Post by ~♥Jesus Freak♥~ on Mar 29, 2007 22:47:13 GMT -5
I warn you now... This is long... 5 pages. I had to write it for school ^.^ Its about 5 or 6 different breeds. Please tell me whatcha think!! IF anyone takes the time to read it....
Hernando Cortez first found the paint horse in 1519, when he sailed to America to look for gold. He had 16 horses with him, horses no one had ever seen in America. They were different, unique. One of them was a chestnut horse with white spots on its belly. That horse with the Mustangs was the basic for the paint breed.
Back then; they were still not called Paints yet. It was not until years later that Paint was made a registerable breed. The American Indians soon found great interest in the “spotted” horses. The Comanche Indians favored the paints. They had many among their herds. We know this because the Comanche kept records by drawing; many drawings of theses “spotted” horses were found. Showing favoritism.
Throughout the 1800’s and up into the late 1900’s theses “spotted” horses were called a few different names. Such as pinto, paint, skewbald and piebald. An organization was made called “The Pinto horse Association” in the late 1950’s. Sometime in 1960 a woman named Rebecca Lockhart made a second association. This one was made for preserving both color and stock-type conformation. She had to get some of her friends to help her organize everything and get it going but she did it!
In order to make the association it took a lot of work. First, the group organized a show. They had everyone they knew in Oklahoma and North Texas bring their paints to the show at Junior Robertson place. The decided then to try to make a class for paints in Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show in Fort Worth. In the 1961 show the class was approved for an open color class.
By the end of 1962 Rebecca had attracted 150 members and registered 250 horses. Rebecca turned the reins over to a man named Ralph Morrison in 1963. The American Paint Quarter Horse Association was another group for Paints but this group never got up and running as well as American Paint Stock Horse Association. The American Paint Quarter Horse Association came to the American Paint Stock Horse Association about merging the 2 groups. After a long, heated debate they finally came to an agreement in May of 1965. The two groups became The American Paint Horse Association. They had 1,300 members and 3,800 registered horses.
There are three different patterns for Paints. Many people see a paint and call it a Pinto and visa versa. Many people do not know there is a difference, but there is. A Paint and a Pinto have the same pattern but they are 2 different breeds. The different patterns for the Paint horse are the tobiano, overo and tovero. The tobiano pattern either has a lot of dark or a lot of white. The head is usually a solid color with maybe a strip, star, blaze or snip. The chest and neck are generally one color, almost like a shield. All four legs are usually white at least from below the hocks and knees. One or both flanks are usually a dark color. The spots on a tobiano are generally round or ovals. Also the tail; it is usually two colors.
The overo pattern is similar to the tobiano in some ways. Usually the white is not on the back of the horse, between its withers and tail. The overo pattern like the tobiano pattern is either predominantly white or dark. The white on an overo looks as if white paint was splashed on the horse. It is irregular, scattered, as if someone threw paint on them. The legs are generally dark, at least one or more is. The tail is usually one color. The head marking are distinctive, often bald-faced, apron-faced or bonnet-faced.
The tovero pattern is pretty much the opposite of the other two patterns. It is generally white with dark spots. The head is generally mainly white. Dark spots around the ears can expand over the ears, forehead and/or eyes. Dark spots around the mouth may extend up the side of the face and form spots. One or both eyes are generally blue on a tovero. Like the tobiano it may have a dark spot on its chest and even up the neck. Flank spots range in size. There are often smaller spots that extend forward across the barrel and up over the loin. The tail is usually two different colors. Spots, varying in size, start at the base of the tail.
Paints are stocky horses, very good for work because they are strong. They have a very willing attitude. Which makes them very good for western riding. Most are rode western, some are rode English but they excel in more of the western types of riding. They are good in rodeos; trail riding, racing or just great for kids. They are also good for showing, because of their colors and willing attitude they are very good shower’s.
Paints are not bred easily. The reason they are not is because when you breed a paint you must not only pay attention to good conformation and character but you also have to watch patterns. If the breeder wants a certain color and/or pattern they have to find that color and/or pattern. Paints are typically between 14.5 and 16.5 hand high.
With that, I move on to the Friesian breed. Gorgeous breed, but looks do not matter right now. I will start with the history of the Friesian.
The Friesian breed originated in Friesland, Holland. Friesland is an old country, dating back as far as 500 B. C. The Friesian was used to carry knights out to the battlefield back in the medieval times. In the 18th and 19th century the Friesian was a popular, wanted breed. They were used for harness horses for agricultural work and also for trotting races. The Friesian is one of the biggest breeds, by biggest I mean stockiest, strongest. They are very strong, very big.
The Friesian registry book, Friesch Paarden Stamboek was founded in 1979. It was founded by a group of Dutch farmers for preserving the breed. People began crossbreeding Friesians because of their great trot, presence and color. Thus, the pure bloodline because severely threatened. To protect and promote the bloodline the group of Dutch farmers founded the “Royal Society Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek”.
Now days, Friesians are typically used in Dressage. The breed’s strong intellect, appearance, power and body control they are very good at dressage. Purebred Friesians are not good in aerobic sports such as, horse racing and endurance riding because of its heavy, muscular physique. Friesians are all black, with long flowing manes, and tails. Their manes and tails are thick, even the “feathers”- the hair on their lower legs. Deliberately left untrimmed, the “feather” is long and silky, like the mane and tail. Sometimes the Friesian may have a little bit of white in their coats but are typically all black.
The Friesian tends to carry itself very proudly and have a great presence. They are considered a willing, active and energetic horse that is also gentle and docile. They can be anywhere between 14.2 and 17 hands high. They typically do not tend to get 17 hands high but there are a few out there that are. Their heads can be short and delicate or even long and baroque. Their necks are long with a graceful, beautiful arch. Their ears are small, yet alert. Also known as “Spanish type” heads. Their body structure is very beautiful. With their strong bodies, sloping shoulders, their tail is low-set and their short, yet very strong legs.
Speaking of short legs brings me to an American Miniature. Really, I don’t know why they are called “American Miniature” because they originated in Europe as early as the 1600’s. They were bred as pets for the European nobility. Not all were kings and queen’s pets; some were used to work in the English midlands and Northern European coalmines.
Miniatures are a height breed, which means they can be any breeds but just a smaller size. Miniatures are no taller than 34 inches. If they are taller than they are considered ponies. They can be any breed though, Paint, Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarters and even pulling horses. Some are very strong, they may be small but they can be very strong.
Miniatures are typically used for small kids to ride. They are very good for therapy for disabled children and even adults. Some miniatures are used for things such as freestyle jumping, halter showing, halter obstacle, costume and even driving. Because of their small size, affectionate and gentle nature they are often given to children as pets. They are also used for Seeing Eye horses for the blind. Seeing eye horses are becoming more and more popular now days.
The smallest recorded miniature horse was 14 inches tall and weighed only 20 pounds! He was a little stallion. Although he was so small he was not breed able. The smallest breeding miniature horse was 19 inches tall.
Now I move on to a different breed. One that likes the Paint can be mistaken for a different breed very easily. That breed is Colorado Ranger, often mistaken for an Appaloosa. They look like Appaloosa but they are a very different breed. By the name you can tell the Colorado Ranger originated in Colorado. Many Colorado Rangers have been registered as Appaloosa’s by mistake.
The breed was developed as a horse that could handle cattle very well. The man that made it all happen is Mike Ruby. He kept very good records of everything. He wrote everything down, the offspring’s, foaling dates, coat patterns and complete pedigrees. These handwritten ledgers are still with the breed association to this day.
There is not much on Colorado Rangers, such as their uses and things because not many people realize there is a difference between them and Appaloosas. Their coloring is just like an Appaloosa, typically dark head and chest. Their hindquarters are typically white with dark spots. They legs are dark. Their head is intelligent, the body compact with strong legs and well-formed, hard hooves. Their hindquarters are also very powerful. They are typically between 14.2 and 16 hands high.
Moving on to a breed I actually know a little something, something about. The Tennessee walking horse. In the 19th century large plantations were created so the farmers need a horse that could walk through the crops without destroying them. Also the men that worked there needed a horse that was comfortable to sit on because the plantations were so big the workers were there in horse back for hours at a time. In order to breed a horse that lived up to the desires the breeder used a bunch of different breeds. They used the Narraganset Pacer, the Canadian Pacer, the Thoroughbred, the Morgan, the Saddlebred and the Standardbred. The Standardbred is just an American trotting horse.
In 1935 a breed association was founded for the Tennessee walking horse. The first year they had 208 horses registered! By the end of the century more than 350,000 were registered! Tennessee Walking horses are very pretty; they are used for a lot of different riding disciplines. Such as pulling a carriage, light farm work, ranch work, jumping, trail riding, showing, police patrol and even dressage. It is surprising they are used for dressage because they cannot trot very well. Also because of their fun gait they are very suitable for endurance riding.
A Tennessee walking horse is not a good one for beginners. Although they are fast learners they have a fiery temperament. They hold their head high and have small ears, a lot like the Friesian. Their back is short, yet strong, the shoulders long and sloped. They walk in long strides, or long steps. They come in all colors, even spotted. They are typically between 13.2 and 17.1 hands high. They also are famous for 3 gaits; flat walk, running walk and rocking chair canter.
I’ll start with the flat walk. The flat walk is where the horse’s feet hit the ground separately at regular intervals. It is a brisk, long reaching walk that can cover about four to eight miles an hour. The hind legs hit the ground before it lifts its front legs. The head will nod in rhythm of the cadence of its feet. That is true for all horses but it is very pronounced with the Tennessee walking horse.
The running walk is basically a faster flat walk. It is a very supple, gliding gait for which the Tennessee walking horse is known. At a running walk a Tennessee Walking can go about ten to twenty mile an hour. A running walk is a very relaxed gait for the horse. Some muscles can be completely relaxed, thus the horse’s ears may flop in rhythm or even their teeth snap. The running walk is a very smooth, easy gait for both horse and rider.
The rocking horse canter is much like a regular canter, except the Tennessee walking horse has an extra smooth and relaxed canter. It is very comfortable for both horse and rider. A canter is a three beat gait. By that I mean when you listen to a horse canter it is as if someone is beating a drum three times in succession. Then there is a rest then again the three beats. The faster the horse is going the longer the rest is. A canter is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop.
Moving on to Morgan’s. Morgan’s are named after a man from Massachusetts, named Justin Morgan. When Justin Morgan moved to Vermont in 1789 he brought a bay foal with him. The young stallion is considered the foundation sire of the Morgan breed. Nobody knew for sure what the young stallions breed was. They think he had probably Arabian or Thoroughbred blood. When Justin died they called the stallion Justin Morgan’s horse. The stallion was very pretty but he also had fantastic disposition, stamina, power and speed. All of his good characteristics were passed down to his descendants. The stallion died in 1821 from injuries he got when another horse kicked him.
The first Morgan’s were used for clearing forests and plowing fields. In New England they were also used for carriage horses. In the early start of trotting races the Morgan’s were one of the most popular breeds, but the horse is still considered a workhorse or an all-rounder. During the Civil War Morgan’s were used in the cavalry. Unfortunately, many of them died in the battle.
Morgan’s have a very calm, friendly nature. Many people that buy them consider them not as a pet but as a family member. They are sometimes used for therapy. The most popular uses are riding. Carriage driving, western riding, jumping, dressage and endurance. They come in many colors such as bay, black, chestnut, yellow, light gray, cream and buckskin. Some even have an overo pattern such as the one I described above with the Paints. The most common colors are bay, black and chestnut. Morgan’s are typically between 14.1 and 15.2 hands high.
A Morgan’s head is short, yet expressive with a broad forehead, large eyes, and a straight bridge of the nose. They also have short eats, but are far apart. Very well formed too. A mares ears are typically longer than those of a stallion. The body is compact, with a short back. It has a high-attached tail, which is worn graciously.
Last, but certainly not least is the Paso Fino. It’s not the last breed or horse or anything, just the last one I am writing about. The Paso Fino horse was created from the Spanish horses that came to South America about 500 years ago. They descended from the barb, the Andalusian, the Spanish and Jennet horse. The Paso Fino an extraordinarily elegant horse with a proud composure. It is assumed that the Paso Fino may have the blood of the Narraganset Pacer. Paso Fino is a very new breed in the United States. The 1940’s is when breeding began. Since 1992 the breed association has grown by 60 percent. Paso Fino’s have grown profusely recently. There is over 250,000 Paso Fino’s worldwide now.
Paso Fino’s are very strong in the legs. They are known for their super smooth, fast and sturdiness. Their head is fine and elegant, the mane and tail long and silky smooth. A lot like the Friesian. Although they are incredibly beautiful, gracious horses, they are still very energetic. They have very strong hooves, regular riding they do not even need shoes. A typical Paso Fino stands anywhere between 13.2 and 15.2 hands high. They are normally about 14 hands though. They come in many different colors. Pretty much every equine color, including spotted.
They are used for many different things including farm work, wagon driving, reining, even therapy for the disabled. They do very well in gaited events because of their beautiful gaits. They are born with wonderful gaits. They are very smooth to ride, almost as if you are not riding a horse at all. The Paso Fino gait is performed at different speeds. The speeds are known as the classic Fino, Paso Corto and the Paso Largo.
The Classic Fino is a beautiful gait at which the horse almost dances in place. The feet fall rapidly, but arithmetically. Though the feet move fast it does not move forward fast in this gait. They move forward no faster than a slow walk.
Paso Corto is only about as fast as a medium trot. This is a very comfortable gait for the horse and rider. A horse is good shape can do this gait without stopping for hours without getting tired. It is fast and effective.
The Paso Largo feels supple to the rider; it is not known for its collection but is the fastest of the 3 gaits.
Hernando Cortez first found the paint horse in 1519, when he sailed to America to look for gold. He had 16 horses with him, horses no one had ever seen in America. They were different, unique. One of them was a chestnut horse with white spots on its belly. That horse with the Mustangs was the basic for the paint breed.
Back then; they were still not called Paints yet. It was not until years later that Paint was made a registerable breed. The American Indians soon found great interest in the “spotted” horses. The Comanche Indians favored the paints. They had many among their herds. We know this because the Comanche kept records by drawing; many drawings of theses “spotted” horses were found. Showing favoritism.
Throughout the 1800’s and up into the late 1900’s theses “spotted” horses were called a few different names. Such as pinto, paint, skewbald and piebald. An organization was made called “The Pinto horse Association” in the late 1950’s. Sometime in 1960 a woman named Rebecca Lockhart made a second association. This one was made for preserving both color and stock-type conformation. She had to get some of her friends to help her organize everything and get it going but she did it!
In order to make the association it took a lot of work. First, the group organized a show. They had everyone they knew in Oklahoma and North Texas bring their paints to the show at Junior Robertson place. The decided then to try to make a class for paints in Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show in Fort Worth. In the 1961 show the class was approved for an open color class.
By the end of 1962 Rebecca had attracted 150 members and registered 250 horses. Rebecca turned the reins over to a man named Ralph Morrison in 1963. The American Paint Quarter Horse Association was another group for Paints but this group never got up and running as well as American Paint Stock Horse Association. The American Paint Quarter Horse Association came to the American Paint Stock Horse Association about merging the 2 groups. After a long, heated debate they finally came to an agreement in May of 1965. The two groups became The American Paint Horse Association. They had 1,300 members and 3,800 registered horses.
There are three different patterns for Paints. Many people see a paint and call it a Pinto and visa versa. Many people do not know there is a difference, but there is. A Paint and a Pinto have the same pattern but they are 2 different breeds. The different patterns for the Paint horse are the tobiano, overo and tovero. The tobiano pattern either has a lot of dark or a lot of white. The head is usually a solid color with maybe a strip, star, blaze or snip. The chest and neck are generally one color, almost like a shield. All four legs are usually white at least from below the hocks and knees. One or both flanks are usually a dark color. The spots on a tobiano are generally round or ovals. Also the tail; it is usually two colors.
The overo pattern is similar to the tobiano in some ways. Usually the white is not on the back of the horse, between its withers and tail. The overo pattern like the tobiano pattern is either predominantly white or dark. The white on an overo looks as if white paint was splashed on the horse. It is irregular, scattered, as if someone threw paint on them. The legs are generally dark, at least one or more is. The tail is usually one color. The head marking are distinctive, often bald-faced, apron-faced or bonnet-faced.
The tovero pattern is pretty much the opposite of the other two patterns. It is generally white with dark spots. The head is generally mainly white. Dark spots around the ears can expand over the ears, forehead and/or eyes. Dark spots around the mouth may extend up the side of the face and form spots. One or both eyes are generally blue on a tovero. Like the tobiano it may have a dark spot on its chest and even up the neck. Flank spots range in size. There are often smaller spots that extend forward across the barrel and up over the loin. The tail is usually two different colors. Spots, varying in size, start at the base of the tail.
Paints are stocky horses, very good for work because they are strong. They have a very willing attitude. Which makes them very good for western riding. Most are rode western, some are rode English but they excel in more of the western types of riding. They are good in rodeos; trail riding, racing or just great for kids. They are also good for showing, because of their colors and willing attitude they are very good shower’s.
Paints are not bred easily. The reason they are not is because when you breed a paint you must not only pay attention to good conformation and character but you also have to watch patterns. If the breeder wants a certain color and/or pattern they have to find that color and/or pattern. Paints are typically between 14.5 and 16.5 hand high.
With that, I move on to the Friesian breed. Gorgeous breed, but looks do not matter right now. I will start with the history of the Friesian.
The Friesian breed originated in Friesland, Holland. Friesland is an old country, dating back as far as 500 B. C. The Friesian was used to carry knights out to the battlefield back in the medieval times. In the 18th and 19th century the Friesian was a popular, wanted breed. They were used for harness horses for agricultural work and also for trotting races. The Friesian is one of the biggest breeds, by biggest I mean stockiest, strongest. They are very strong, very big.
The Friesian registry book, Friesch Paarden Stamboek was founded in 1979. It was founded by a group of Dutch farmers for preserving the breed. People began crossbreeding Friesians because of their great trot, presence and color. Thus, the pure bloodline because severely threatened. To protect and promote the bloodline the group of Dutch farmers founded the “Royal Society Het Friesch Paarden Stamboek”.
Now days, Friesians are typically used in Dressage. The breed’s strong intellect, appearance, power and body control they are very good at dressage. Purebred Friesians are not good in aerobic sports such as, horse racing and endurance riding because of its heavy, muscular physique. Friesians are all black, with long flowing manes, and tails. Their manes and tails are thick, even the “feathers”- the hair on their lower legs. Deliberately left untrimmed, the “feather” is long and silky, like the mane and tail. Sometimes the Friesian may have a little bit of white in their coats but are typically all black.
The Friesian tends to carry itself very proudly and have a great presence. They are considered a willing, active and energetic horse that is also gentle and docile. They can be anywhere between 14.2 and 17 hands high. They typically do not tend to get 17 hands high but there are a few out there that are. Their heads can be short and delicate or even long and baroque. Their necks are long with a graceful, beautiful arch. Their ears are small, yet alert. Also known as “Spanish type” heads. Their body structure is very beautiful. With their strong bodies, sloping shoulders, their tail is low-set and their short, yet very strong legs.
Speaking of short legs brings me to an American Miniature. Really, I don’t know why they are called “American Miniature” because they originated in Europe as early as the 1600’s. They were bred as pets for the European nobility. Not all were kings and queen’s pets; some were used to work in the English midlands and Northern European coalmines.
Miniatures are a height breed, which means they can be any breeds but just a smaller size. Miniatures are no taller than 34 inches. If they are taller than they are considered ponies. They can be any breed though, Paint, Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarters and even pulling horses. Some are very strong, they may be small but they can be very strong.
Miniatures are typically used for small kids to ride. They are very good for therapy for disabled children and even adults. Some miniatures are used for things such as freestyle jumping, halter showing, halter obstacle, costume and even driving. Because of their small size, affectionate and gentle nature they are often given to children as pets. They are also used for Seeing Eye horses for the blind. Seeing eye horses are becoming more and more popular now days.
The smallest recorded miniature horse was 14 inches tall and weighed only 20 pounds! He was a little stallion. Although he was so small he was not breed able. The smallest breeding miniature horse was 19 inches tall.
Now I move on to a different breed. One that likes the Paint can be mistaken for a different breed very easily. That breed is Colorado Ranger, often mistaken for an Appaloosa. They look like Appaloosa but they are a very different breed. By the name you can tell the Colorado Ranger originated in Colorado. Many Colorado Rangers have been registered as Appaloosa’s by mistake.
The breed was developed as a horse that could handle cattle very well. The man that made it all happen is Mike Ruby. He kept very good records of everything. He wrote everything down, the offspring’s, foaling dates, coat patterns and complete pedigrees. These handwritten ledgers are still with the breed association to this day.
There is not much on Colorado Rangers, such as their uses and things because not many people realize there is a difference between them and Appaloosas. Their coloring is just like an Appaloosa, typically dark head and chest. Their hindquarters are typically white with dark spots. They legs are dark. Their head is intelligent, the body compact with strong legs and well-formed, hard hooves. Their hindquarters are also very powerful. They are typically between 14.2 and 16 hands high.
Moving on to a breed I actually know a little something, something about. The Tennessee walking horse. In the 19th century large plantations were created so the farmers need a horse that could walk through the crops without destroying them. Also the men that worked there needed a horse that was comfortable to sit on because the plantations were so big the workers were there in horse back for hours at a time. In order to breed a horse that lived up to the desires the breeder used a bunch of different breeds. They used the Narraganset Pacer, the Canadian Pacer, the Thoroughbred, the Morgan, the Saddlebred and the Standardbred. The Standardbred is just an American trotting horse.
In 1935 a breed association was founded for the Tennessee walking horse. The first year they had 208 horses registered! By the end of the century more than 350,000 were registered! Tennessee Walking horses are very pretty; they are used for a lot of different riding disciplines. Such as pulling a carriage, light farm work, ranch work, jumping, trail riding, showing, police patrol and even dressage. It is surprising they are used for dressage because they cannot trot very well. Also because of their fun gait they are very suitable for endurance riding.
A Tennessee walking horse is not a good one for beginners. Although they are fast learners they have a fiery temperament. They hold their head high and have small ears, a lot like the Friesian. Their back is short, yet strong, the shoulders long and sloped. They walk in long strides, or long steps. They come in all colors, even spotted. They are typically between 13.2 and 17.1 hands high. They also are famous for 3 gaits; flat walk, running walk and rocking chair canter.
I’ll start with the flat walk. The flat walk is where the horse’s feet hit the ground separately at regular intervals. It is a brisk, long reaching walk that can cover about four to eight miles an hour. The hind legs hit the ground before it lifts its front legs. The head will nod in rhythm of the cadence of its feet. That is true for all horses but it is very pronounced with the Tennessee walking horse.
The running walk is basically a faster flat walk. It is a very supple, gliding gait for which the Tennessee walking horse is known. At a running walk a Tennessee Walking can go about ten to twenty mile an hour. A running walk is a very relaxed gait for the horse. Some muscles can be completely relaxed, thus the horse’s ears may flop in rhythm or even their teeth snap. The running walk is a very smooth, easy gait for both horse and rider.
The rocking horse canter is much like a regular canter, except the Tennessee walking horse has an extra smooth and relaxed canter. It is very comfortable for both horse and rider. A canter is a three beat gait. By that I mean when you listen to a horse canter it is as if someone is beating a drum three times in succession. Then there is a rest then again the three beats. The faster the horse is going the longer the rest is. A canter is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop.
Moving on to Morgan’s. Morgan’s are named after a man from Massachusetts, named Justin Morgan. When Justin Morgan moved to Vermont in 1789 he brought a bay foal with him. The young stallion is considered the foundation sire of the Morgan breed. Nobody knew for sure what the young stallions breed was. They think he had probably Arabian or Thoroughbred blood. When Justin died they called the stallion Justin Morgan’s horse. The stallion was very pretty but he also had fantastic disposition, stamina, power and speed. All of his good characteristics were passed down to his descendants. The stallion died in 1821 from injuries he got when another horse kicked him.
The first Morgan’s were used for clearing forests and plowing fields. In New England they were also used for carriage horses. In the early start of trotting races the Morgan’s were one of the most popular breeds, but the horse is still considered a workhorse or an all-rounder. During the Civil War Morgan’s were used in the cavalry. Unfortunately, many of them died in the battle.
Morgan’s have a very calm, friendly nature. Many people that buy them consider them not as a pet but as a family member. They are sometimes used for therapy. The most popular uses are riding. Carriage driving, western riding, jumping, dressage and endurance. They come in many colors such as bay, black, chestnut, yellow, light gray, cream and buckskin. Some even have an overo pattern such as the one I described above with the Paints. The most common colors are bay, black and chestnut. Morgan’s are typically between 14.1 and 15.2 hands high.
A Morgan’s head is short, yet expressive with a broad forehead, large eyes, and a straight bridge of the nose. They also have short eats, but are far apart. Very well formed too. A mares ears are typically longer than those of a stallion. The body is compact, with a short back. It has a high-attached tail, which is worn graciously.
Last, but certainly not least is the Paso Fino. It’s not the last breed or horse or anything, just the last one I am writing about. The Paso Fino horse was created from the Spanish horses that came to South America about 500 years ago. They descended from the barb, the Andalusian, the Spanish and Jennet horse. The Paso Fino an extraordinarily elegant horse with a proud composure. It is assumed that the Paso Fino may have the blood of the Narraganset Pacer. Paso Fino is a very new breed in the United States. The 1940’s is when breeding began. Since 1992 the breed association has grown by 60 percent. Paso Fino’s have grown profusely recently. There is over 250,000 Paso Fino’s worldwide now.
Paso Fino’s are very strong in the legs. They are known for their super smooth, fast and sturdiness. Their head is fine and elegant, the mane and tail long and silky smooth. A lot like the Friesian. Although they are incredibly beautiful, gracious horses, they are still very energetic. They have very strong hooves, regular riding they do not even need shoes. A typical Paso Fino stands anywhere between 13.2 and 15.2 hands high. They are normally about 14 hands though. They come in many different colors. Pretty much every equine color, including spotted.
They are used for many different things including farm work, wagon driving, reining, even therapy for the disabled. They do very well in gaited events because of their beautiful gaits. They are born with wonderful gaits. They are very smooth to ride, almost as if you are not riding a horse at all. The Paso Fino gait is performed at different speeds. The speeds are known as the classic Fino, Paso Corto and the Paso Largo.
The Classic Fino is a beautiful gait at which the horse almost dances in place. The feet fall rapidly, but arithmetically. Though the feet move fast it does not move forward fast in this gait. They move forward no faster than a slow walk.
Paso Corto is only about as fast as a medium trot. This is a very comfortable gait for the horse and rider. A horse is good shape can do this gait without stopping for hours without getting tired. It is fast and effective.
The Paso Largo feels supple to the rider; it is not known for its collection but is the fastest of the 3 gaits.
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I'll read it later! haha XD
