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
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.
American Paint Horse
The American Paint Horse's combination of color and conformation has made the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) the second-largest breed registry in the United States based on the number of horses registered annually. While the colorful coat pattern is essential to the identity of the breed, American Paint Horses have strict bloodline requirements and a distinctive stock-horse body type. To be eligible for registry, a Paint's sire and dam must be registered with the American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, or the Jockey Club (Thoroughbreds). At least one parent must be a registered American Paint Horse. To be eligible for the Regular Registry, the horse must also exhibit a minimum amount of white hair over unpigmented (pink) skin.
Each Paint Horse has a particular combination of white and any color of the equine spectrum: black, bay, brown, roan, buckskin, dun, gray, grullo, perlino, smoky cream, chestnut, cremello, palomino, red dun, sorrel, or champagne.
Markings can be any shape or size, and located virtually anywhere on the Paint's body.
Although Paints come in a variety of colors with different markings, there are only three specific coat patterns: overo, tobiano and tovero.
These colors, markings and patterns, combined with stock-type conformation, athletic ability and agreeable disposition, make the American Paint Horse an investment in quality.
To learn more about the unique qualities of the American Paint Horse, see www.APHA.com.
American Quarter Horse 
If you have ever seen a horse in one of rodeo's timed events, been along for work on a ranch or watched a Western on the big or small screen, nine times out of 10, you have witnessed an American Quarter Horse at work.
These heavily muscled, compact horses were called Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses by English colonists in the 1600s because the horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than any other horse. Known for outrunning any horse at the quarter mile, the American Quarter Horse gained popularity.
American Quarter Horses are known for their versatility and good temperament. Whether working cattle on a ranch, taking their owners for a trail ride on a lazy Sunday afternoon or mastering the elaborate movements of dressage, the American Quarter Horse succeeds in all disciplines. The American Quarter Horse is perfectly suited for the quick, intricate maneuvers required in reining, working cow horse, barrel racing, cutting, roping and other western events. The American Quarter Horse also excels in English disciplines, including dressage, driving and jumping.
In 1940, the American Quarter Horse Association was formed as a registry to preserve the breed. The quarter-mile is still the most popular distance for racing American Quarter Horses, and the best blaze the 440 yards in 21 seconds or less. The breed has continued to grow and is not only the most popular horse in America, but also the largest breed registry in the world, with more than 5 million American Quarter Horses registered.
AQHA is not just a breed registry; it's an organization that connects people with American Quarter Horses so they can build a lifestyle around their horses. Everyone's American Quarter Horse lifestyle is different because of the activities or disciplines in which they participate with their horse.
To learn more about the American Quarter Horse Breed visit www.aqha.com.
American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred is as old as the United States, developed by breeding Narragansett Pacers and Thoroughbreds, by 1776 America's Horse was born. Over the years, this breed with comfortable gaits and stamina was favored by families as an all around riding and carriage horse, Pioneer families as they made their way Westward and Civil War soldiers. When horses were no longer the mainstay of transportation, the American Saddlebred became the ultimate show horse with athletic beauty and grace. Today the Saddlebred is not only seen in high-stepping breed competitions, but also is becoming a favorite in sport horse events, endurance riding, driving and Western dressage. Many find this people oriented breed to be the perfect companion for pleasure and trail riding. Saddlebreds come in almost all colors, range from 14 - 17 hands. All walk, trot and canter and some do the additional lateral gaits - slow gait and rack. If you are looking for a horse that stands out in a crowd but has the ability and trainability to perform many disciplines in style, this could by your horse!
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.
Arabian 
Arabians are the oldest pure breed and progenitor of modern horse breeds. They are known for their willingness, intelligence, beauty and the strong bonds they form with their owners. Arabian horses perform as partners – and with amazing grace, beauty and style! Distinctive breed type was developed as generations roamed the deserts of Arabia with their Bedouin families. Life was harsh and food was scarce, but Arabian horses are tough! In modern times, thrifty Arabians are always the “easy keepers” in a herd. Arabians are the world’s greatest long distance race horses. “Form to function” epitomizes Arabian breed type, making a “typey” Arabian horse one of God’s most beautiful creatures. Maximum cardiovascular efficiency – combined with fluid, effortless motion – make Arabians the ultimate long distance racer. Breed type makes them great working horses with the extra beauty to stand out in the modern equestrian world. Large nostrils, wind-pipe, and wide branches of the jaw maximize air intake; refined black skin with veins near the surface, and “flag” tail carriage aid cooling for a hard-working horse in high temperatures. Although ancient in heritage, Arabian horses are a great choice for modern Americans. To learn more about the Arabian breed visit http://www.arabianhorses3.org.
BLM Mustangs
Mustangs are wild horses found in Nevada, California, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho, and Montana. Mustangs show many different breed influences, depending on where they lived. Despite the various breeds one might see in a Mustang, Mother Nature developed these horses to survive in the deserts of the western states. They tend to have substantial bone and feet; they are very intelligent and curious; they are hardy horses; they have incredible stamina; and they tend to be easy keepers. They come in all shapes and sizes. Even though many of the horses are bay, chestnut, and black, these horses come in all colors and patterns, and perhaps some you might not even know exist! Adopted Mustangs are easily identifiable by the freezemark on their left neck. Mustangs are highly versatile and people use them for trail riding, ranch work, roping, endurance riding, dressage, jumping, driving, and as companions. Wild Burros live primarily in the hot deserts of southern Nevada, southern California, and Arizona. The burros may have come to the west with the prospectors and miners during the Gold Rush. Burros tend to be very docile, loving, social animals. People train the burros to ride, drive, as livestock guardians, and companions. The Mustangs and Burros are managed by the Bureau of Land Management under the Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. You can learn about adopting a Mustang or Burro from the BLM at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or stop by our booth in Building A.
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.
Highland Pony 
The Highland Pony is one of the two native breeds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. As a result, it has over many centuries adapted to the variable and often severe climatic and environmental conditions of Scotland. The winter coat consists of a layer of strong badger like hair over a soft dense undercoat which enables this breed of pony to live out in all weathers. This coat is shed in the spring to reveal a smooth summer coat. This essential hardiness is combined with a kindly nature and an even temperament. The Scottish Highland pony is the largest of the pony breeds in the British Isles. It is listed as vulnerable on the endangered species list. It is an intelligent and very versatile breed. It can be used for various disciplines in riding, driving, trekking and general human companionship. It has a very kind and willing attitude, making it extremely easy to train. It carries the "what can I do for you next?" attitude. It is a very rare breed in North America, with roughly between 40-to-60 ponies in the whole of North America. To learn more about the Highland Pony breed visit www.hpeca.org
Kiger Mesteno
The Kiger is very intelligent and is noted for its stamina and toughness. The disposition of the Kiger displays a unique combination of the fearless, quick-thinking Spanish temperament combined with a gentle, calm willingness to please. A Kiger's overall appearance should be compact and strong while at the same time refined and with a lightness and grace. Kigers carry themselves in a regal way, with an uphill conformation, a medium sized head, a well-crested neck, clearly balanced. The distinctive dun factor is evidenced by a dorsal stripe, stripes on front and hind legs, shoulder stripes and bi-coloration of the mane and tail. Learn more about Kiger Mesteno at www.kigermustangs.org
Peruvian Paso
 The Peruvian Paso breed traces its Spanish roots back over 475 years to when theconquistadors conqueredthe Inca Empire, including what later became recognized asthe South American countryof Peru.They carrythe blood of the Andalusian, Barb and Spanish Jennet. By selective breeding, the distinctive gait, termino (swinging of the front legs in a swimming motion) and agreeable temperament were set into the horse that became the Peruvian Paso. Thegait is a natural 4- beat lateral gait that produces thewidely recognized smoothest ride which along with termino produces a spectacular, stylish action. Peruvian Pasos are used for trail riding, parades, exhibitions and shows. They come in most colors, and generally stand 14.1 to 15.2 hands.They usually weigh 850 to 1100lbs. The Peruvian Paso is also known for its brio, meaning its energy, arrogance and willingness to keep on going. To learn more about the Peruvian Paso visit www.NAPHA.net
Rocky Mountain Horse
 In 1987, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was formed to saved the breed. at the Association's founding, the status of the breed was considered Critical by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. The breed's status has since been moved from Critical and is currently on the Watch List and considered recovering. The Rocky Mountain Horse has a natural four beat gait with minimal ground clearance and minimal knee and hock action as the horse glides forward. Known as the an "Easy Keeper" this horse has rapidly grown in popularity with riders of all ages! Whether an enthusiast of the show ring riding the rail, or taking in nature's gifts on the trail this breed demonstrates its strong natural endurance with a big heart! The "wonderful disposition" of the Rocky is what first captures the heart. The gait is present from birth. Rocky Mountain Horses are capable of performing all of the same gaits as non-gaited horses such as the trot, canter and gallop. The Rocky has long been valued for its beauty, gentle temperament and intelligence. Because they are sure footed on the trail, they have been embraced as the breed of choice in competitive trail and endurance competitions. Versatility is what made the Rocky Mountain Horse the choice of farmers in the rugged Appalachian foothills. They are know as the hearty breed, the Rocky was used to plow fields, work cattle, ridden bareback by children and harnessed up to get the buggy to church. To learn more about the Rocky Mountain Horse visit. www.rmhorse.com
Tennessee Walking Horse 
The 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.
Thoroughbred 
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Thoroughbreds are considered a "hot-blooded" horse, known for their agility, speed and spirit.
Thoroughbreds are used mainly for racing, but are also bred for other riding disciplines, such as show jumping, combined training, dressage, polo, and fox hunting. They are also commonly cross-bred with other breeds to create new breeds or to improve existing ones, and have been influential in the creation of many important breeds, such as the Quarter Horse, the Standardbred, the Anglo-Arabian, and various warmblood breeds.
The typical Thoroughbred ranges between 15.2 to 17.0 hands (62 to 68 inches, 157 to 173 cm) high, averaging 16 hands (64 inches, 163 cm). They are most often bay, chestnut, black, or gray. Less common colors, recognized in the United States include roan and palomino. White is very rare, but is a recognized color separate from gray. The face and lower legs may be marked with white, but white will generally not appear on the body. Coat patterns that have more than one color on the body, such as Pinto or Appaloosa, are not recognized by mainstream breed registries. Good quality Thoroughbreds have a well-chiseled head on a long neck, high withers, a deep chest, a short back, good depth of hindquarters, a lean body, and long legs. Thoroughbreds are classified among the "hot-blooded" breeds, which are animals bred for agility and speed and are generally considered spirited and bold.Thoroughbreds that are born in the Northern Hemisphere are officially considered a year older on the first of January each year; those born in the Southern Hemisphere officially are one year older on the first of August. These artificial dates have been set to enable the standardization of races and other competitions for horses in certain age groups. To Learn more about the Thoroughbred breed visit http://www.ctba.com.
Akhal-Teke
Akhal-Teke horses are known for their smooth grace, athleticism, slim, cat-like build, and their gleaming metallic coats. This breed originated from the region now known as Turkmenistan, where they were the pride of the nomadic Turkic people. These desert tribesmen cultivated the Akhal-Teke’s speed, willingness, and endurance, as the Akhal-Teke was a true part of their culture. In the 1880’s the Russian army invaded Turkmanistan and many of these exotic horses were destroyed in order to cripple the strength of the tribal warriors. Fortunately, both Russian and Turkic horsemen did what they could to save the remaining horses. Some were taken to state farms in Russia and other Soviet territories, some escaped notice in remote areas, while still others were simply set free in the desert to survive as best as they could. From these remaining horses, the modern Akhal-Teke emerged. The achievements and athleticism of Akhal-Tekes in Russia and Europe caught the eye of Americans and the first Akhal-Teke’s were imported into America in 1979. While the Akhal-Teke is still on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s threatened list, this horse is catching the attention of competitors across America. With a little over 500 purebred Akhal-Teke horses in America, many are being used as breeding stock. However, those horses that are being ridden competitively excel in their disciplines. The Akhal-Teke’s fast recovery rates, incredible stamina, smooth agility, and willing temperaments make them ideal mounts for endurance, eventing, jumping, and dressage. Akhal-Teke’s are currently being ridden for fox hunting, vaulting, and pleasure as well. Their diverse colors, metallic glow, and unique conformation make them stand out in any discipline. When speed and stamina are required, this desert breed has a natural advantage. They also thrive on variety and human contact, making them an excellent equine partner. To learn more about the Akhal-Teke breed, please visit akhal-teke.org.
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