More exciting content:
key point:
- There are more than 260 horse breeds in the world.
- Black horses can carry a gene that produces foals with silver markings.
- Golden Akhal Teke has a metallic golden coat and light blue eyes.
- An image found on a cave wall of an Andalusian horse is thought to be 20,000 years old.
With more than 260 horse breeds in the world, it can be a challenge to narrow down the list to the ten most beautiful horses. After all, every breed of horse has its attractive qualities.
This list of the world’s most beautiful horses features horses from well-known places as well as places you’ve probably never heard of. Some are rare horses, while others are common in many countries. These are chosen based on the color and/or pattern of the coat. Also, some made the list due to an interesting feature that makes them a little different from other horses.
#10 Knabstrupper
The Knabstrupper shares the same color genes as the Appaloosa. © iStock.com/huettenhoelscher
Knabstrupper has a unique name to match its unique qualities. This is a Danish horse with white spots. Its spots can be black, brown or gray. Many people compare the appearance of this horse to that of a Dalmatians! The spotted pattern on this horse’s coat makes it one of the most beautiful horses in the world.
Knabstrupper will also appear on the list of rare horses. It is estimated that there are only 600 left in the world. Compare the Knabstrupper horse population with other breeds such as Shetland ponies. There are more than 100,000 Shetland ponies in the world. Owners of Knabstrupper horses appreciate their intelligence, graceful movements and, of course, their beautiful coats!
#9 Chocolate Silver Brindle
The chocolate silver tabby coat is caused by coat dilution.© iStock.com/dotana
What an elegant name for one of the prettiest horses on the planet! The silver in this horse’s name actually describes a gene that occurs in dark horses. A horse with this gene passes it on to its foal. Instead of a black coat, the foal ended up wearing a dark coat with silver flecks. This color is not unique to any particular breed of horse. Almost any horse can have it. As a result, chocolate silver zebras can be found in many places.
#8 Soraya Mustang
Sorraia Mustangs are sometimes compared to horses because of the black stripes on their backs. © iStock.com/karenparker2000
The Sorraia Mustang is native to Portugal. These are rare horses and beautiful horses. They have a dark brown or light brown gray coat. Also, they have a unique feature of a black stripe on the back that runs down to the ears. This is why some people compare these horses to zebras. This horse’s dark brown or black mane and tail are a sight to behold when they flutter in the breeze. It’s easy to imagine a Sorraia mustang running free across fields and pastures with other mustangs.
#7 Golden Akhatak
The metallic looking coat is the most distinguishing feature of the golden Akhal-Teke. ©iStock.com/olgaIT
In the eyes of many horse fans, the Golden Akhateke is the most beautiful horse breed. This horse is native to Turkmenistan. The Golden Horse is named for its shiny golden-yellow fur. In the sun, its golden coat takes on a metallic texture. Another thing that makes it one of the most beautiful horses in the world is its eyes. The eyes of most horses are brown and round, whereas the eyes of the Golden Akhateke are almond-shaped and light blue. In fact, the color of its eyes gives this horse an air of mystery that many breeds don’t have.
#6 Mulwari
The inwardly curved ears of the Malwari are its most distinctive feature. ©Olesya Nakipova/Shutterstock.com
The Marwari makes an appearance on this list of the most beautiful horse breeds for several reasons. Malwari horses have slender legs and bodies. They can have black, black and white, dark brown, bay or palomino fur. One of their most charming features makes these horses even more attractive. Marwari horses have traditional pointed ears, but their ears are curved inward at the top. So you can even see the tips of the Malwari horse’s ears touching just above the top of its head. This is a rare quality in even the most beautiful horses!
The history of Marwari begins in India and goes all the way back to the 12th century. They serve as horses in the cavalry, partly because the horse has a strong sense of direction. They were able to find their way home. Also, they are believed to be descended from Arabian horses. Arabian horses are known for their majestic beauty, so it’s no surprise that Malwari horses make this list.
#5 Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is the state horse of Idaho. ©iStock.com/Anara55
These are American horses bred by the Nez Perce. The Appaloosa is one of the most beautiful horses in the world due to its striking markings. Appaloosas are instantly recognizable by their freckles and spots on their fur. For example, you might see a dark brown Appaloosa with white and brown spots on its hindquarters. Another Appaloosa may have a silver coat with dark spots scattered across it.
While Appaloosas come in a variety of patterns, their spots and splashes of color earn them a place on lists of the most beautiful horse breeds.
#4 Friesland
Frisian horses have feathers around their hooves. ©iStock.com/Zuzule
One of the most beautiful horses in the world and one of the largest. Friesian horses are tall and have a large bone structure. The coat on most Friesian horses is black, but it may turn dark brown during shedding. Their flowing dark manes and tails add to the alluring picture of this horse breed.
Friesian horses from the Netherlands, believed to date back to 1000 BC
#3 Arab
Arabian horses have large, flexible horses that allow them to breathe better while running. © iStock.com/Jessie Dee
Arabian horses are a common choice for the most beautiful horse breeds. Why? Because of its noble, arched neck and fine bone structure. When you think of a desert horse, you might even picture an Arabian horse strutting and trotting across the sand. Arabian horses can be gray, white, black, sorrel or bay. They are known for their flowing manes and tails.
These spirited, healthy horses date back thousands of years. They originated from the Arabian Peninsula. George Washington and Alexander the Great are famous people who owned Arabian horses.
#2 Haflinger
Haflinger’s ancestors were medieval ponies.© iStock.com/Bianca Grueneberg
The Haflinger horse breed comes from Austria and dates back to the 19th century. The horse is short in stature but strong. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, they were used as draft horses, dragging heavy loads. The Haflinger is one of the most beautiful horses in the world due to his soft, flaxen mane and tail. It has a warm sorrel solid color coat. Oh, and don’t forget the sweet brown eyes of this horse.
#1 Andalusia
The Andalusians once used it in combat. ©iStock.com/olgaIT
Not only is the Andalusian horse the most beautiful breed on this list, but it has a rich history. In fact, images of Andalusian horses (or horses that looked very similar to the breed) were found on the walls of a cave. The image is estimated to be at least 20,000 years old! The Andalusian horse originated in the Iberian Peninsula. They are named after the province of Andalusia.
While the coat of most Andalusians is a mix of gray and white, there are Andalusians in other colors, including black, laurel, and dark brown. These clever horses have bushy manes and tails that add to their elegant appearance. Their light and graceful steps are popular with those who like to participate in dressage and showjumping.
The ideal horse color
The most desirable horse color is laurel – which can range from dark red to yellow to brown. The dark bay without white and black tail, mane and legs below the knees and hocks is generally considered the most beautiful color in a horse. Of course, most people have never seen Golden Akhal Teke!
Summary: Top 10 Most Beautiful Horses
- #1. Andalusia – One of the oldest and most beautiful breeds
- #2. Haflinger – Soft flaxen mane and beautiful eyes
- #3. Arab – Regal arched back and long neck
- #4. Frisian – One of the largest breeds, with a long black flowing mane and tail
- #5. Appaloosa horse – Breed by the Nez Perce, these horses are known for their distinctive spots
- #6. Mawari – Known for beautiful inward pointy ears
- #7. Kim Akhatak – A golden metallic coat and pale blue eyes make this horse a beauty
- #8. sura mustang – has a black stripe from tail to ears
- #9. Chocolate Silver Brindle – Some dark horse genes produce lovely silver markings
- #10. Knabstrupper – Spotted coat compared to Dalmatian
next…
- Most Expensive Horses In The World: Are Racehorses The Most Expensive Horses? Find out which breeds are breaking the bank!
- 10 Smartest Horses: Read this to see if any of the smartest horses are on the list!
- The Best Horse Shampoos (and Conditioners!) of 2022: We’ve found the best horse shampoos and conditioners for all your adorable ponies!
- Why Do Horses Need Horseshoes?: Why Can’t They Walk Barefoot? Find out in this informative article!
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
