Apaloosas are an American breed, first developed in what became the Pacific Northwest of the USA by the Nez Perce people. They are recognisable by their spotted coats, with several variations, and often by striping on their hooves. Western movies are a good place to see examples, including "The Appaloosa" (1966), starring Marlon Brando.
As might be expected, the Canadian was developed in Canada, by crossing horses imported from France in the 1600s with a variety of British and American breeds. The breed has come close to extinction on more than one occasion, including during the American Civil War, when large numbers were killed whilst serving in the US Cavalry. Efforts to revive the breed have been partially successful, though it remains "at risk" in the early 21st century.
A draught (draft) horse originating in Scotland, the Clydesdale will be familiar to anyone who has seen the advertisements for a particular brand of American beer. Its 'feathered' legs are a distinguishing feature.
The first breed society for the Danish Warmblood was founded in 1962, making it quite a new breed that has drawn on stock from a variety of European sport horse breeds. Most horses in this breed are dark-coloured. Members of the breed have been successful at show jumping and dressage.
By contrast, the Freiberger (or Franches-Montagnes) is a very old Swiss breed, well-documented since the early nineteenth century, but probably existing even earlier. Its role has changed over the years from primarily a farm or army horse, to a driving and riding horse.
An even older breed is England's Hackney horse, dating back at least until the time of Henry VIII. The Hackney is a trotting horse, used in modern times as a carriage horse, often in competitions. It was declared a breed at risk in 2022.
The usually bay or grey Holsteiner is another long-existing breed, originating in Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. Holsteiners are very successful show jumpers and three day eventers. Marius, with his rider Hinrich Romeike, won two eventing gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The 1963 Disney movie "The Miracle of the White Stallions" is about the famous performing Lipizzaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, and the danger they were in at the end of World War II.
Percherons are a breed of draught horse that originated in France and extensively exported to the United States. In modern times, a large team of Percherons has found work at Disneyland Paris.
The Yakutian horse, or Yakut, originated in the Siberian region of Russia and has a long shaggy coat as part of its adaptation to life in a cold climate. It is smallish and sturdy and used not only for riding, but also as a source of meat and milk.
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