The American Miniature Horse

The American Miniature Horse is a unique breed, the limiting characteristic of which is size. It must not measure in excess of 34" in height, measured at the withers. It must be a sound, well-balanced horse, possessing the proper conformation characteristics which are common to most of the larger breeds. In fact, if there were no size reference, the miniature horse might give the illusion of being a full-sized horse. The American Miniature Horse gives the impression of strength, agility, and alert intelligence and is available in all possible colors. The Miniature horse appeals to all ages from the smallest child to the eldest adult. The miniature horse is a talented animal with abilities to pull a cart, cover jumping courses, participate in Trail Classes, Halter and more Performance Classes. Entertain the sick or handicap. They are good at just putting a smile on your face. To learn more abou the American Miniature Horse visit www.amha.org.

The Friesian

The Friesch Paarden Stamboek (FPS, of which FHANA is the only recognized North American representative) is the original Friesian studbook, or Registry, founded in 1879 in The Netherlands. The FPS currently has about 8,000 members in more than a dozen countries and now has approximately 30,000 horses registered. The largest numbers of FPS-registered horses are in The Netherlands and Germany, followed by North America. Although the majority of Friesians are in the FPS registry, you should be aware that there is at least one other organization in the world that registers Friesian horses. Its guidelines and breeding policies are not identical to those of the FPS and it has its own judges who judge the horses to a different standard than the standards of the FPS. To learn more about the Friesian Breed visit www.fhana.com.

American Bashkir Curly

The American Bashkir Curly is a rare breed with only about 4000 registered horses worldwide.  A native of America they were first discovered running with the Mustangs in Nevada.  Although known to the Native Americans at least since the early 1800s they were first domesticated in our culture in the 1940s.  Mistakenly thought to be originated from Russia, they were given the name of American Bashkir Curly.  The Registry was established in 1971 with just 21 horses.  Today they are popular not only in the U.S. but worldwide. Known for their unusual Curly coats and dreadlock manes, it was soon discovered that they are also HYPO-ALLERGENIC. With their people friendly dispositions and intelligence they soon win the hearts of their owners.  They are easy to train and excel in many disciplines including Dressage, Hunter/Jumper and Western.  With a low flight index they make wonderful trail and family companions. 10% are even gaited, moving at a comfortable Foxtrot. Born Curly right down to their eyelashes the babies are a delight to behold! Be sure to come visit the American Bashkir Curly at the Breed Walk stalls during the Expo and talk to the High Desert folks.  We love to talk Curlies!
American Bashkir Curly Registry: www.abcregistry.org or International Curly Horse Organization at: www.curlyhorses.org

Tennessee Walking Horse

TThe Tennessee Walking Horse was created in Tennessee and Kentucky when plantation owners were looking for a surefooted horse with smooth gaits and good speed to carry them over their vast properties.  The Tennessee Walking Horse carries the blood of the Thoroughbred, the Standardbred, the Morgan, the American Saddlebred, the Narragansett Pacer, and the Canadian Pacer.  The Tennessee Walking Horse generally has a very easy going and willing temperament and can be ridden by riders of all ages and skill levels.  While originally bred as a utility horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse has become a popular horse in the show ring, as well as on the trail.  The breed has great versatility, competing in a variety of events including jumping, dressage, western riding, reining, gymkhana, driving, obstacle trail, endurance races, and competative trail rides.  Often, you will see Tennessee Walking Horses competing against a variety of other breeds in these events. 
While most Tennessee Walking Horses are multi-gaited and can perform a variety of gaits, including the trot, rack, single foot, and fox-trot, they are most famous for the running walk.  The running walk is an easy gait for both horse and rider and most horses can perform the running walk for many miles without a break in form.  It is important to note that the running walk is a natural gait to the breed.  Foals only a few hours old can be seen performing a running walk right along side their dam.  The degree of action in the front legs and reach in the back legs can be enhanced by training, shoeing, and breeding.  But the gait itself is completely natural.  In the show ring, there are different divisions based on the degree of the horse’s action and shoe size.  However, most Tennessee Walking Horses can be ridden with a basic keg shoe. To learn more about the Tennessee Walking Horse, please go to www.twhbea.com or www.norcalwalkers.com.

The Andalusian

The Andalusian horse is one of the oldest pure breeds of horse in the world. Though still a unique breed in the U.S., their population in this country has risen to around 5400. The total number of Andalusian (Lusitano) horses registered with IALHA in 2008 is approx. 11,000. The Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Española) Andalusian, originated on the Iberian Peninsula, in Spain, where 2500 year old cave paintings portray this noble breed.  The PRE designation indicates that the breeding of the horse has remained pure, no other breed has entered the bloodline. Up to the 18th century the Andalusian horse was the beloved mount of Royalty and Captains. They were the “Royal Horses of Europe.” During the 18th century, European warfare caused the Andalusian breed to decline in numbers, close to extinction. In order to reestablish their breeding programs, exportation of an Andalusian became illegal without Royal consent. The penalty for exporting these treasured horses was death. Approximately 80% of the Andalusians are gray, 15% Bay, 5% black. The classic profile of the Andalusians slightly convex or straight head is an appealing feature, which balances well with their graceful, yet substantial bodies. Their thick and bountiful mane flows from an elegant, well-arched neck, (stallions crestier than mares). Andalusians’ backs are moderate to short in length, the mare’s backs tending to be longer than the stallions, (in order to comfortably carry their foals.) Their powerful rear quarters are complemented by a long, flowing tail. The Andalusian has a natural balance, collection, impulsion, and agility that make this breed an all around athlete. Today, the Andalusian is ridden both English and Western.  Andalusian horses possess a proud but kind temperament. They are sensitive, and particularly intelligent, responsive and cooperative, learning quickly and easily when treated with respect.  Their stunning presence and charisma makes them an asset to any show ring, exhibition or parade. The Andalusian, with its love of people, creates the ideal family horse.  This versatile breed can be found throughout North America, competing in Dressage, Driving, Cutting, Cattle work, and Jumping.Registered Andalusian crosses include:
Azteca – Andalusian / Quarter Horse:Iberian Warmblood – Andalusian / Thoroughbred:
Spanish Norman – Andalusian / Percheron: Hispano Arab – Andalusian / Arab
Look for the Andalusian Breed demo presented by the Baroque Horses of Northern California on the schedule and come see us demo the versatility of this wonderful breed.

Irish Draught

The Irish Draught (pronounced “Draft”,) Horse is a handsome, good tempered large animal between sixteen and seventeen hands. It is distinct from the larger horses usually called “draft” horses which are called “dray”. horses by the Irish.  Although the breed was developed by Irish farmers to meet the need for a sturdy and versatile horse, they are known for their jumping ability, and the bloodlines of many Olympic level cross country and jumping horses are valued for their Irish Draught bloodlines and the athletic ability those bloodlines carry.
All Irish Draught horses in the United States are registered with the Irish Draught Society of North America.  Any horse with RID following its name has undergone a rigorous inspection by that society.  An Irish Sport Horse which has passed inspection adds the initials RIDSH to its name.
The Irish Draught Horse Society of North America describes the breed ideal as “a warm-blooded breed that is very sound, sensible animals with good bone, substance and quality. The Irish Draught is neither as massive nor as heavily feathered as its name implies and has movement that is smooth and free, without exaggeration, and not heavy nor ponderous. Standing over a lot of ground, the Draught has an exceptionally strong and sound constitution, great stamina and an uncanny jumping ability. In addition, this breed possesses a fabulous temperament made up of willingness, intelligence, docility and common sense.”

American Saddlebred

Happy, alert, curious and people oriented, the American Saddlebred has been part of the American culture since the 1800s.  Smooth gaits, speed, intelligence and powerful muscling has enabled this breed to do what is asked of him from Civil War mount and all around farm horse in the 1800s to Show ring star, driving, eventing, jumping and endurance riding in modern times.  The American Saddlebred comes in all colors and range in size from 14 – 17 hands.  All do the 3 natural gaits – walk, trot, canter and some can also do the lateral gaits of Slow Gait and the thrilling Rack.  Bold, beautiful and brilliant with style and stamina this is a breed that truly stands out in a crowd no matter what discipline you enjoy.  Come find out more about this wonderful breed - visit our booth 2504 in Building B and/or checkout www.saddlebred.com