There are hundreds of different breeds of horses. These have been bred to serve many different purposes over the centuries. These purposes have eventually determined the body structures and even the temperaments of the horse breeds. Even today, most of the popular breeds retain much of their original form and tendencies. In this post, we have listed some of the most common horse breeds you can find today.
Quarter Horse
The most common of breeds, the Quarter Horse is considered to be a rugged workhorse with a small head and muscular neck. The hindquarters of the quarter are powerful, with straight, solid legs. You can find these horses in various colors which include chestnut, sorrel, bay, black, palomino, or gray.
- Height: 56 inches – 64 inches
- Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
Standardbred
Standardbred horses were initially developed for use as harness racers. Today you can see them as riding horses. They can move at fabulous speeds without galloping. Some can even trot at almost 30 miles an hour. Besides the large heads and the powerful legs, they possess a sweet temper and can be easily trained.
Height: 14 hands to 17 hands
Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds
Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee walking horse is another common breed you can find today. They are popular for the smooth gait that gives the rider a bump-free ride. They have a distinctive straight head with large ears. If you are a beginning rider, this is the horse you should go for.
Height: 14.3 to 17 hands
Weight: 900 to 1,200 pounds
Morgan
This American breed originated in Vermont in the 1700s. The breed was formed by breeding a variety of mares to a stallion named Justin Morgan. They are strong horses and are used for a variety of purposes.
Height: 14.1 to 15.2 hands
Weight: 900 to 1,100 pounds
Paint
The paint is one of the most common breeds in America. It has become a common choice for the riding trail. You can often see this horse in western riding shows.
Height: 14 to 16 hands
Weight: 950 to 1,200 pounds
Saddlebred
Saddlebreds are known for comfortably carrying riders over long distances. They are distinctively featured with a long, arched neck and a head held high. The most common colors for this breed are black, brown, rich brown, chestnut, sorrel, and gray.
Height: 15 to 16 hands
Weight: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds
Thoroughbred
This is a horse breed you will find in the racetrack. Formed in England during the 18th century, this breed of horse is one of the best racing horse breeds in the world. With high shoulder blades and long, fine legs, this is the kind of horse that looks like it belongs to the racing tracks. You can find these horses in rich brown, chestnut, gray, and black colors.
Height: 15.2 to 17.0 hands
Weight: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds
Frequently Asked Questions about Most Common Horse Breeds
What are the 3 types of horses?
Horses come in many shapes and sizes, but there are three main categories: heavy horse, light horse, or pony.
What is the most common horse color?
We all know that the most common horse color is brown. Bay horses are typically a rich shade of brown with a black mane and tail.