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There are many breeds of horse native to Europe, but the Friesian is one of the oldest. Taking its name from a region of the Netherlands called Friesland, this horse was driven to the point of extinction in the early part of the 20th century. As trotting races became all the rage, the slower Friesian was crossed with other breeds to obtain the speed necessary to compete. By the beginning of World War II (WWII), there were only three verified purebred stallions left in the world.
WWII, which very nearly destroyed many breeds, actually saved the Friesian. A desperate fuel shortage throughout most of Europe forced farmers and other laborers to use horses for both transportation and fieldwork. They turned to the sturdy and reliable Friesian and began breeding the horse in earnest. Their natural strength and beauty makes them an exceptional carriage horse, a purpose for which they are still used today. The Friesian also exhibits precise elegance, which makes them accomplished dressage horses.
A little smaller than other horses of this type, the Friesian stands between 14.3 and 16 hands high. This breed has an arched topline, giving it a distinctive silhouette. The face is expressive and sculpted, the ears small and elegant. Only pure black horses can be registered. These horses are allowed to have a small white star, but must otherwise be solid in color. Some horses may be brown or even bay (or variations of these colors), but only true black Friesians are considered for breeding stock.
Well known for its beautiful mane and tale, the Friesian is a natural companion and loves to be around people. Though most commonly used as a carriage horse or for dressage, this horse excels as a trail horse and has a gentle temperament. Today, The Friesian Horse Society is devoted to promoting and preserving this loving and beautiful breed.
In the late 1500s there was an influx of horses into the southern region of what would eventually become the United States. Some of these breeds would eventually mix, including the Barb and the Spanish Jennet, to produce the modern Florida Cracker. This horse has much in common with the mustang, but it was geographically isolated and so developed independently of other breeds, resulting in some distinct physical features.
Standing 13.2 to 15.2 hands high, the Florida Cracker isn`t the largest horse. Still, they make excellent riding horses for smaller riders and are particularly suited to teens and older children. Their heads are refined and their eyes are keen. The Florida Cracker can be found in any color (though solid colors are preferred) and may or may not be gaited. Gaited horses may have a variety of gaits, including trot, amble, the flatfoot walk, and running walk.
The Florida Cracker was originally ridden by southern cowboys called crackers for the sound of the whips they used when rounding up cattle. This name was eventually applied to the horses they rode, and the name stuck. The Florida Cracker was used in the deep south for roping cattle up until the 1930s when they were replaced by the American Quarter Horse. The Quarter Horse was more stout and better suited to the rigorous roping needed to administer the new screwworm medications to cattle, so the Florida Cracker began to fade away.
Luckily, horse enthusiasts are a stubborn lot. Efforts to preserve and revive the Florida Cracker continue today and their numbers are slowly increasing. The stamina of this breed makes it perfect for endurance racing and many traditional western ranching tasks. Today, the Florida Cracker Horse Association is charged with locating and promoting this beautiful breed.
The Fell Pony has it origins in ancient times. Its ancestors arrives in what is now Great Britain back during the ice age, crossing from the mainland by means of an ancient land bridge. Those ancient ponies moved around the Great Britain, eventually settling in the hills surrounding what would eventually become the beautiful Lake District in Cumbria, located in northwestern England. This environment helped shape those ancient ponies into the modern Fell Pony.
The name Fell comes from the Middle English term for hill, which was, not surprisingly, fell. So these ponies are named for the hills upon which they make their home. Today, there are approximately fifteen herds of Fell Ponies running wild in England, and these are far from the only Fell Ponies in existence. Children and even small adults can ride these ponies, but they really excel in combined driving. Their small stature makes them quick and nimble, two qualities that help them pull ahead in the cross-country phase of combined driving.
Standing only 12.2 to 14 hands high, this pony is small but powerful. Most Fell Ponies are black, but bay, brown, and even light grey are acceptable colors. White markings are acceptable, but these are usually confined to socks or a white star on the forehead. Because this pony has existed mostly free of human intervention, it tends to retain its more prehistoric characteristics. This includes a thick mane and tail, feathers on the legs, and a thick undercoat, all designed to help keep water away from the sensitive skin.
Moving with an easy gait, the Fell Pony is a beauty to watch. A concentrated effort is being made to ensure this doesn't change. Though many societies have risen up to protect and preserve this breed, The Fell Pony Society does more than most. It also handles the registration and export of ponies from the United Kingdom.
Of the nine breeds of horse native to Britain, the Exmoor Pony is the oldest and the one least effected by outside breeding. Despite its small stature, the Exmoor was valued by invading Roman armies as a prime chariot horse. This pony is certainly strong enough to pull chariots and other vehicles and is frequently found at driving events around the world today.
Standing only 11.3 to 12.3 hands high, the little Exmoor Pony has a primitive appearance. The eyes are heavily hooded, the coat is doubled to protect against the elements, and all Exmoors have a seventh molar, a trait not seen in most horse breeds. This horse also has a tail that is wider and thicker at the top than normal. Referred to as an ice tail, this protects the pony from the extreme winds of the moors upon which it is bred. The colors of the Exmoor Pony are simple and ancient. You'll find bay, dun, or dull brown, usually with mealy markings on the legs, muzzle, and underbelly.
Today this ancient breed is still bred upon the moors of Britain. It is thought that if the Exmoor is bred in the quiet of a stable, they're lose the ancient characteristics that are prized. Though typically a driving pony, the Exmoor is also used for riding and to keep foliage under control in protected areas of Britain. They conservation and protection of this unique breed is handled by the Exmoor Pony Society.
There are many breeds of horse native to Europe, but the Friesian is one of the oldest. Taking its name from a region of the Netherlands called Friesland, this horse was driven to the point of extinction in the early part of the 20th century. As trotting races became all the rage, the slower Friesian was crossed with other breeds to obtain the speed necessary to compete. By the beginning of World War II (WWII), there were only three verified purebred stallions left in the world. 
