Throughout history, there has been a natural companionship between man and horse. This companionship has earned the horse a special place in history as it has served man in war, mobility, productivity, and agriculture. The horse has played a large role in contributing to the enhancement of civilization. Because of this, it has earned a lot of recognition and honour. When thinking of horses, great qualities and virtues come to minds such as nobility, power, grace, strength, freedom and beauty. We think horses are exceptionally beautiful beings, and as such, we have compiled a list for you of our favourite 10 breeds. Which ones are your favourite? 

10. Carolina Marsh Tacky

The Carolina Marsh Tacky or Marsh Tacky is a rare breed of horse, native to South Carolina. It is a small horse, well adapted for use in the lowland swamps of its native South Carolina. The Marsh Tacky developed from Spanish horses brought to the South Carolina coast by Spanish explorers, settlers and traders as early as the 16th century. The horses were used by the colonists during the American Revolution, and by South Carolinians for farm work, herding cattle and hunting throughout the breed’s history.

09. Arabian Horse

The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.

Selective breeding for traits, including an ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans, created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. They are one of the top ten most popular horse breeds in the world.

08. Morgan Horse

The Morgan horse is one of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States. named Justin Morgan after his best-known owner, Morgans served many roles in 19th-century American history, as general riding animals, and as cavalry horses during the American Civil War on both sides of the conflict.

The Morgan breed is known for its versatility and is used for several English and Western events. They have been successfully shown in many disciplines, including dressage, showjumping, Western pleasure, cutting and endurance riding. They are also used as stock horses and for pleasure riding and driving. Morgans were the first American breed to compete in the World Pairs Driving competition, representing the US.

07. Friesian Horse

The Friesian ( Frizian) is a horse breed originating in Friesland, in the Netherlands. Friesians are graceful and nimble for their size. It is believed that during the Middle Ages, ancestors of Friesian horses were in great demand as war horses throughout continental Europe. 

Because of their colour and striking appearance, Friesian horses are a popular breed in movies and television, particularly in historic and fantasy dramas. They are viewed as calm in the face of the activity associated with filmmaking, but also elegant on-camera.

06. Gypsy horse

The Gypsy Cob, also known as the Irish Cob, Gypsy Horse or Gypsy Vanner, is a type or breed of domestic horse from the islands Great Britain and Ireland. It is particularly associated with Irish Travellers and English Romanichal Travellers of Ireland and Great Britain.

The colour and look of the breed were refined in the years after the Second World War. Horses of this type were first exported to the United States in 1996.

05. Marwari Horse

The Marwari is a rare breed of horse from the Marwar (or Jodhpur) region of Rajasthan, which it shares an unusual inward-curving shape of the ears.

The Rathores, traditional rulers of the Marwar region of western India, were the first to breed the Marwari. Beginning in the 12th century, they espoused strict breeding that promoted purity and hardiness. Used throughout history as a cavalry horse by the people of the Marwar region, the Marwari was noted for its loyalty and bravery in battle. Though they are rare they are becoming more popular outside of India due to their unique looks.

04. Orlov Trotter

The Orlov Trotter is a horse breed with a hereditary fast trot, noted for its outstanding speed and stamina. It is the most famous Russian horse. The breed was developed in Russia in the late 18th century by Count Alexei Orlov at his Khrenovskoy stud farm near the town of Bobrov (Voronezh Guberniya). 

During the 19th century, Orlov trotters were used mainly for riding and harness racing by Russian nobility. They were valued for their beauty and elegance combined with the ability to work hard. They were also used for the improvement of other Russian horses. However, the breed survived, and today fifteen stud farms in Russia and Ukraine raise pure-blooded Orlov Trotters.

03. Hackney Horse

The Hackney is a recognized breed of horse that was developed in Great Britain. In recent decades, the breeding of the Hackney has been directed toward producing horses that are ideal for carriage driving. They are an elegant high stepping breed of carriage horse that is popular for showing in harness events. Hackneys possess good stamina and are capable of trotting at high speed for extended periods.

02. Andalusian Horse

The Andalusian, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse, is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a warhorse and was prized by the nobility. The breed was used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government, and kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses.

Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. Their most common coat colour is grey, although they can be found in many other colours. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility. 

The breed is also used extensively in movies, especially historical pictures and fantasy epics.

01. Irish Thoroughbred

Thoroughbreds are considered “hot-blooded” horses that are known for their agility, speed, and spirit.

The Thoroughbred as it is known today was developed in 17th- and 18th-century England. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Thoroughbred breed spread throughout the world; they were imported into North America starting in 1730 and into Australia, Europe, Japan and South America during the 19th century. Millions of Thoroughbreds exist today, and around 100,000 foals are registered each year worldwide.

Thoroughbreds are used mainly for racing but are also bred for other riding disciplines