all around the globe.
American Indian Pony
There were so many sizes and varieties that the Native American Indians bred horses for color, size, riding, hunting, meat, and trading. Some tribes, like the Nimiipuu, bred horses with a specific aesthetic; others bred horses for agility and speed. They originated from Spain and Portugal, and those who escaped captivity reproduced and migrated northwards to the plains of North America. These horses and ponies are the basis of the American Mustang, which was adopted and re-domesticated by native Americans. They were hunted for meat and used to hunt Pronghorn (aka “Antelope”) or Buffalo. They were also a form of currency traded for goods or favors. At one time, the US Government ordered the destruction of Indian horses to quell the people and seize their lands. These feral horses used to feed the native tribes, so they were wiped out to force their relocation. When the practice was halted, the remnants of those herds again reproduced and repopulated the plains, no longer populated by indigenous peoples.
Nez Perce
The Nimiipuu tribe were famed horse breeders, but following conflict involving the US Government, US cavalry, enforced relocation and sequestration of land, the tribe (also known as Nez Perce, to early French Canadians) were forced into becoming farmers, with many of their lean, long-backed horses killed or mares exchanged for the more compact quarter horses deemed more suited to agricultural use. Most of those exchanged horses were deemed untrainable by the US Army and were destroyed. In 1995, the US Government initiated and financed a breeding program to re-establish the horse culture of the Nez Perce. An old line of Appaloosa (the Wallowa heard) has been crossbred with an ancient Asian breed (Akhal-Teke) to re-introduce the longer, lean look of the original Appaloosa strain. Once again, the objective is to develop an animal with the qualities of endurance and speed that enabled those ancient peoples to elude the Government enforcers for so long.
The coloring is targeted on a buckskin or palomino base with Appaloosa characteristics of leopard spots or a blanket over mottled skin. Also, it was a long stride and gaited running walk, but only time will tell where it will lead. A height of 14-15.2hh is sought, similar to the more modern compact Appaloosas. The Akhal-Teke is a very rare breed with fine, shiny, almost metallic coat. It is fine-boned and has a life expectancy of only 20 years (see the elongated Akhal-Teke & Appaloosa below)
American horses represent a living testament to the country’s diverse and dynamic heritage. Their historical and contemporary contributions highlight the unique relationship between humans and animals, demonstrating how this relationship has shaped and continues to shape the American experience.
