key point
- Some of the horse breeds listed here are Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses, and Thoroughbreds.
- Some others include the Dutch Warmblood, the Friesian and the Belgian Draft.
- Quarter horses are known as one of the best horses because their average height is about 56 to 64 inches, which is an excellent size for most riders.
What is the best horse in the world? The best horse breed depends on personal preference and what the horse will be used for. Some considerations include whether you want to show your horse, ride it often, or train your horse for work.
Breeding helps give the most popular horses their preferred traits, making the breed stand out as the most beautiful, fastest or best racehorse. An important note is that all domestic horse breeds are part of the same species (horse) and are abundant enough that they lack an IUCN classification.
Best Overall Breed: Quarter Horse – 3 million horses registered with the American Quarter Horse Association

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The Quarter Horse can easily be described as the most popular breed, with 3 million horses registered according to the AQHA. These horses are strong contenders for the title of best racehorse, along with Arabian horses and thoroughbreds. These horses are versatile and suitable for Western tasks such as calf lariats and barrel racing, as well as English disciplines such as dressage and jumping. It’s easy to see why so many horse lovers own Quarter Horses. These horses are compact and strong, which helps them stand out as one of the best horse breeds. Since they have an average standing height of 56 to 64 inches, they are an excellent height for most riders.
These horses come in a variety of colors to appeal to those who prefer a particular color. These horses may have palomino or buckskin coats in addition to tan, brown, black or tweed coats. Some of these horses also have unusual color patterns, such as spotted coats. Quarter horses have a high level of intelligence and even temperament. While these horses are fast when racing, they are easy to handle, making them great for novice riders and children who have grown up with ponies.
Most Beautiful Horse Breeds: Arabian Horse – One Of The Most Recognizable Horses

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The Arabian horse’s appearance is described by the Arabian Horse Association as “striking”. This breed is one that most people will quickly recognize and is a common feature in horse-related art. The tail carriage, distinctive head and floating trot make these horses stand out to all who see them.
The unique characteristics of these horses make them not only one of the most beautiful horses, but also stand out in endurance racing. These horses adapt quickly to different bridles, making them ideal for reining work. Many registered Arabian horses are show horses, and while show horses are the most expensive, they contribute to the breed’s reputation for beauty. Arabians come in a variety of coat colors, with laurel, chestnut or gray being the most popular. A distinctive feature of these horses is the black skin that protects the horse from sun damage.
Fastest Horse Breed: Thoroughbred – Famous for its place in horse racing

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Thoroughbreds are one of the fastest horse breeds. These horses are drawn from the bloodlines that make the breed the best racehorses, including Darley and Godolphin Arabian bloodlines. Although these horses are best known for racing, they were also used as cavalry horses in the U.S. Army.
The thoroughbred’s athleticism and graceful appearance are its unmistakably provocative traits. However, these horses can reach speeds of around 40 miles per hour. Their hind legs are very long, which increases their thrust when galloping. Although they are very powerful animals, they are able to move with grace and agility.
The breed’s speed also helps it promote other breeds to improve their bloodlines. Some breeds that have increased speed due to thoroughbred blood include Morgans, Quarters, and Standards. Most thoroughbred breeding takes place in the United States.
Tallest Horse Breed – Shire

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The Shire is the tallest horse and one of the strongest. These horses hold the record for largest or tallest horse on various occasions. These big, powerful horses excel at farm work and pulling beer carts, making them stand out among the strongest horse breeds.
Most of these horses are about 70 inches tall. Stallions are usually taller than mares or geldings. The largest horse ever recorded was an 86-inch Shire stallion.
Best Dancing Horse Breed: Lipizzan – Famous Breed

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Lipizzan, considered the best dancing horse, came from eight stallions owned by the Habsburg dynasty. The horses are associated with the Vienna Spanish Riding School in Austria. One of the things that is known because of the horse’s association with the school is classical dressage, with methods that go back hundreds of years.
The Disney film “Miracle on the White Stallion” highlights the story of saving horses during World War II. The characteristics of Lipizzans make the horses of the Riding School of Vienna, Spain excel in dressage. The best showhorse of the breed is its muscular build and small, strong hooves.
Best Vaulting Horse: Dutch Warmblood – one of the most successful racehorse breeds

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The Dutch Warmblood is one of the best jumping breeds. These breeds represent some of the best horses produced in breeding programs designed after World War II. In addition to being one of the best horse breeds, these horses excel in dressage, club shows, and hunter competitions.
These horses have been selectively bred to encourage a finer, beginner-friendly temperament. Recent breeding has focused on traits more suited to showrooming. For example, these horses are tall, but not as tall as Shire and similar draft horse breeds.
Most Expensive Horse Breed: Friesian – A Rare Breed Native to The Netherlands

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Due to its rarity, the Friesian is often considered one of the most expensive horse breeds. Although it is believed to have been used to carry knights to battle in the Middle Ages, demand for these horses slowed as the need for larger draft horses increased. Horses from the show are in high demand, which adds to the cost.
Friesian horses make up about 7% of the Dutch horse population, making the breed very rare. These horses are a great value as they are the best breed choice for dressage and harness competition. Health issues common to the breed can also add to the cost.
Strongest Horse Breed: Belgian Draft Horse – America’s Most Popular Draft Horse

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The Belgian draft horse is one of the strongest working horses. At 68 inches tall and over 2,000 pounds, these horses have the strength needed for any task. These horses, like the Shire, also set the record for the largest horses.
A team of two Belgian draft horses pulled 17,000 pounds of cargo at the National Western Stock Show. Because of their strength, the breed enjoys a status as a popular workhorse. In the United States, the Belgian draft horse is the most popular breed of draft horse, according to the American Belgian Draft Horse Company.
List of the best horses in the world
Here is a list of the best horse breeds in the world:
rank | horse breed |
---|---|
8. | Quarter Horse |
7. | Arab |
6. | good breed |
5. | Shire |
4. | Lipizan |
3. | Dutch Warmblood |
2. | Frisian |
1. | belgian draft horse |

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.