All horses are beautiful, but there are a few unique horse breeds out there that are extraordinary when it comes to their appearance. We created this list for you to feast your eyes on, but remember that beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. So, this is not to say that any horse of any breed cannot be truly magnificent. This list is simply to showcase some super-gorgeous members of the equine world. If you've gotten the opportunity to see any of these horses in person, share with us in the comments section below.
Here's our special list of the seven most beautiful horse breeds in the world...
The Clydesdale
These big and beautiful horses are super-famous in the United States thanks to the Budweiser commercials that we all know and love. Each year, Warm Springs Ranch in Missouri treats us to the birth of their new foals, and it brings joy to many of us horse lovers.
These giant draft horses clock in around 1,800 to 2,000 pounds at maturity, and are usually 180 pounds at birth. And while many think that this is a true "American breed" of horse given its immense popularity, these horses were actually bred on Scottish farms.
Image Courtesy of Warm Springs Ranch
Want to learn more about this big and beautiful breed? Read about Clydesdales here in this article dedicated to the breed on iHeartHorses.com.
The Knabstrupper
Are you a fan of these famous leopard-spotted horses? Then you're certainly not alone! The Knabstrupper shares the same color genes as the Appaloosa horse breed. This gene that causes the spotted horse coat patterns is known as the Leopard Complex
Interestingly enough, the Knabstrupper horse did not come to America until 2002 and has no connection to the Appaloosa. Also known as the Knabstrup horse, this horse with lovely spots comes to the United States from Denmark.
Want to learn more about the pretty spotted horse breed? Check out our article here dedicated to Knabstruppers on iHeartHorses.com.
The Gypsy Vanner
The Gypsy Vanner breed is often referred to as a “people-sized” draft horse. These horses were originally bred to pull gypsy wagons, and it was easy for them to do with their heavy bones and broad-shouldered body structure. The majority of these horses stand 14-15 hands high at the withers, and they are quite lovely regardless of hue.
Fun horse fact for you: There is no difference between a Gypsy Cob and a Gypsy Vanner horse. These horses were bred on the islands of Great Britain and Ireland and are still popular today. They are wonderful family horses and loved for their calm nature.
The Akhal-Teke
While not each and every one of these horses shines like gold, they are all strikingly beautiful nonetheless. This rare breed is characterized for the metallic sheen on its coat that glitters and dazzles whenever the light hits it. An ancient racehorse, this national horse of Turkmenistan comes in a surprising variety of colors. There's obviously the lovely golden coat (called buckskin or palomino), but you can also find these horses in shades of black, bay, chestnut, buckskin, cremello, perlino, and gray.
This desert horse breed has some unique characteristics. For example, the natural gait makes it appear as if these horses are flying as they trot. And that gorgeous coat of theirs is thought to serve as camouflage in their desert habitat.
Want to learn more about this stunning horse breed? Read our article dedicated to the breed here.
Image Courtesy of HorseBreedPictures.com
The Black Forest Horse
Haflinger horses are known for their golden manes, but those naturally go with their golden chestnut coats. But when it comes to the Black Forest Horse, this breed's flaxen mane stands out against its deep chestnut coat. This working horse is another breed of horse that's been around for centuries. A light draft horse breed, the Black Forest horses are known for their beauty and referred to by many Black Forest farmers as the “Pearls of the Black Forest”—awww!
Want to learn more about this beautiful horse breed? Read our article dedicated to the breed here.
The Friesian
Big, black, and beautiful, the Friesian horse breed is a sight to behold. These stunning horses are true "black beauties" and are as graceful as they are powerful, beloved by many equine enthusiasts across the globe. The Friesian is from Friesland, (pronounced “Fryslan” in the Frisian language), a province of the Netherlands in northwest Europe.
This light horse breed is picturesque, with flashy movements that make it catch your eye. Friesians are high-stepping horses that are versatile and train easily. Interesting Friesian fact for you: they are not always the black, some are also chestnut.
Want to learn more about this gorgeous horse breed? Read our article dedicated to the breed here.
The Arabian Horse
Did you know that every single horse breed on Earth can be traced back to an Arabian horse? Thought to be the truest horse breed of all, these stunning horses are known for their striking and distinctive features. Those who own one of these horses can tell you just how special they truly are. Centuries of close interaction with humans has helped to develope these horses into one of the most social horse breeds of all.
arabian little foal with mom
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Their large and round nostrils, dish-shaped finely chiseled faces, and super erect ears are a telltale sign of the breed that every horse lover knows. And their frames, long and lean like a ballerina, make them true beauties. Interesting little fact for you on the Arabian horse: some believe these horses have inhabited the Earth for nearly 5,000 years.
Want to learn more about this lovely breed? Read our article dedicated to the breed here.
Don't keep these beautiful horse breeds all to yourself—share them with other equine enthusiasts who will appreciate them, too! And let us know in the comments what other horse breeds you admire!
