Like many breeds, the Kathiawari is named for its place of origin. This sturdy breed was first found on the Kathiawari peninsula in western India and though we don't know exactly how it got there, it's probably a mix of Arabian and other desert breeds. Their ancestors probably wandered in from other parts of India, but we'll never really know for sure.
There is some confusion between the Marwari and the Kathiawari. They're sometimes even considered the same breed, but the Kathiawari is stockier and has finer facial features than the Marwari. Crosses between the two breeds are common, but they're not the same horse. The are indeed separate breeds.
This breed is on the smaller side as horses go, standing no more than 14.2 hands high. The Kathiawari is a sturdy little horse that is far stronger than it seems. Like the Marwari, it has the classic tipped-in ears, though the Kathiawari's are just a little shorter and a little more curved. They also have a less 'Roman' appearance than its sister breed.
Most colors and many patterns are acceptable. The Kathiawari can be found in all solid colors with the exception of black (who knows why). Almost all variations of cream, including cremello and palomino, are common in the Kathiawari. Probably the most unexpected (and most interesting) pattern you might find in this breed is pinto. A pinto horse of this side is just really cute.
The Kathiawari was mostly used as a utility horse on the farm, but they were also used for riding, driving, and even carrying mounted police officers. Most of these uses continue today. For more information on this cute little breed, visit The Indigenous Horse Society of India.
There are two breeds truly native to Ireland, and the Irish Draught Horse is one of them. Because this breed has been around for so long, it's really not clear where the Irish Draught Horse originally came from. One theory is that Thoroughbred stallions were put to Irish mares, and those mares were a curious mix of whatever horses swam ashore after shipwrecks and the stock brought over by Anglo-Norman invaders. It is likely that from these horses a strong workhorse was developed, though we'll probably never know for sure. This workhorse would eventually become the Irish Draught Horse.
Originally, the Irish Draught Horse was probably a farm horse used for just about any farm job that needed a horse. They pulled ploughs, served as mounts, and carried loads wherever necessary. Today it is more common to see crossbreeds such as the Irish Draught Sport Horse (the Irish Draught Horse crossed with a Thoroughbred), the Irish Hunter, and other mixes competing and winning in show jumping and eventing competitions around the world.
Standing from 15.1 to 16.3 hands high, the Irish Draught Horse is a powerful breed that is strong and bold. Its movements are commanding and sure, its jump nearly perfect, and its nature kind and intelligent. These traits combine to produce a horse that is easy to train and excels in many areas. Just about any color is acceptable in this noble breed.
Though this horse is found throughout the world, many horsemen can go their entire lives without actually seeing an Irish Draught Horse (though they are likely to see the Sport or Hunter varieties at competitions). Today the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America is one of several associations trying to preserve and protect this rare breed.
The Icelandic Horse is an ancient breed, so we cannot be truly certain of its origin. It was probably brought to Iceland by the Vikings in either the 9th or 10th century, but we can't know this for sure. This noble breed has many characteristics in common with the Mongolian Horse, but so little is known about its ancestry that it is impossible to say if these horses have a common ancestor.
Regardless of where the horse originally came from, the Icelandic Horse has spent the better part of a millennium isolated from other horse breeds. This has resulted in a pure horse with a hardy constitution. They were, and are, prized in Iceland for their well-rounded abilities and were used as both workhorses and for transportation. Today, this sweet horse is used for sheepherding, transportation, and competition.
Standing from 12 to 14 hands high, the Icelandic Horse can come in practically any color or pattern except for the spotted patterns. The hooves tend to be feathered and some horses have a slight beard on the chin, but only in the winter. These traits are common in breeds that have developed in cooler climes independently of other horses.
The most defining trait of the Icelandic Horse is the distinctive gait. Like most breeds, it can trot and canter, but it also has a more unusual gait called the tolt. This gait, which is similar to a rack, involves a four-beat gait with a high-stepping movement. The tolt is smooth and beautiful and can range in speed from a walk to a gallop. Many Icelandic Horses move with a flying gait, which is a two-beat gait where both legs on the same side move as one. Like the told, this gait is lovely to behold.
With its sweet face and cheery disposition, the Icelandic Horse is a fun and expressive companion. For more information on this unique breed, see The United States Icelandic Horse Congress.
Of all the breeds of pony native to Great Britain, the Highland Pony is both the largest and the strongest. This surefooted little horse hails from the north of Scotland, one of only two breeds to truly originate in this area. The Highland Pony evolved naturally, with very little input from humans. It was shaped entirely by the harsh environment so characteristic of northern Scotland. This resulted in a strong breed with few natural flaws.
The Highland Pony was prized by farmers (also called crofters) in Scotland as an all-purpose horse. It could haul the plow one day and bring home a hunter's kill the next. Able to haul up to 200 pounds of deadweight, this larger pony was a favorite as a pack animal and trail horse. Today the Highland Pony is popular as a family pony, especially for young children.
Standing from 13 to 14.2 hands high, the Highland Pony is typically a dull dun in color. Other acceptable colors include black, brown, chestnut, and even gray. Most ponies have a flaxen mane and tail, especially the darker coat colors.
Because of its natural origins, this breed usually sports some primitive markings. This can include a dorsal stripe, zebra patterning on the legs, and feathering at the base of the legs. There may also be a short beard on the chin.
With a muscled neck and a broad forehead, these little horses have a strong and muscular appearance. They are popular for pulling smaller carts and are great with children and other animals. They also make an appearance in the show ring, particularly in driving and other sporting events. Today, The Highland Pony Society is the society most concerned with the breeding and preservation of this strong pony.
