Equine Breeds and Types PDF

CATALOG OF - This makes it well suited to working on city streets, but less suitable for plowing as BREEDS AND TYPES...

CATALOG OF - This makes it well suited to working on city streets, but less suitable for plowing as BREEDS AND TYPES - the feet can be too big to fit in the HEAVY HORSES furrow. - coldbloods or draft horses - Breeders aim for “close” movement, - They share similar conformation and with the forelegs placed under the overall proportions shoulders and the hindlegs close - Also share the traits of strength, together, which makes cow (close patience, and a docile temperament. together) hocks acceptable. - Very easy to handle - Among the most successful of the heavy - Useful for a range of jobs, such as breeds even though the heavy white agricultural work, forestry, and pulling markings and feather (that cause an carts, drays, and canal barges. eczema-type condition on the leg) - have a broad, dense structure and short, - They are found in Russia, strong limbs, which enables them to - They earned the title “the breed that exert great power at slow speeds. built Australia.”  CLYDESDALE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALE - In the US, Clydesdales are used by the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company to promote Budweiser beer. - Smartly turned out teams of eight horses pull wagons advertising the brand. - Only bay geldings with four white legs and a white blaze are used. They are at - least four years old and stand 18 hh (183 cm) high. This tradition first began in 1933 to - celebrate the repeal of the prohibition laws that banned the consumption of alcohol. Height – 16.2 – 18hh Origin – Scotland Colors – Bay, brown, or chestnut, but grays, roans, and blacks also found - Known for their style and elegance (comes from a freedom of movement - Founded when the 6th Duke of Hamilton and John Paterson imported Flemish horses and established a strain that became a major influence  Strong, but comparatively light, quarters - Shire blood was introduced by  Hindlegs longer than in many heavy Lawrence Drew and David Riddell, local breeds men dedicated to improving the breed.  Straight profile with wide forehead - Clydesdale is renowned for its high-  Clearly defined withers higher than stepping action and is carefully bred to croup have hard-wearing and good quality  Sloped shoulders hooves.  Flat knees  Strong hock joints; cow hocks acceptable RACING SHIRES  Heavy, silky feather on lower limbs Shaved and decorated tail, a feature of show horses  Somewhat flat but hard-wearing feet  Ears are exceptionally mobile - The first recorded Shire race in the UK took place in 2013 and was won by Joey, ridden by Mark Grant. - The race is now an annual event, with Clydesdales also taking part.  SHIRE - These events are showcases for these lovely animals and provide great family entertainment. AT AN EXHIBITION IN ENGLAND 1924, A PAIR OF SHIRES EXERTED A PULL CAPABLE OF MOVING 55 TONS.  Long neck runs into deep sloping shoulders Height at withers – More than 17hh  Short back Origin: England  Medium-sized head Colors: mostly black, also bay, brown, and  Slightly Roman (convex) nose gray  Wide quarters - The supreme draft horse, this “gentle  Clean, hard, and muscular legs Short giant” has a straight action and kind back disposition  Hindlegs are close below the hock - The Shire got its name in 1884 from the  Broad, flat hocks Midland “shires” (counties) of Lincoln,  Heavy, silky feather on lower legs Leicester, Stafford, and Derby, where it was originally bred - Another import, the Friesian had a  SUFFOLK PUNCH refining effect and produced a freer Height: 16-16.3hh movement. - Packington Blind Horse - The foundation Origin: England stallion of the Shire who sired numerous Colors: Shades of colts between 1755 and 1770. Chestnut - The English Cart Horse Society was formed in 1876 and produced the first - Early origin can be traced back to a studbook two years later. single chestnut stallion, owned by - It became the Shire Horse Society in Thomas Crisp of “Ufford” (Orford) 1884. The American Shire Horse - This short-legged, large-bodied, Association was created in 1885. chestnut stallion was advertised as - Its powerful musculature exemplify the “good stock for coach or road.” strong structure of an ideal draft horse. - All Suffolks are chestnut - While the Shire no longer plays a major - The Suffolk Horse Society, formed in 1877, role in agriculture, it participates in recognizes seven shades, the most plowing matches common being a bright reddish brown. - The Suffolk matures early and enjoys a  Well-shaped back end long life.  Large, strong , circular feet - Despite its stamina and power, it thrives  Mane braided with straw, decorated on less feed with ribbons o These robust trotters have very  Deep, rounded body strong quarters and enormous  Large head, with broad forehead pulling power.  Deep girth, can measure up to 80 in - A horse’s strength used to be tested at (203 cm) Short, stout legs fairs in Suffolk by hitching it to a fallen  Muscular forearms with good bone tree.  Clean leg, with little or no feather o Even if the horse did not manage  Long, braided tail tomove the tree, it was  Low shoulder and wide chest considered to have passed the  Short, stout legs test as long as it got right down on  Well-rounded, powerfully muscled its knees in what is considered the quarters typical Suffolk “drawing” action. - Its exceptional pulling power can be  ITALIAN HEAVY DRAFT attributed to its low shoulder - Suffolks are suited to working on heavy clay soil. - The lack of feather on their legs means they pick up less soil when working in muddy conditions. - This horse has a sharp, swinging walk and a unique, rhythmic trot, with only a modest degree of knee action. - As a result of the distance between its forelegs, the Suffolk can have a slight dishing action (the front legs circle out sideways as they move). Height: 15-16 hh Origin: Italy SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST Colors: Mostly dark liver chestnut, but - Dedicated to preserving the unique can be roan and chestnut history of the Suffolk Punch, the Suffolk - Smallish stature, long walk, and, Punch Trust owns the Hollesley Bay energetic trot, ideal for farm work Colony Stud in Suffolk. - The most popular heavy horse - Dating from 1759, this is the world’s - Sometimes called the Italian Agricultural oldest Suffolk Punch stud. horse. - To improve the rather poor local stock, breeders imported the massive and energetic Brabant from Belgium. o The resulting crosses produced powerful offspring, but they were also too heavy and too slow. o A more successful cross was with the Breton, especially the lighter, quick-moving Postier-type THE SEVEN SUFFOLK CHESTNUT SHADES ARE o This was renowned for its swift DARK LIVER, DULL DARK, LIGHT MEALY, RED, trotting action GOLDEN, LEMON, AND BRIGHT - When crossed with Italian mares, the progeny was compact and relatively fast- moving. - Powerful animals with kind, docile temperaments, they were hardy and also economical to keep. - Their speed accounts for the Italian name Tiro Pesante Rapido, which means quick heavy draft. - There is some coarseness in the appearance of the Italian Heavy Draft, the legacy of the less well-made Italian mares. o In particular the limbs can be poor. THE ITALIAN HEAVY DRAFT HAS A STRONG o They often lack bone, the joints FOLLOWING IN ITALY. IN 2010, REGISTERED are small and rounded, and the HORSES EXCEEDED 6,300 pasterns are upright, while the  Fairly long, tapering head feet are boxy.  Short, strong neck o The overall conformation shows  Powerful and rounded quarters the benefits of the Breton  Long hindlegs influence and the head is  Light-colored mane unexpectedly fine for a heavy  Short back breed.  Brand mark indicates the origin [symbol - There is also more than a suggestion of of verona] the smaller and lighter Avelignese which,  High-set tail as a close neighbor, may well have  Deep girth been involved in the otherwise  Muscular limbs with large joints nondescript base stock.  Lower limbs covered with coarse - Today the Italian Heavy Draft is bred for feather its meat as well as its working qualities.  Boxy feet  PERCHERON SYMBOL OF VERONA Height: 16.22hh - The brand mark of the Italian Heavy Origin: Normandy, Draft is a five-rung ladder within a shield. France - This is similar to the symbol of the city Colors: Dapple and province of Verona (pictured here) gray. Black is and emphasizes the breed’s close historical links with this part of Italy. permissible, and - Youngsters undergo two assessments to the French accept ensure that they are a good example of - The most elegant of the heavy horse the breed. breeds and most enduring o The first is at between two and - The best years for breeders were seven months old. between 1880 and 1920 o If they pass, they are branded on o The US was the principal market at their left quarter. the time. o The second is at 30 months and a o It is estimated that in the 1880s, brand is then added on the left 5,000 stallions and about 2,500 side of the neck. mares were imported, and by 1910 registrations had risen to 31,900. - Exceptionally obedient, the Percheron is very willing and capable of doing any sort of work. - Over the years, it has served as a  Short, powerful legs may have bone warhorse, coach horse, farm horse, gun measurement of more than 10 in (25 cm) horse, and even a riding horse. Good, balanced hindleg conformation - The breed is attractive and is known for Medium-sized feet of hard, blue horn its distinctive and stylish action, which is  Flat muzzle with wide, open nostrils long, free, and low. - It is able to adapt to different climates  POITEVIN more easily than other heavy breeds—a characteristic often attributed to its Arab ancestry—and it makes an excellent base stock for crossing for specific tasks. - In the harsh conditions of the Falkland Islands, Percherons are crossed with Criollos to produce tough range horses, while in Australia, they are outcrossed to produce stock and competition horses. AMERICAN CREAM DRAFT Height: 16-16.2 hh Origin: Poitou, France Colors: Dun, gray, black, bay - Not much of a worker, but it is one parent of the very useful Poitevin Mule - A draft horse that originated in Iowa in - The Poitevin is descended from Dutch, the early 1900s, this breed is cream with Danish, and Norwegian draft horses pink skin and amber-colored eyes. - Here, they were used to help drain the - It is known for its willingness to work and marshes of Poitou along with those in its unflappable nature. the neighboring Vendée. - One of the most influential stallions was - These imported horses interbred to Eads Captain, a horse that is seen in produce the Poitevin, which— with its about one-third of the breed pedigrees. large, platelike feet and slow - The American Cream was initially used movement—is well suited for work in soft for agricultural purposes in the wheat wet ground. belt, but as horses were replaced by - Along with the feet, the Poitevin has machines, their numbers fell retained many other primitive dramatically. characteristics from its distant forest - Today it is seen being driven in parades horse ancestors, such as the dun and in displaysat rodeos. coloration with dark zebra stripes around - It is also now used as a riding horse. the lower limbs. A PERCHERON MARE HOLDS THE - Faults: the tendency to a long body, UNOFFICIAL WORLD PULLING RECORD OF and a heavy coarse head with thick 3,410 LB (1,545 KG) OVER 15 FT (4.57 M). ears that have limited mobility. - The quarters are strong, however, with  Sloped, powerful quarters plenty of muscle and the hindlegs are  Little feather on lower limbs broad and thick.  Long, arched neck with a fairly thick - In addition, it has a calm and sober mane Prominent wither temperament.  Fine, long, mobile ears - The mares are crossed with the Baudet  Broad, deep-chested body de Poitou to produce the Poitevin mule.  o Known for its versatility and  DUTCH DRAFT strength, this mule is useful in both agricultural work and under saddle. - These willing workers can manage on basic rations in inhospitable terrains with a working life of up to 25 years. BAUDET DE POITOU - The Poitou donkey, better known as the Baudet de Poitou, is crossed with the Poitevin mare to produce the Poitevin mule. - Unusually hardy for a donkey, the Baudet de Poitou stands almost as tall as the Poitevin at 16 hh (163 cm). Height: 16hh - It has a quick action and an Origin: Netherlands unexpectedly good stride length due to COLORS: Chestnut, bay, gray its size, long limbs, and the set of its - The Dutch Heavy Draft Horse is usually shoulders. known simply as the Dutch Draft. It was - Its head—described as having a developed from the Brabant after 1918 pleasing expression—is enhanced by its using Dutch mares of the old Zeeland large ears. type and an occasional outcross to the Belgian Ardennais - A massive horse, it is still one of the Netherlands’ principal working horse breeds and is employed in farming and forestry, as well being used as a carriage horse. - The Dutch Draft possesses a calm temperament, is free-moving, and has THE POITEVIN IS ONE OF THE MOST great stamina. ENDANGERED OF FRENCH BREEDS. IN 2013, - known for its easy-going nature. ONLY 61 FOALS WERE BORN  Short, thick, muscular hindlegs  Heavy head, covered with wiry hair  Long back with undefined withers  Thick and coarse hair in mane and tail  Straight shoulders  Low-set tail  Coarse, heavy hair on lower legs  Large body covered with rough hair in winter  Thick limbs with round joints  Large, platelike, flat feet Amiable characters These two mares and their foals are typical of the Dutch Draft breed. Their placid nature can be seen in their facial expressions and their build is heavy and compact.  Broad, low withers - Coldblood Trotters are virtually unknown  Sloping croup outside of Scandinavia.  Heavy feather on lower limbs  Short legs are extremely strong and JÄRVSÖFAKS hard Medium-sized, well-formed feet - This Swedish Trotter is a part-bred  Well-muscled legs Swedish coldblood.  Broad chest - Foaled in 1994, he started racing at 3  Well-muscled loins and hindquarters years old.  Croup is characteristically “double- - He won 201 of his 234 races and broke muscled” S the world coldblood trotting record,  Straight profile, with short ears and doing 0.6 miles (1 km) in 1 minute 17.9 pronounced jaw seconds, in July 2005.  Good feet - He was awarded many titles in Sweden during his working life, including Horse of  NORTH SWEDISH HORSE the Year (three times) and Coldblood of the Year (12 times). - Since retiring from racing, Järvsöfaks has had a successful career as a breeding stallion, siring 874 foals. Height: 16hh Origin: Northern Sweden Colors: Any solid color, usually brown or black - The North Swedish Horse, however, is not simply a “heavy” horse in the European WÅNGEN IS THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR tradition. HARNESS RACING, AND VITAL FOR THE - Regarded as a coldblood, the North SURVIVAL OF THE NORTH SWEDISH. Swedish has its origins in the older Scandinavian breeds and is closely  Neck is thick and usually crested related to the Døle Gudbrandsdal of  Abundant tail and mane Norway.  Head is large in comparison to frame - Following the formation of a breed  Some feather on lower limb society, efforts were made to achieve  Well-sloped, powerful shoulders greater uniformity.  Long, strong back - In addition to its strength and  Good, short legs with ample bone endurance, the North Swedish also boasts a cheerful temperament, is  VLADIMIR exceptionally long-lived, and is said to be very resistant to many common equine diseases. - Crosses with the Døle led to the breed being sub-divided in 1966 and the development of a lighter horse that was more suitable for harness racing. - This lighter-bodied trotting horse, the world’s only coldblood harness racer, is agile with longer limbs and is often known as a Scandinavian Coldblood Height: 16.1hh Trotter. Origin: Northeast Russia Colors: Bay THE VLADIMIR BENEFITED FROM RUSSIAN - The Vladimir Heavy Draft breed evolved STATE BREEDING POLICIES AFTER WORLD at collective and state farms in the WAR II. provinces of Ivanovo and Vladimir, east of Moscow.  Large, fairly long head - It was based on selective breeding  Quarters can be weak programs using local mares crossed with  Exceptionally deep girth Clydesdales and Shires that had taken  Muscular neck of medium length place at the Gavrilovo-Posadsk State  Thick feather on lower leg Stables in the early years of the 20th  Long withers century. - The principal foundation stallions were  RUSSIAN HEAVY DRAFT three Clydesdales: Lord James and Border Brand, both foaled in 1910, and Glen Albin, who was foaled in 1923. - The Shire crosses, though important, were less influential and are found far back in the pedigrees, mostly on the dams’ side. - Although the selection process continued until 1950, the Vladimir horse was officially recognized as a breed in 1946. Height: 14.2 – 4.3 hh - Well-built with a deep girth, this is a Origin: Ukraine good-natured animal and combines Colors: Strawberry roan, chestnut great pulling power with adequate - Known as the Russian Ardennes until the speed. 1920s, Russian Heavy Draft in 1952 - The horses mature quickly, an important - This comparatively short draft horse was quality for animals that are put to work developed around the same time as the at 3 years of age. Vladimir at the Khrenov and Derkul State Studs in the Ukraine. VLADIMIR TROIKA - At first, Ardennes stallions from Sweden - Despite being a draft horse, the Vladimir were crossed with Ukraine mares and has proved very handy at drawing the other breeds including the Brabant and famous Russian Troika. some Percherons - This is probably thanks to its free and - The Russian Heavy is a smart horse, built energetic action, and the emphasis like a heavy cob, with a strong frame placed on keeping its size relatively and lively movement. small for a draft. - The head is notable for its lightness and - Its trotting draft record is 6,562 ft (2,000 attractive expression, which may be a m) in 4 minutes 34 seconds while pulling result of the Orlov cross. 110 lb (50 kg). - The Russian Heavy matures very quickly: it is reckoned to have grown to 97 percent of its full height, and to have reached 75 percent of its full weight, by the time it is 18 months old. - The breed has a long life expectancy and is capable of carrying out agricultural work at a fairly advanced age. It is said that the mares are good milk producers KOUMISS - This fermented, mildly alcoholic drink made from mare’s milk is thought to have medicinal qualities. - It is drunk chilled and traditionally sipped from small bowls. - Russian writer Leo Tolstoy drank koumiss regularly and wrote about it in his autobiographical story A Confession. - Russian Heavy Drafts are used to produce koumiss at an experimental farm in Ryazan, southern Russia. THE STALLIONS MAY STILL BE USED AT STUD WHEN THEY ARE OVER 20 YEARS OLD.  Head is large and fairly long  Thick tail and mane  Chest is wide and short  Strong frame  Short legs are set well apart  Muscular neck PONIES - All ponies are less than 15 hh (152 cm) high, REACHING THE SEA anything taller is called a horse. - The Greeks recorded a race of miniature horses - However, ponies are so much more than small in ancient Medea, south of the Caspian Sea, and horses. horse bones have been found in a Mesolithic - Not only are their proportions different—they tend cave, near Kermanshah, mid-way between to have short stocky legs and comparatively Baghdad and Tehran. sturdy bodies—but they are also renowned for their crafty intelligence and their survival instinct. - Within this height limit, there are also equines that are more horselike in build, such as the various carefully developed riding ponies and the Caspian. - Ponies are also incredibly strong, often being capable of carrying adults, despite their small size. CASPIANS CAN KEEP UP WITH LARGER ▶ CASPIAN HORSES AT EVERY GAIT, EXCEPT THE GALLOP. ▶ TIMOR Height: 10-12hh Origin: Timor, Height: 10-12 hh Origin: Iran Indonesia Colors: Bay, gray, chestnut; occasionally black or Colors: Brown, black, and bay, occasionally gray cream - The smallest of the Indonesian ponies, this - The Caspian is one of the most fascinating of all diminutive pony shows some Arab influence. horse breeds. - The Timor pony is an important element in the - Genetically, it is most similar to Arabs—probably economy of the island of Timor. because of their geographical proximity and the - Portuguese and Dutch colonists both introduced likelihood of some interbreeding in the past. horses from Arabia and Persia to their colonies in - A study of six Caspian ponies found they had 65 Indonesia to upgrade the existing pony population, chromosomes rather than the usual 64 found in which had a background of Mongolian, Chinese, domestic horses. and Indian ponies - At the time, it was suggested that the extra - The Timor remains the smallest of the Indonesian chromosome was acquired due to crossbreeding ponies. with Przewalksi’s horse, which has 66 - Tough and agile, these ponies routinely carry chromosomes, but it is more likely that it was a full-grown men, who use them to work cattle. genetic mutation. - They are usually ridden in bitless bridles, which - The Caspian also has several distinctive physical are traditional to the islands and reminiscent of characteristics: a difference in the shape of the those used in central Asia 4,000 years ago. shoulder bone, and the rather odd formation of - Recognizable saddles are rarely seen, or required, bones of the head, making the skull look vaulted; and the riders’ feet often touch the ground. some also lack chestnuts. - The ponies are valued for driving, carrying packs, - The existence of Caspian horses was brought to and other farm work. the world’s attention in 1965 when American - Timors have been exported to Australia since traveler, Louise L. Firouz, found an alert, 1803 and were first used to improve the stamina quick-moving pony type working in the narrow and toughness of existing Australian stock. streets of Amol, on the shores of the Caspian Sea - They have also found work as children’s ponies. in northern Iran. - Australian poet Banjo Paterson mentioned the - She bought several and bred them. Timor in his poem,. - Selective breeding and better quality food has led to the ponies increasing in height and having COFFIN BAY PONIES rather better conformation than their - Timors are tough enough to withstand the harsh predecessors. conditions found in many parts of Australia. - These excellent children’s ponies have a long, - Sixty ponies were imported to Coffin Bay, South low, free, and fast action and appear to “float.” Australia, in 1839. - Natural jumpers, they are also easily trained to - The original stud saw many changes in harness. ownership and the ponies interbred with other  breeds until 2004, when they were moved to Brumbies Run, a nearby reserve. - Here, about 35 ponies roam freely with little human contact except for an annual health check and auction to maintain the population. ALL AUSTRALIAN STATES HAVE A BRANCH OF THE AUSTRALIAN PONY STUD BOOK SOCIETY WITH 11 BREEDS REGISTERED. ▶ CONNEMARA WITH GREAT QUALITIES OF ENDURANCE, AGILITY, AND STRENGTH, THE TINY TIMOR IS A REMARKABLE EQUINE. ▶ AUSTRALIAN PONY Height: 12.2. – 14.2hh Origin: Connemara, western Ireland Colors: Gray, black, bay, brown, dun; occasionally roan, chestnut, palomino, cream - Traditionally used for a variety of tasks on Height: 12 – 14hh Origin: Australia moorland farms, the hardy Connemara has Colors: Any solid color, but mainly gray tremendous staying power. - With its exceptionally smooth action, long - Ireland’s only indigenous breed of pony strides, and small size, this breed is ideal for originated in Connemara, a region of mountains, children. lakes, and moorland. - In the 18th and 19th centuries, horses were - Later, imported Spanish horses were crossed brought into Australia from South Africa, Europe, with this stock to produce the Irish Hobby, an particularly the UK, and elsewhere. ancestor of the Connemara. - These included Exmoors and small, very hardy - Barb and Arab blood was introduced in the 19th ponies from the nearby Indonesian island of century. Timor. - The Irish potato famine of 1845 had a devastating - A Hungarian pony, which apparently came to effect on the Connemara, and by the 1860s, there Australia in a circus in the mid-19th century, is were scarcely any left. also said to have had a marked influence. - The population picked up, however, and in 1923, - Later to upgrade the stock, Arab horses were when the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society imported from India, most of them shipped from was established, there were around 2,000 the eastern port of Kolkata. broodmares and 250 stallions. - In 1931, the Australian Pony Stud Book Society - Government breeding programs brought in Welsh was formed to establish astandard type. It Cob stallions, Arabs, Thoroughbreds, and Irish included three sections: Shetland, Hackney Drafts Pony, and Australian. - Major sires include Cannon Ball (born in 1904), - The Australian section included all the imported Rebel (1922), and Golden Gleam (1932). British mountain and moorland breeds, along with - Carna Dun (1950) was known for his exceptional the Australian-bred stock. daughters. - There was also a line to the famous Arab, Naseel. AUSTRALIAN RIDING PONY - A genetic study (2003) reported that - The seed of an idea for an elegant riding pony Thoroughbred was the most influential outside was sown in 1973, with the import of three pony blood. stallions of Welsh descent. - Most ponies in the study also possessed Welsh - A group of Australian enthusiasts set up the Cob and Arab genes. Riding Pony Stud Book Society in 1975. - About 50 percent had Irish Draft in their ancestry. - They looked to the Welsh Pony, as well as - The study concluded that the pony is being bred Thoroughbreds and Arabs, to produce the type taller and losing some of its adaptation to the they wanted. tough environment of its origins. - Today the studbook has three sections, and the - There has also been a loss of genetic diversity. ponies are known for their outstanding show performances. PERFORMANCE PONY - Act of 1847, which prevented women and - The Connemara is a brilliant performance pony— children from working in coal mines, there was a fast, courageous, and a remarkable jumper. huge demand for Shetlands as pit ponies. - It possesses a good, steady temperament, as - This docile and willing breed soon adapted to life well as intelligence and sure-footedness. underground, hauling heavy loads. - Most of the breed also retain their physical - A lighter type was popular in harness and as a hardiness and endurance derived from their wild, children’s mount. moorland environments. - In North America, Shetlands were crossed with - It is regarded as the ideal competition mount for the Hackney Pony to produce the American young people and exported extensively to Europe, Shetland as well as to the US and Japan. - The Shetland Stud Book Society was formed in - There are breeders’ societies in 16 countries. 1890 and many ponies registered today are thought to trace their ancestry back to its first volumes. - The two types of the 19th century have all but disappeared today, but a miniature type under 34 in (85 cm) is recognized. MINIATURE SHETLANDS - Miniature Shetlands are like their larger counterparts in every way. CANNON BALL WAS THE FIRST STUDBOOK - Away from their homeland, Shetlands make very ENTRY. HE WON THE FARMERS’ RACE AT popular children’s ponies. OUGHTERARD 16 YEARS RUNNING. - They also go well in harness and may be seen in circus performances. - They appear on stage in shows such as , seemingly completely unfazed by being in the limelight. - Worldwide, the Shetland has proved to be a successful breed, showing that there is still a market for an all-purpose pony of small size. ▶ SHETLAND THE SHETLAND GROWS A “DOUBLE” COAT THAT ENABLES IT TO SURVIVE HARSH NORTHERN WINTERS. Height: Up to 42 in (10,2hh, 107 cm) ▶ HIGHLAND Origin: Shetland Islands Colors: Any color except spotted - The Shetland’s essential features are its general air of vitality, stamina, and robustness. - Small yet exceptionally strong and powerfully built, the Shetland Pony takes its name from the windswept Scottish islands in the far north of the UK. - The harsh climate and rugged habitat of the Shetlands, where winters are cold and wet and forage is scarce, produced an equine of diminutive stature yet great strength and hardiness. Height: 13-14.2hh - Used to cultivate the land and to carry peat and Origin: Scottish Highlands and Islands, UK seaweed, the Shetland was also ridden by adult COLORS: All except broken colors males. - This is the all-purpose horse of the Scottish - Following the British Factories Highlands and Islands, particularly the Western Isles. - The modern Highland pony, however, is the result of numerous outcrosses. - Around 1535, King Louis XII of France gave some draft horses to James V of Scotland. - These were used to improve the native breed. - The Dukes of Athol introduced eastern horses in the 16th century. - Spanish horses were added to the mix in the 17th and - 18th centuries. Height: 14hh Origin: Northern England, UK - In the late 19th century, John Munro-Mackenzie Colors: Black, brown, bay, gray is rare. No white used the Arab Syrian to establish the Calgary markings strain. - According to the breed standard, the Fell pony - The first registered Highland pony was Herd should be constitutionally as “hard as iron.” Laddie by Highland Laddie, foaled in 1881. - The Fell comes from the northern edges of the - Most Highlands today have him in their pedigree. English Pennines and the wild moorlands of - Like the Shetland, the Highland evolved into an Westmorland and Cumberland, while the extremely tough, hardy breed. neighboring, and genetically related, Dales - In the 19th century, the ponies, especially on the belongs to the other side of the Pennines in North islands, were about 4 in (10 cm) smaller; the Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Durham. present size may have resulted from crossing - These ponies have the same origin but have with Clydesdales to produce animals for forestry developed according to the uses that have been work. made of them. - The Highland is sure-footed and strong enough - It is possible that the Friesian was an early to carry heavy red deer carcasses when herds influence on the Fell. are culled. - However, the greatest influence is the strong - It is also an ideal family pony, with a docile Scottish Galloway. temperament. - This fleet-footed pony was the mount of raiders - Very popular for pony trekking, the Highland is who operated on the Scottish borders and was also shown in-hand or in riding classes. later used by Scottish cattle drovers. - The colors are interesting and are often shades of - The Galloway was a pony type produced dun: mouse, cream, yellow to gray, all with an eel between Nithsdale and the Mull of Galloway. stripe, and occasionally zebra markings on the - Although it disappeared in the 19th century, the upper legs and the shoulders. qualities it bequeathed to British stock are still evident. A ROYAL CONNECTION - It stood between 13 hh and 14 hh (132 cm and 142 - A keen horsewoman, Queen Elizabeth II, has both cm). Highlands and Fells in the stables at Windsor - It was hardy, sure-footed, possessed of great Castle. stamina, and very fast under saddle and in - Her great great grandmother Queen Victoria was harness. fond of Scotland and spent many vacations there. - Like the Dales, the Fell was used as a pack pony. - In - However, the Fell is lighter than the Dales and a , Queen Victoria describes a ride that tremendous trotter so it was probably as popular must surely have been on Highlands: “We set under saddle as it was in harness. off on ponies to go up one of the hills, Albert - Today, it is sought after for both purposes and is, riding the dun pony and I the gray, attended only additionally, an excellent cross to produce horses by Sandy McAra in the Highland dress.” of competition potential. - Through the Wilson ponies, the Fell is part of the base stock of the modern Hackney Pony BROUGH HILL FAIR - In its homeland, the Fell is often referred to as the Brough Hill Pony because of its association with the annual Brough Hill Fair, which was held on an BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE IS SAID TO HAVE open hill in Westmorland (Cumbria) between RIDDEN A PONY FROM THE HIGHLANDS DURING September 30 and October 1. THE 18TH-CENTURY JACOBITE RISINGS. - Like the Appleby fair, it was a place for travelers to gather and sell all kinds of stock. ▶ FELL - The fair declined with the advent of the motorcar and had ceased by the 1960s, by which time Appleby had become the more important of the two fairs  - The Livestock Conservancy in the US records that there are fewer than 5,000 ponies worldwide. - Like many native breeds, the Dales has much to offer both for riding and driving. - Although enthusiasts will not allow the Dales to die out, any further reduction in the gene pool is very worrying for the future of the breed. FELLS CARRIED PACK LOADS OF ABOUT 224 LB (95 KG) OVER 240 MILES (384 KM) EACH WEEK. DALES PONIES ARE EXCELLENT FOR SNIGGING, WHERE TIMBER IS REMOVED FROM ▶ DALES FORESTS WITHOUT MACHINERY. Height: 14.2hh Origin: Northern England Colors: Mainly black, occasionally bay and brown, Height: Up to 14.2hh Origin: New forest, England sometimes gray Colors: Any, except piebald, skewbald, spotted or - Combining courage and stamina with a calm blue-eyed cream temperament, this super riding pony is well - Ponies are said to have roamed the New Forest, suited to trekking an area of pastureland and forest, since the end - The Dales pony originates in northern England’s of the last Ice Age. eastern Pennines. - The New Forest is an accessible tract of land that - It is the larger, heavier-built neighbor of the Fell was once crossed by well-used travelers’ - Like the Fell it has been crossbred to Friesians routes. and the Scottish Galloway. - Although later the area became a royal hunting - In the 19th century, Dales ponies were used in ground, forest-dwellers known as Commoners lead and coal mines, as well as general farm had the right to put their ponies out to graze, and work, and in pack trains. the forest still supports herds of feral ponies. - They are capable of handling loads well out of - In 1765, a Thoroughbred stallion called Marske proportion to their size; on average they carried was brought to the forest after being sold by his loads of 224 lb (100 kg). owner, the Duke of Cumberland. - The old-time Dales pony was noted as a great - The sire of Eclipse, possibly the greatest trotter in harness or under saddle, and was well racehorse of all, Marske serviced forest mares for able to travel 1 mile (1.6 km) in three minutes, a short time until he went back to stud. while carrying considerable weight. - To improve trotting ability, Welsh Cob blood was - In 1889, Queen Victoria lent an Arab and a Barb introduced in the 19th century. stallion to improve the stock, which had - The Dales was also crossed with Clydesdales, degenerated. and by 1917 the breed was regarded as being two- - Subsequently, Lords Cecil and Lucas introduced thirds Clydesdale. Highlands, Fells, Dales, Dartmoors, Exmoors,and - However, its relationship with the Clydesdale was Welsh ponies. not successful and is no longer apparent. - Another major influence was the polo pony - The Dales Pony Improvement Society was set up stallion, Field Marshall, out of a Welsh mare. in 1916 and the Dales Pony Society in 1963. - By 1910 there was an established studbook. - The modern Dales pony retains the wonderful - The ponies have sloped shoulders, making them bone and clean limbs as well as the hard, blue good for riding, and a typically long, low action feet for which it was justly famed. that is particularly marked at the canter, the - It is sure-footed, hardy, and strong. Forester’s best pace. - A brilliant and courageous performer in harness, it - They are sure-footed, excellent performers, and is also used as a riding pony. very strong; the larger ones can easily carry adults. UNDER THREAT - The New Forest attracts many visitors and the - The Dales pony is listed as critical by the Rare ponies that roam at large have grown used to Breeds Survival Trust. human contact. - In Britain, there are fewer than 300 registered - They have a calm temperament and are easily breeding mares. handled. - They are said to be less sharp, or cunning, than - It is a superb children’s riding pony and is some native breeds. exceptional in harness. - Exported all over the world, it is one of the finest IN THE FOREST foundations for producing bigger ponies and - There are around 3,000 ponies roaming the New horses, passing on qualities of bone, substance, Forest and although they may seem wild, they all and constitutional soundness. have owners. - Along with the Welsh Pony, it is much used in the - The ponies are carefully watched over by agisters, breeding of the Riding Pony specifically employed for the task. - Every summer and fall the ponies are drifted THE COLOR GRAY (rounded up) to be checked. - While there are many chestnut Welsh Mountain - Colts are removed before they can breed, along Ponies, gray remains the most common color. with other ponies that are ready to be sold. - Glassalt—born in 1891—was black, but his sire, - Sales are held several times a year. Flower of Wales was gray. - After covering Dyoll Moonlight, he was gelded, presumably because he was considered “a little plain in the head” by Meuric Lloyd. - This plainness may have been emphasized by the stallion’s white blaze. ACCORDING TO THE BREED SOCIETY, THE NEW FOREST PONY IS “AN EXCEPTIONAL ALL-ROUNDER WITH AN ENDEARING CHARACTER. ” DYOLL STARLIGHT’S SKELETON WAS PRESENTED TO THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, ▶ WELSH MOUNTAIN PONY LONDON IN 1935. ▶ WELSH PONY Height: Up to 12hh Origin: Wales, UK Colors: All solid colors, especially gray - The Welsh Mountain is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the British native Height: Up to 13.2 hh Origin: Wales, UK ponies. Colors: All, except piebald and skewbald - The Welsh Pony and Cob Stud Book, established - A riding pony of quality, the Welsh Pony retains around 1901, is divided into four sections. the spirited character that typifies the Welsh - The Welsh Mountain Pony, which is the smallest breeds of the four Welsh breeds, occupies section A. - This riding pony, which occupies Section B of the - It is considered the foundation for the three Welsh Pony and Cob Stud Book, is not as true to larger types. the original Welsh type as the Mountain Pony - Two sires of noted influence on this attractive and occasionally appears to be too close to the pony were a small 18th-century Thoroughbred Thoroughbred-type Riding Pony named Merlin, descended from the Darley - The early ponies of the “old breed” were often Arabian, and Apricot, described as a Barb-Arab the result of crosses between Welsh Mountain out of a Welsh mare. mares and Cob-sized stallions, upgraded by the - The “founding father” of the modern breed was use of Arabs and small Thoroughbreds the stallion Dyoll Starlight, bred by Meuric Lloyd. - These ponies lived on the mountain and were - He may have carried Arab blood through his dam ridden by shepherds and hunters. Moonlight. - The modern ponies are much improved in quality, - After Dyoll Starlight, came Coed Coch Glyndwr, scope, and action—characteristics that can be whose dam was Starlight’s granddaughter. traced back to two stallions: - The modern Welsh Mountain Pony is distinctive in o Tanybwlch Berwyn (1924) and Criban appearance and notable for its powerful action, Victor (1944). intelligence, and hardiness—a legacy of the - The most important foundation sire, Tanybwlch rough terrain and harsh environment of the Welsh Berwyn, was by a Barb called Sahara. hills. - His dam was the granddaughter of the Welsh Mountain Pony sire, Dyoll Starlight. - Criban Victor had connections to the Mountain - The Hackney Pony has a huge following in the US, Pony through his grandfather Coed Coch where there are various show classes aimed at slightly Glyndwr (the foundation stallion of the famous differently produced and turned out ponies: the speedy Welsh stud, Coed Coch) and combined both Roadster (below 13 hh;132 cm), the high-stepping Cob Tail, the Long Tail, which is 12.2 hh (127 cm) or substance and quality. less, and the Pleasure Pony, which must be a pleasure - As a riding pony, the Welsh Pony’s refinement to drive. and low, long-striding action have brought great - They are also shown in hand. success in the show ring and in competition. - In the US the maximum height is 14.2 hh (147 cm) - Most Welsh Ponies retain the hardiness of constitution that is a result of their native habitat. WELSH PONY OF COB TYPE - This pony is listed in section C of the WPCS studbook. THE HACKNEY PONY HAS A NATURALLY - Like the section D, it is dual-purpose being BRILLIANT, suitable for both ride and drive. BRISK, HIGH-STEPPING ACTION IN HARNESS. - Section Cs are smaller than Ds, being up to 13.2 hh (137 cm), but they have every bit of the same ▶ POTTOK determined character. - Known for their ability to trot easily for miles, they are also comfortable to ride at canter. - The Arab influence can often be seen in the section C’s neat and attractive head. : 11.1-142hh (115-147cm) : Basque Country of France and Spain : Black, bay, piebald - This tough, but not unattractive, little pony originated in the Pyrenees on the borders THE WELSH PONY HAS “QUALITY, RIDING between France and Spain. ACTION, ADEQUATE BONE AND SUBSTANCE, - Closest genetically to the Basque Mountain HARDINESS AND CONSTITUTION.” Horse, the Pottok is usually described as being wild or semi-feral, although it is perhaps less so ▶ HACKNEY PONY today, since official bodies, such as the National Pottok Association and the French national studs, are responsible for its development. - This breed is rather coarser than the Landais and, like it, has been crossed to selected Arab and Welsh Section B stallions to reduce inbreeding and improve the stock. - Pottoks were recognized as a breed in 1970. - The official French breed standard distinguishes two types: mountain and plains. - The mountain ones roam free in the mountains : 122-14hh : Cumbria, UK for nine months of the year. : Solid Colors from chestnut to black o They are now mostly piebald. - This purpose-bred harness pony is small in - The plains Pottoks are selections of the mountain stature but big in showiness and charisma. ones. - In the UK, the Hackney Pony has the same o They are born and raised in better studbook as the Hackney Horse and share a conditions, so they grow taller—11.3–14.2 great deal of common ancestry as descendants hh (120–147 cm). of Norfolk and Yorkshire Trotters. o They can also be piebald; other colors - Hackney Pony is a real pony with pony character, including bay, black, and chestnut are not simply a little horse accepted, but not gray. - In essence, the Hackney Pony was the creation o The prairie ones are often not purebred. of Christopher Wilson of Kirkby Lonsdale in - Today, the Pottok is used as a child’s pony and Cumbria using local Fell and Welsh ponies. in harness. - Wilson’s most prized pony was his champion stallion, Sir George, who was by a Yorkshire MOUNTAIN POTTOK Trotter. - Born and raised in the mountains, the smaller of the - The modern Hackney Pony is confined largely to two Pottok ponies is hardy and sure-footed. the show ring. - They were popular as circus ponies in the 16th century, and many were used as pit ponies in the mines of AMERICAN HACKNEY PONY France and Britain. - They may have been used to carry contraband over the steep Pyrenean trails before World War II. THERE ARE NOW FEWER THAN 150 PURE POTTOK MARES IN THEIR MOUNTAIN HOMES. ▶ FJORD ▶ ICELANDIC : 12-14hh : Iceland : A wide range; chestnut is common - Icelandic horses are known for their ,a : 13-14hh : Norway four-beat walk at a fast or slow speed; some : Dun also pace. - Tough, hardy, and long-lived, the Fjord is one of - The Icelandic horse is never referred to as a pony the world’s oldest and purest breeds. by Icelanders. - The first deliberate breeding program in Norway - The Icelandic horse retains an extreme purity of began in the mid-1880s. stock. - Prior to this, the Fjord was smaller, at 12– 12.2 hh - More organized breeding began in 1879 in - Breeding took place mainly in the western region Skagafjordur in northern Iceland. of Norway (Vestlandet). - Initially based on preserving strength and stamina, - The horse seems to have varied in size and type the programs changed to focus on the quality of from the north to the south of Vestlandet. the five gaits peculiar to the breed. - Those from Fjordane and Sunnmøre in the north - Many studs breed strictly to a specific color, of were larger with a more profuse mane, tail, and which there are about 15 basic types. feathering than those from Sunnhordland, which - The Icelandic horse is often kept in semi-wild were lighter and more refined. herds to preserve its character, with some shelter - The types from Sunnmøre and Fjordane are more and feed during the severe winter. predominant in today’s breeding. - Trekking over Iceland is a well-established leisure - It is known that there were once Fjords in other activity and equestrian sports are also popular. colors: bay, brown, and chestnut and its shades. - Competitive events include racing, cross-country, - However, at the end of the 19th century, the dressage, and jumping. breed almost died out. It was saved by a stallion - The horses are also bred for meat. called Njål (born 1891), from which all today’s horses descend. THE TÖLT - This reduction in the gene pool seems to have - The is a “running walk” that the Icelandic made all Fjords dun colored. horse uses to swiftly cross broken ground. - The Fjord is used for plowing, as a pack pony, - It can be done very slowly or very fast and is very and under saddle. comfortable for the rider and appears effortless - It excels in long-distance events, which suit its on the part of the horse. courage and stamina. - FEIF (International Federation of Icelandic Horse - It is a brilliant performer in harness and can hold Associations) sets the rules for breeding the its own in competitive events. Icelandic and it has had a strict assessment system since 1986. ASIATIC CONNECTION? - It is sometimes said that the Fjord is related to the Asiatic Wild Horse, also called Przewalski’s horse, because the two share similar characteristics, such as their coat color and the black leg and back markings. - However, this is not the case, because the Przewalski differs from domestic horses in that it IN ICELAND, HORSES OUTNUMBER has 66 chromosomes, while the Fjord has the PEOPLE BY MORE THAN TWO TO ONE. usual 64. - The only other horse with a different number is - Throughout the US, the Pony of the Americas the Caspian fulfills its original purpose in that it is easy to train and is a gentle, placid mount for young children. - Unlike Shetlands, which are wide over the back, this pony is shaped more like a small horse and is narrower. - This makes it comfortable for children to sit on and easier for their legs to reach the stirrups, which in turn makes them more secure in the THE COARSE, ERECT MANE IS saddle TRADITIONALLY HOGGED TO SHOW THE BLACK HAIRS AT ITS CENTER. ▶ PONY OF THE AMERICAS THE PONY OF THE AMERICAS CLUB MOTTO IS “TRY HARD, WIN HUMBLY, LOSE GRACEFULLY AND, IF YOU MUST …PROTEST WITH DIGNITY.” ▶ AMERICAN SHETLAND : 11.2-14hh : Iowa, US : Spotted - This breed’s foundation stallion, Black Hand, was the offspring of a Shetland and an Appaloosa - This is an all-American pony, and one of only three spotted horse breeds in the US; the other : up to 11.2hh : US two are the Appaloosa and the Colorado Ranger : All solid Horse - The American Shetland has been one of the - The primary characteristic of this breed, and one best-loved ponies in the US for well over a of the main reasons for its development as a new century breed, is the coat pattern. - This pony is an American version of the hardy - In 1954, Leslie Boomhower, an Iowan lawyer British breed that originated inthe Scottish bought an Appaloosa mare with a foal. Shetland Islands. - The mare had been mated with a Shetland - Robert Liburn of Wisconsin and Eli Elliot of Iowa stallion and the foal was white with a pattern of imported the first Shetlands in 1884 and 1885, black spots. respectively. - Boomhower decided to establish a new breed. - An American Shetland Pony Club was formed in - He set up the Pony of the Americas Club in 1955. 1888, and an American Shetland studbook was - To ensure the highest breeding standards, the started in 1889. registry had strict conformation requirements, - Within about 50 years, American breeders had including height limit, head shape, and coat color, started developing two Shetland-based breeds: which had to be Appaloosa. the Pony of the Americas and the most popular - As the breed’s popularity grew, height limits pony in the US, the American Shetland. were increased and Shetlands were replaced in - Essentially a smart harness pony, the American the breeding program. Shetland was developed by selecting finer types - Later, there were outcrosses to Arabs, Quarter from among the original island Shetlands and Horses and Welsh ponies crossing them with Hackney and Welsh Ponies - There are two very common coat patterns: - Outcrosses were then made to Arabs and small blanket and leopard. Thoroughbreds to produce what is a relatively - Ponies with blanket patterns have white distinctive type. markings over the loins and hips, while leopard - The new-look Shetland is slightly taller and has a types have spots covering the whole body. narrower frame and longer, finer limbs. - Apart from color, the breeding focus is on - It resembles the Hackney in outline, conformation, substance, refinement, and a stylish, straight, character, and action. balanced action. - There are four distinct types of American - In the show ring, the ponies are ridden, driven, Shetland: Foundation, which is shown in a natural and jumped, and they are also said to be popular state and is closest to the original Scottish for trail and endurance riding. Shetland; Classic, which is said to be a refined version of the Foundation; Modern, which has PERFECT LEARNING PONY the high-stepping Hackney-style action, and  Modern Pleasure, which is refined and elegant - In 1973, the Falabella Miniature Horse Association but not as extreme in its action as the Modern. was formed in the US and the breed was registered. WORKING IN HARNESS - Today’s American Shetland is primarily a PERFECT FOR KIDS harness pony, drawing four-wheeled buggies - Although the horses are tiny, it is possible for and two-wheeled vehicles in roadster-pony small children to ride Falabellas and they are very classes (the equivalent of the British driving popular when driven in harness at shows and in classes). parades. - Harness classes call for the high-stepping, flashy - As pets, they are said to be good-tempered and action for which this pony is bred. friendly, as well as easy to train. - According to the American Shetland Pony Club, - The best Falabellas may retain the better points of the modern Shetland “with its extreme action the Shetland but lack their tough constitution and and spirited personality is truly at home in the the quarters are often weak show ring.” THERE ARE FOUR DIVISIONS IN THE AMERICAN SHETLAND REGISTRY AND TWO TOYLAND ZODIAC, A BLACK LEOPARD RELATED DIVISIONS APPALOOSA, WAS ONE OF THE MOST FOR HALFBREDS. SUCCESSFUL FALABELLA SIRES IN THE US. ▶ FALABELLA : Up to 8.3hh : Argentina : All, including spotted - Purposely bred in the 19th century, this tiny horse is popular but numbers remain low. - Small ponies usually originate from environments where the climate is harsh and feed scarce. - Today, the best-known miniature is the Falabella. - In 1927, Julio Cesar Falabella inherited the stud, which was based on a ranch outside Buenos Aires. - In 1940, he created a breed registry, Establecimientos Falabella, and became the best known breeder of Falabellas. - In 1991, this became the Asociación de Criadores de Caballos Falabella (Falabella Horse Breeders Association). - The breed was created by crossing the smallest Shetland ponies with a very small Thoroughbred stallion. - Criollos and other breeds with pinto and appaloosa coats were then used to obtain the coat colors. - The smallest and best-quality offspring were retained and intensive inbreeding took place to produce a near-perfect miniature horse. - However, inbreeding often results in a lack of vigor and conformational weaknesses. - In the Falabella, this can be seen in the legs. TERMINOLOGY  Foal Foaling – horse of either sex delivery of young horse below 1 year old Suckling – foal that is nursing Weanling – foal that has been weaned Yearling - a horse of either sex that is between one and two years old Filly – young female horse; usually up to 4yrs Mare – mature female horse ; more than 4 yrs old Brood mare – mature female horse used for breeding Colt – young male horse Stallion – mature non-castrated male horse - more than 4 yrs old Stud horse –mature male horse used for breeding Gelding – castrated horse at an early age Stag – castrated horse at an advance age * In British Isle , Thoroughbred horse racing defines colts & fillies as less than 5 yrs old Cryptorchidism – from the Greek word “kryptos” means hidden “orchis” means testicles - meaning the absence of one or both testicles (undescended testicles) Cryptorchid/ridgeling Monorchid - stallion with only one testicle Bilateral cryptorchid – none at all Height of the horse (old system) - is measured at the height of the withers where the neck meets the back. - measures in HAND 1 hand = 4 inches Example : “15-2h” it means : 15 hands & 2 inches in height or high Farrier – is a specialist in equine hoof care - including the trimming and balancing of horses hooves & the placing of shoes on their hooves.  Farrier skills * blacksmith's skills : - fabricating, adapting, & adjusting metal shoes * some veterinarian's skills : - knowledge of the anatomy & physiology of the lower limb Did you know that :  VZoo 107 Anatomy of the Horse part 3  The two base pigment colors in horses: BLACK AND RED melanin - pigment causing color in mammals – In horses source of every color 2 forms – eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (orange-red) » ALL horses can make red pigment (but can be modified or hidden) » Not all horses can make black pigment (but can be modified or hidden) » Interaction w/ each other give various shades & colors in horses » Interaction w/ various "modifying" genes cause black or red to be lighter darker have white added in various ways  Black and Red – Why “Base Colors” Also "hard colors“ - fr. belief that lighter colors were "weaker“; dark colors, "tougher" – "starting point" for every other color in horse  What are Genes? Genes – tiny, basic units of inheritance in DNA – determine color, size, etc. – Physically, genes are linked together like a strand of pearls to form a chromosome  What are Chromosomes? Chromosomes – Chromosomes are made up of genes. – Every Horse has 64 Loci chromosomes, 32 each from its dam Alleles and sire – Loci and Alleles are also found on chromosomes. Actual photo  What are Loci? Loci – different points or markers along a chromosome – are like street signs in a busy city – At a specific locus, scientists can locate certain genes. These genes appear at that locus for every individual of that species Loci are numbered. This depicts a chromosome half.  What are Alleles? Alleles – any of the many particular forms of a gene that may be present in a population of individuals from a particular species, at a particular locus – In genetics, dominant alleles are written as capital letters and recessive alleles as lower-case letters. For gene “E” – 2 different alleles seen in horses For gene “A” – 3 (or 4?) different alleles seen in horses – Regardless of the number of allele forms that could be present at any given locus, only two can be present in any horse, one inherited from the dam and one from the sire  The Genes (and Alleles) For the Base Colors 2 different genes, inherited completely independently from one another Gene 1, the “E” gene – For “Extension” locus w/ the possible alleles E – dominant; "extends" eumelanin (black pigment); = black horse (w/out modifiers) e – recessive; blocks eumelanin, leaving phaeomelanin (red pigment); = chestnut horse (w/out modifiers) – Upon pairing w/ the other chromosome, the following combinations are possible: » EE (homozygous dominant) = black horse (w/out modifiers) » ee (homozygous recessive) = chestnut horse (w/out modifiers) » Ee (heterozygous) = black horse but can produce chestnut foal (w/out modifiers) Black (EE or Ee +aa) A black horse is solid black all over its body, including the mane, tail, and legs, and its skin is black. Chestnut (ee, w/ any combi. of A genes) A chestnut horse is basically red. The body color can vary from a light yellow to a dark liver color, called “liver chestnut.” Between these extremes, one can find brilliant red gold and copper shades. In some areas, people call a bright copper-colored chestnut horse “sorrel.” (ee, w/ any combi. of A genes)  The Genes (and Alleles) For the Base Colors Gene 1, the “E” gene Gene 2, the “A” gene – in mouse color genetics, refers to gene controlling distribution of eumelanin – interesting gene – has least 3 possible alleles (or more) A – dominant; causes eumelanin (black) to be restricted to points (mane, tail, legs) => red body red => bay horse; most common color in many horse breeds a – recessive; does not restrict eumelanin - allows it to be fully expressed all over body =>black horse; more common in some breeds, less common in others – allele isolated in 2000, France; test available to det. How many “a” a horse has since 2003 At - dominant to ”a” but recessive to ”A” =>seal brown – recently isolated by Pet DNA, Arizona, USA; lab also offer test for presence of allele Bay (EE/AA or Ee/AA or EE/Aa or EE/AAt or Ee/AAt) A bay horse always has a black mane and tail and usually has black points. The body color can vary from a light, yellowish tan to a dark, rich reddish brown color (called a “blood bay”). Brown (AtAt or Ata, plus EE or Ee) Brown coat color varies from medium to dark brown. Some brown horses are so dark they appear black. To distinguish a black horse from a dark brown horse, look at the hairs on the horse’s muzzle or flanks; a black horse will have black hairs, while a brown horse will have tan or brown hairs.  The Genes (and Alleles) For the Base Colors Possible genotype combinations w/ the “E” and “A” gene – EE/AA or or EE/Aa or EE/aa or EE/A/At or EE/a/At or EE/At/At – Ee/AA or or Ee/Aa or Ee/aa or Ee/A/At or Ee/a/At or Ee/At/At – ee/AA or or ee/Aa or ee/aa or ee/A/At or ee/a/At or ee/At/At  Dilution Genes dilution means less concentrated color, which means lighter color – Cream "Cr" – presence of cream dilution gene "cr“ - gene for absence of ability for cream dilution The Cream gene is an INCOMPLETE DOMINANT gene. This means if one gene is present, it will show (manifest) one way, and if two copies are present, it will show (manifest) differently – Effect - lighten the base colors to colors such as palomino  Dilution Genes Palomino A palomino horse is a golden color, with a light colored mane and tail. The mane and tail can be white, silver, or ivory.  Dilution Genes The desired body color of a palomino is “the color of a newly minted gold coin.”  Dilution Genes Cream Dun – "D" or sometimes "Dn“ – “d” - absence of Dun – a SIMPLE DOMINANT gene – Effect - lightens body color and leaves stripes of the original color along back and on upper legs, and often other places as well  Dilution Genes Dun (Buckskin) Dun and buckskin colors are modifications of the bay color pattern. Dun and buckskin colors are both characterized by black mane, tail, and points.  Dilution Genes A dun or buckskin horse may show a dark stripe down its back and across its shoulders. Dark stripes may also extend across the forearms of dun and buckskin horses. The body color of dun and buckskin horses range from a pale yellow to a dirty canvas color. The body color of a dun is darker than for a buckskin  Dilution Genes Cream gene Dun gene Champagne gene – "Ch“; gene for absence of Champagne is "ch“ – a SIMPLE DOMINANT gene – Effects lightens body color, skin, eye color Champagne foals are born with pink skin and blue eyes; – pink skin usually deepens and always develops freckles – Blue eye turns to amber or light brown  Dilution Genes Cream, Dun, Champagne Silver (Dapple) – "Z“; absence of Silver is "z“ – a SIMPLE DOMINANT gene – ONLY AFFECTS BLACK PIGMENT – Effects dilutes mane & tail on a horse with black pigment to a flaxen or silvery color. dilutes black pigment on body to a chocolate-brown shade  Dilution Genes Cream, Dun, Champagne, Silver (Dapple) Flaxen –Interaction of alleles still unknown –Effect only affects red pigment in manes and tails  Horse Color - Gray Characterized by progressive silvering of colored hairs of the coat – Controlled by gray gene (G), an autosomal dominant gene does not affect skin or eye color Gene – mutation resulting in a depigmentation pattern » hyperproliferation of melanocytes leading to premature depletion of melanocyte stem cells (and thus inability to produce pigment) – Skin - black particularly noticeable around eyes, muzzle, flanks, and other areas of thin or no hair – Foals may be born any base color, depending on other color genes present – “Graying” occurs at or shortly after birth and become progressively lighter as horse ages can occur at different rates – Different breeds, and individuals within each breed take differing amounts of time to gray out  Horse Color - Gray Prevalence – common in many breeds (Lipizzaners, Percheron, Welsh Ponies, Thoroughbreds, and American Quarter Horses, all with common ancestry in the Arabian horse) – about 1:10 carries mutation for graying w/ age Variants (intermediate steps in graying out [birth color to completely "white“].) – Salt and Pepper or "steel" gray - white and dark hairs evenly intermixed over most of body – Dapple gray - dark-colored horse with lighter rings of graying hairs (“dapples”), scattered throughout. – Fleabitten gray - fully white-haired horse w/ red hairs flecked throughout coat – Rose gray seen in a gray horse with a reddish or pinkish tinge to its coat occurs in horses born bay or chestnut while the young horse is "graying out".  Changes in the color of gray horses Arabian horse Gray mare w/ w/"salt & suckling foal w/ pepper", light hairs around "iron gray" or muzzle & eyes "steel gray" Dapple Flea- gray bitten gray Note: Pleas also read https://etalondx.com/news-media/how-to- read-your-horse-s-test-results-colors-dilutes- and-patterns/ Normal Physiological Data of a Horse VITAL SIGNS Temperature Heart rate Pulse rate Respiratory rate Hydration status Color of mucous membrane CRT Gut sound Resting Body temperature Adult horse : 37.5 to 38.3ºC ( 99 -101°F ) Foal : 37.2 to 38.9ºC ( 99 - 102ºF ) Using a rectal thermometer - bulb or digital thermometer Heart rate Normal adult resting HR : 28-44 bpm Foal resting HR : 90-120 bpm Newborn (< 36 hours old) : 70-150bpm Listen the heart rate & time the beat with a stethoscope behind the horse’s left shoulder at the elbow level.  Pulse rate Jaw pulse – the external maxillary artery crosses the lower border of the jaw Radial pulse – inside, back of the knee (the knee of the horse corresponds to the wrist of the people) Digital pulse – just below the fetlock at the inside of the ankle *normally it is barely detectable; however it will be strong & pounding in a horse with acute Laminitis Jaw pulse Feel along the inside of the jawbone just below the heavy muscles of the cheek  Radial pulse – radial artery Taken at the inside back of the knee  Digital pulse Can be felt on the inside, just below the fetlock Respiratory rate Counting the movements of nostrils or flanks. Normal respiratory rate (RR) Adult resting RR : 10-20 bpm Foal resting RR : 30-40bpm Newborn : 60-80 bpm  Color of mucous membrane Normal color pink  Capillary refill time (CRT) Applying pressure to the gingiva Release of pressure from the gingiva  Borborygmus Borborygmus - is the gut sounds of a horse digesting his feed. There should be a normal gurgling on both sides of the abdomen near the flanks. The sounds are best heard with a stethoscope. There should be two long rolls, followed by several small gurgles over a period of about one minute. Absence of sounds or fast sounds are abnormal. Listening to gut sounds with a stethoscope in the flank area If a stethoscope is unavailable : press your ear to the horse’s flank area and listen. Video : How to take Horse’s vital signs Basic technique in drug administration in horse The area outlined by the white triangle indicates the proper location for intramuscular (IM) injections in the neck. The large muscles surrounding the "X" are good areas for IM injections. For safety reason it is often best to stand very close to the horse on the opposite side of where the injection will be given.  COLOR AND COLOR MARKINGS OF HORSES A good horseman needs a working knowledge of horse tail of a chestnut horse are never black. Chestnut color colors and patterns. The beginning horseman should varies from a bright yellowish red to a rich mahogany familiarize himself with the following descriptions of the red. five basic horse coat colors and the five variations to these colors. These descriptions will be helpful in E) White - The true white horse is born pure white and building the foundation for a working knowledge of dies the same color. Very little, if any, seasonal change horse color characteristics. takes place in his coat color. Age does not affect it. The first and most important group is the basic coat colors which are applicable to all horses. These color The American Albino Horse Club, Incorporated of terms are all commonly used. White feet may occur with Naper, Nebraska registers as "Albinos" white horses of any basic coat color pattern. clear white body color, with brown eyes (rarely blue), and pink skin. They also register as "Albinos Type A" I. FIVE BASIC HORSE COAT COLORS horses with a very pale ivory body color and white mane and tail. Their eyes are blue and their skin is pink. The five basic horse coat colors are: Geneticists classify a third group of light-colored horses A) Bay as 'Albinos Type B". Their body color is a very pale B) Black cream; mane and tail darker than body (cinnamon-buff); C) Brown eyes blue. If during the life of a white horse, hairs of D) Chestnut color other than white are found, the chances are that the E) White horse is not white, but grey or roan. A short descriptive discussion of each of the colors follows: II. FIVE MAJOR VARIATIONS TO COAT COLORS A) Bay - A bay horse is one whose color is hardest to describe, but easiest to distinguish. It is a mixture of red In addition to the five basic horse colors there are five and yellow. being probably as much the color of a loaf major variations to these coat colors. These are: of well-baked bread as anything. A light bay shows more yellow, a dark bay more red. The darkest is the A) Dun (Buckskin) mahogany bay, which is almost the color of blood, but B) Grey without the red overtone. Bays always have black points. C) Palomino D) Pinto A red bay should never be confused with a chestnut, as E) Roan bays always have black manes and tails; chestnuts always have red (or occasionally flax) manes and tails. A) Dun - (Buckskin) The dun horse is one whose The body color of a mahogany bay and a chestnut can be dominant hair is some shade of yellow. A dun horse may the same, but the mane and tail provide an easy method vary from a pale yellow to a dirty canvas color with of identification. mane, tail, skin, and hoofs grading from white to black. Duns always have a stripe down their back. There are B) Black - A black horse almost invariably has black special colors of dun ranging from cream, the lightest, eyes, hoofs, and skin. The points are always black. Tan through palomino color to duns with black points. A or brown hairs on the muzzle or flank indicates that the coyote dun is one with black points and a black line. A horse is not a true black but a seal brown. zebra dun is one with black points and a zebra stripe or stripes on legs and withers. A red dun is a dun of reddish C) Brown - A brown horse is one whose coloration is orange cast often with a red stripe down his back and a brown. Many brown horses are mistakenly called black, red mane and tail. In the Thoroughbred stud book, these because they are so dark. A close examination of the horses are listed as sorrels and sometimes ranchers refer hair on the muzzle and around the lips will quickly tell to them as claybanks. whether the horse is brown or black. The mane and tail are always dark. Grullo (grew yo). This a dun horse, with roan characteristics whose yellow hairs are mixed with brown D) Chestnut - (Sorrel) A chestnut is a horse whose or black. They always have black points. They ar