Horse Breeds: 10 Most Popular In The World

When it comes to choosing the best horse breeds in the world, there is no definitive answer – with over 300 horse breeds to choose from, it’s an almost impossible task! However, there are a few breeds of horse which have stolen the hearts of many an equestrian; and it’s those which we’re highlighting today. 

Take a look at our run down of ten of the most popular horse breeds from around the world.

Thoroughbred

This hot blooded horse breed is best known for its racing prowess, with its speed and agility making it a popular racehorse. While the Thoroughbred horse often finds its place on the racetrack, this spirited equine is also a common choice for disciplines including dressage and show jumping.

Originating in England during the 17th and 18th centuries, today, there are millions of Thoroughbred horses around the world. 

At a glance:

• Weight: 450kg – 550kg
• Height: 15 hands – 17 hands
• Life expectancy: 25 – 35 years
• Best for: horse racing, show jumping, dressage and more
• Origin: England

American Quarter Horse

A champion at short distance sprinting, the American Quarter Horse gets its name from its speed across distances of a quarter of a mile or less. Often seen at rodeos, horse shows, and on American ranches, the breed is known for its agility and speed, as well as its gentle and loyal nature. A popular choice for riders of all levels, the American Quarter Horse is one of the most popular horse breeds in the United States: its breed registry, the American Quarter Horse Association, is the largest in the world. 

At a glance:

• Weight: 430 – 545kg
• Height: 14 – 16hh
• Life expectancy: 25 years
• Best for: Ranch work, racing, shows, leisure riding and more
• Origin: United States of America

Arabian

Originating on the Arabian peninsula, the Arabian horse is an incredibly recognisable breed, with a lineage tracing back as far as 4,500 years. It has influenced the creation of many modern day riding horses, lending its speed, strength, and endurance to the improvement of other horse breeds. 

Arabian horses are fast learners and eager to please, while at the same time being spirited and alert – making them better suited to more confident riders. This versatile equine is often seen in endurance riding, as well as in horse racing, dressage, trail riding, and plenty more.

At a glance:

• Weight: 370 – 450kg
• Height: 14 – 16hh
• Life expectancy: 25 – 30 years
• Best for: endurance riding, horse racing, trail riding, eventing
• Origin: Arabian Peninsula

Andalusian

Hailing from the Iberian peninsula, the Andalusian horse boasts a striking, elegant appearance; and an intelligent, docile and fast learning nature. They are also spirited, making them a better fit for more experienced riders.

Once a war horse, today the Andalusian can often be seen in equine competition such as dressage, show jumping, and leisure riding. They are also a popular choice in the film industry, with Andalusians often featuring in movies and TV shows.

At a glance:

• Weight: 410 – 510kg
• Height: 15 ½ – 15.1 ½ hh
• Life expectancy: 25 years
• Best for: Dressage, leisure and trail riding, show jumping, events, and more
• Origin: Andalusia, Spain

Clydesdale

This impressive draught breed hails from Scotland, and boasts a large size which belies a gentle nature. The Clydesdale horse was once used for farm work and haulage; today, it is most commonly seen pulling carriages. A hard working horse breed, the Clydesdale has a calm, easygoing nature, which makes it a popular choice for riders of all experience levels. 

The Budweiser Clydesdales are perhaps the most well known example of these horses, used to promote Budweiser beer in the United States.

At a glance:

• Weight: 700 – 1000kg
• Height: 16 hands – 18 hands (16.2hh average)
• Life expectancy: 25 – 30 years
• Best for: work, pulling heavy loads, leisure riding, therapeutic work
• Origin: Scotland (Lanarkshire)

Appaloosa

Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive spotted coat pattern, the Appaloosa horse breed originated in America, and remains one of the United States’ most popular horse breeds. Often seen in movies, Appaloosa’s are often chosen to work with livestock; they are also a popular riding horse for both competition and leisure riding.

At a glance:

• Weight: 450 – 500kg
• Height: 14 – 16hh
• Life expectancy: 30 years
• Best for: livestock, English and Western riding, endurance riding, horse racing, leisure riding
• Origin: United States

Shire Horse

The large size of the Shire Horse makes it instantly recognisable: it is one of the largest horse breeds in the world. However, this is a gentle giant with a calm, patient and easy going temperament that makes it ideal for riders of all levels. Originally bred for work, the British Shire horse is today used most commonly in forestry or leisure riding.

At a glance:

• Weight: 850kg – 1,100kg
• Height: 16 hands – 17 hands minimum (17.2 hands average)
• Life expectancy: 25 – 30 years
• Best for: work, pulling heavy loads, leisure riding
• Origin: England – thought to be Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire

Friesian

The majestic Friesian horse makes quite the impression with its powerful, strong appearance. Hailing from Friesland in the Netherlands, the breed remains popular in its home country and is often used for both leisure and competition riding.

With a docile, gentle temperament combined with speed and agility, Friesians are often seen in dressage, horse racing, and recreational riding; as well as on the big screen in movies like The Legend of Zorro and 300.

At a glance:

• Weight: 544 – 635 kg
• Height: 15 hands – 17 hands
• Life expectancy: 16 years
• Best for: Leisure riding, competition, cart pulling
• Origin: The Netherlands

Cob

Not a specific horse breed, but rather a type of horse, the Cob is generally a hardy, versatile equine suitable for a wide variety of disciplines. Their gentle, docile temperament makes them a popular choice for first time riders; and as one of the most popular riding horses in England, Cob horses can often be seen competing in dressage and eventing; as well as hacking or for leisure riding. 

At a glance:

• Height: 14.2 – 15.1 hh
• Life expectancy: 25 – 30 years
• Best for: Leisure riding, competition, first time riders

Morgan

Originating in the United States, the Morgan horse is a versatile breed with a powerful and refined appearance. Over the years, it has had an influence on a number of other horse breeds, including the American Quarter Horse; the Hackney horse; and the Standardbred. 

Today it is the state animal of Vermont and is popular in both English and Western riding; often seen at events including dressage, show jumping, endurance riding, and leisure riding.  

At a glance:

• Weight: 400 to 500 kg
• Height: 14.1 to 15.2 hh
• Life expectancy: 20 – 30 years
• Best for: Dressage, endurance riding, leisure riding, driving
• Origin: The United States