Horse Breeds
Ever since the horse first became domesticated, man has created specific breeds by selectively breeding from horses with different characteristic, to produce animals with the necessary physical and temperamental attributes to meet his own needs at the time. Many hundreds of breeds have been developed over the centuries, and they are constantly changing. Breeds die out because they are no longer needed by man. Draught and harness horses are an example of this; many of these breeds are now threatened. On the other hand, old breeds are altered, and new breeds are created, to meet new demands. The great increase in pleasure over the last twenty years has led to breeds being developed specifically for this.
A new breed is formally recognized when a stud book is opened. There are two types of stud book. New breeds usually have an open stud book, that is, the stallion and mare need not necessarily be of the same breed although both must be of pedigree stock. An open stud book allows for the continuing development of a breed, and for cross breeding to correct any faults that might occur. Older breeds have a closed stud book, that is, both parents must be registered members of that breed.
CATEGORIES AND TYPES
Horse breeds fall into four categories: ponies cold-bloods, warm-bloods and hot-bloods. Pony breeds are defined as being under 14.2 hands. However, there are other differences between pony and horse breeds. Many pony breeds have developed in the wild and this has led to a natural cunning and hardiness that is not found in most horse breeds. Many [pny breeds have developed in the wild and this has led to a natural cunning and hardiness that is not found in most horse breeds. They are seldom ill and rarely go lame. They have primitive features, and most breed true to type (the breed characteristics are reproduced consistently in the offspring). The cold-blood group consists of the heavy work horses; they are gentle docile, enduring and hardworking. The hot blood group contains the pure-bred Arab and Thoroughbred, who have fiery, proud, spirited temperaments. The warm-blood group is the largest today. It contains all the sports riding horse breeds,and some of the light draught breeds. These breeds have a mixture ancestors. Most are descended from the Arab, but by crossing with draught or pony blood, horses have been produced that have spirit and stamina, are more robust than the Thoroughbred and Arab, and are tractable, responsible and hardworking.
In addition, some categories or horse are not registered in any stud book, but they are recognized as specific types. The cob, the hack and the hunter are examples of these types, although it is possible to have a registered Thoroughbrd hunter or hack