Types, Breeds and Disciplines, Where to Begin
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

For a rider who is new to the equestrian world, becoming familiar with terminology can be a challenging feat. Because horses are categorized several different ways, sorting through the different meanings can be overwhelming. Through experience, a little research and a lot of patience, speaking in equestrian-tongue can become second nature even to the novice rider.

Horses are most commonly categorized depending on their use in equestrian sports, their size and weight, and their origin. Each term has a specific purpose and refers to unique characteristics. The most common categories include horse types, breeds and disciplines, though there can be subcategories within each of these three broader, more general categories.

Horse Types – Size and Weight

Typically a horse is referred to by type when someone is referencing the horse’s physical characteristics, more specifically, the size and weight of the horse. The draft, for example, is a type of horse that falls into the heavy horse category. These horses are much larger than the common riding horse, averaging two ore more hands higher and weighing more than two hundred pounds heavier. Common draft horses in the United States include the Belgian, Percheron, Clydesdale and Shire.

The next horse in this category is the light horse. A light horse has a medium size build, stands roughly fourteen or fifteen hands high on average, and is one of the most common types of riding horse. These horses have many uses and can be seen participating in several equestrian sports. A few common light horses include the Arabian, Morgan, Appaloosa and Cleveland Bay.

The pony is another type of horse. Because these horses are much smaller than an average horse, they are popular among children. A pony weights less than one thousand pounds on average and has a stocky muscular build with a beautiful mane and tail. The Shetland, Galiceno and Hackney are examples of this type of horse.

Horse Types - Blood

A horse can also be categorized by “blood”. A horse may be considered a “hotblood”, “coldblood” or “warmblood”. When someone uses one of these terms they are normally referring to the horse’s temperament. The term hotblood parallels the term “hot-headed” in that this type of horse has a fiery, energetic temperament and dominant personality. A hotblooded horse, such as an Arabian or Thoroughbred, usually has either a Middle Eastern or North African bloodline.

A coldblood can be considered the opposite of a hotblood in that these horses are usually calm and passive. The draft horse, mentioned above, is considered a coldblooded horse. That being said, a warmblooded horse is the result of hotblood and coldblood breeding with the intent of developing a horse that possesses the positive qualities of both types. The Hanoverian is an example of a warmblooded horse.

Horse Breeds

Another popular way to categorize a horse is by its breed. This is probably the most specific way to refer to a horse. Each breed has characteristics that make it unique, from the horse’s size, to its color and temperament. Because of these distinct characteristics, specific breeds are often considered the breed of choice for a particular equestrian sport. The Thoroughbred, for example, is known for its skill on the racetrack. Because each breed has a unique history, the breed of the horse also often indicates its origin. This is similar to referencing the nationality of a person. Because the breed of a horse dictates several unique characteristics, this term can cover a lot of ground.

Horse Disciplines

The term discipline is normally used in conjunction with equestrian sports. Dressage, show jumping, vaulting and eventing are examples of competitive equestrian disciplines. Not only does this term refer to the sport itself, but can also be used to describe a horse’s characteristics. For example, if someone said that a particular horse would be great for endurance competitions, they would probably be referencing their light body weight, swift and steady speed, and energetic temperament. Therefore, the term discipline can reference a specific equestrian sport, or be used to describe a horse with characteristics commonly found in an equestrian sport. This being known, it is not surprising that a young rider new to the equine world may find it difficult to sort through terminology.

The best way for a beginner to become familiar with equestrian terminology is to interact with different horses. Volunteering at a local stable, taking lessons or attending horse shows and other events could provide insight into the characteristics of different horses, and how they fit into different categories. Another way to obtain this information would involve reading a variety of horse books, magazines, news releases, or search the web for interesting facts about horses. When reading, make a special note of the terms used, and how they relate to the horse mentioned. It is amazing how easily someone can sift through terminology just by observing how it is use in the industry.

Horses can be categorized into types, breeds and disciplines. Though this may seem like a simple task, sifting through the terminology can be challenging to any beginner. By interacting with different horses, participating in events and reading literature relevant to equestrian sports, even the novice rider can be proficient in equestrian-tongue.

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