There were many types of horses throughout history. The horse has evolved not all the time has been as we know it today has evolved completely.
The first horses were the size of a lamb, several fingers on each foot and teeth adapted to eat tender leaves. True horses of the genus Equus appeared in North America. The «Orohippus agilis» is one of the oldest known horses. His low-crown teeth were already adapted to eat leaves, but already his premolars were larger. His measurement was 40 cm cross.
In this image it shows how the horse evolved throughout time.
How many species of horses currently exist?
The horse is an animal that is characterized by its great beauty and mainly by its intelligence, which led it to remain next to man during the passage of time. To find the importance of the horse in the life of man it is necessary to look back thousands of years ago. It is possible that there is no other animal that fascinates man more because of the elegance of his movements, his strength, his plant, his gaze becomes essential in the history of man. This animal, even being wild, is the most docile we can find, so riding it means a gesture of freedom. Today, due to their athletic condition, most horses are used for sports purposes. It is difficult to choose only 10 breeds of horses, as the best in the world, as each of them has its own characteristics that makes them unique.
1-º Horse andaluz
Spanish breed horse originally from Andalusia. It is officially considered as «Pure Spanish breed», also commonly known as «Spanish horse». It belongs to one of the oldest equine breeds in the world, we speak of an Iberian horse of the Baroque type very much longed for by the nobility for being one of the best horses for war because of its robustness and strength without leaving aside its beauty in part due to his thick mane and tail. It is not a race of violent character but of great intelligence and sensitivity. This horse has had a very important role in the formation of new equine races in both America and Europe.
2-º Arabe
Arabian horse considered genetically pure. It is possible to verify with archaeological tests that already 4,500 years ago there were horses very similar to the Arab race of today. It has gained its prestige thanks to its strength, resistance and intelligence, they are friendly and trustworthy so they maintain a close relationship with people. Of peculiar print with the head and tail always high, its head is wedge-shaped with eyes and large nostrils and small snout. Because of its close disposition to man, this breed is frequently chosen for exhibition, dressage, therapeutic riding, jumping, cutting and walking. The characteristics of this animal are found in many of the riding races we have today.
3-º Tennessee walking horse
Horse originally from the USA. Like the Kentucky saddle horses, both races originated after crossing different Morgan breeds with Saddle red and thoroughbred. These animals were chosen by the pioneers and cotton planters for their robustness and courage because they had to spend long hours watching the crops. Tennessee walking horse is a large horse with a high cross that varies between 106-170cm. Of fairly large head, oblique and strong shoulders, iron limbs, its main layers are thrush and black.
4-º Pura sangre
Horse of English origin. This breed developed between the 17th and 18th centuries after crossing English mares with Arabian stallions. These stallions were three: the Arabs Darley, Godolphin and the Turkish Byerley with which three bloodlines were created: Maqtchem, Herod and Eclipse. Essentially the thoroughbred horse is recognized by its long and stylized body. The head constantly looks and with little muscle on his jaw, his limbs are muscular, long and thin with the hindquarters, kidneys and rump strong that resist the strength of the gallop. It is for all this that he becomes the horse par excellence for racing and horse riding activities in which speed and endurance is required.
5-º Apalusa
Horse originally from the USA. Breed originated from the breeding of Spanish horses by the Nez Perce Indians. This animal was used in warrior and hunting practice for its special color, strong structure and diversity. It has a great capacity to travel long distances. The most striking feature of Appaloosa is its particular mottled fur, in most cases the colors and spots of males are brighter than those of females.
6-º Morgan
Horse native to the US, was one of the first races that developed in the United States. This horse comes from a single parent, Justin Morgan, born in 1973 managed to transmit exactly its morphology to its three offspring so that this breed could originate. Among its characteristics we find: It does not have a great cross height, its head is broad and pronounced jaw, neck and muscular rump, robust and short back, robust limbs and crowded and abundant mane. Due to their versatility they are used in different disciplines, mainly in careers. Nowadays crosses are made with pure blood to achieve greater cross height
7-º Quarter horse
Horse originally from the USA. The Spanish settlers when they arrived in the Americas made it loaded with horses of different races, these animals were released during the conquest causing wild horses that were later domesticated by the Indian red skins. From 1750 these Indian horses were known as Quarte Race. They were used on farms to pull the cars. It is a race that has a strong acceleration over small distances. It has a small head, separate eyes, muscular and robust neck, its broad chest shows strength and its limbs despite being thin are very robust.
8_º Paint horse
Horse of American origin. This breed are the successors of the Quarter Horse, the Native Americans began their breeding from the crossing between the Quarte Horse and the Pinto. Its fur is spotted and is the typical cowboy horse used in the ranches. They are very intelligent, hardworking and very friendly. They are also used in track riding, rhodes and are ideal to be ridden by young riders.
9_º little horse
Horse of European origin. This animal has a height between 86-97cm is by these measures that receives its name. Because they possess the characteristics of the horses they are ascribed and not as ponies despite having the same size. They are friendly and congenial well with the human, so they are fantastic as a pet. Sometimes they are trained for service animals used as guide dogs by disabled people. They are of great resistance and their average life is greater than that of the normal horse.
10-º Poni Galés
Horse of Welsh origin. This animal usually reaches an approximate height of 164 cm. From this race, others such as Hackm, and Hackney and Polo Pony have originated. It has great intelligence and courage, it is used as a chair pony due to its strength and docility. Its great resistance allows it to withstand long winters in the open and with a shortage of food.
Noe Michel 