Showing posts with label Horse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Horse. Show all posts

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Draft (Draught) HORSES - FRIESIANS and GYPSY COBS


English: Friesian Horse Deutsch: Friesenpferd ...
Friesian Horse Deutsch: Friesenpferd
 (Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Friesians

Brief History

This draft breed is rooted in Friesland, Northwestern Europe, which is now a part of the Netherlands.  The original stock was descended from the order of Equus robustus (the big horse).  In the 16th and 17th centuries, Andalusian lineage was introduced to the bloodline in the form of Spanish stallions which were abandoned on the battlefield during the war between the Spanish and the Dutch.  This new blood endowed the Friesian line with higher knee action, smaller heads, and arching necks.

Description and Characteristics

The Friesian is one of the smaller draft horses, in stature and weight.  In order for Friesians to be deemed purebred, and allowed to be used for breeding stock for a purebred line, they must be at least 14.3 hands (57.2 in., or 145.3 cm.) at the shoulder.  And the subject must be solid black with no white markings on the legs or body.  The typical height is 15.3 to 16.1 hands (155.4 to 163.6 cm., or 61.2 to 64.4 in.).  The Friesian is heavily boned, and the adult averages about 1300 pounds (92.3 stones).  This breed appears to be short and stocky.  The thick manes and tails, and abundant fetlock hair are traditionally allowed to remain full and natural.  The Friesian has a good temperament and is sensible but lively.  The breed can be used for pulling, or for saddle riding.  And while Friesians have the normal gaits - walk, trot, and canter - long tradition has emphasized the "big" trot which is typical of the breed.

Gypsy Cobs vivants en Troupeau, à l'élevage de...
Gypsy Cobs
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
Gypsy Cob

History

This small draft horse traces its roots to the Romanys, who had no need for the larger drafts.  For almost 100 years the Romany people, or Gypsies, have bred the cob to pull their traditional carts and "mobile homes" throughout the country lanes of Ireland and England.  And although many of the "Travelers" - as the ones who move about the country are called - have changed to more modern conveyances, there are still those who cling to the traditional mode of travel.

Even though many people of the Romany heritage no longer travel, they continue to breed these colorful horses as a way of keeping tradition alive.  As long ago the modern Gypsy's wealth is still, in a large part, measured by the size and quality of his horse herd.

Description and Conformation

The Gypsy Cob has no one specific color.  The most common are pinto patterned, piebald, and skewbald.  They are small, in that they traditionally stand 13 to 15.2 hands (52 to 60.8 in., or 132 to 154 cm.) at the shoulder.  They are compact, yet sturdy and durable.  Their stamina allows them to pull a loaded "living wagon", at a steady trot, all day long.

In order to be classified as a traditional Gypsy horse, they must have an abundance of hair and feathering.  The feathering starts at the knee and grows all over the bottom half of the leg to the hoof.

The Gypsy Cob has been bred for a particular type for years, but can trace their ancestral roots back to Clydesdales, Shires, Friesians, and Irish Drafts as well a Connemara, Dales, and Fell ponies.  This horse is typically known to be very sound and sane, a faithful companion, and to possess incredible versatility.



Saturday, January 30, 2016

AMERICAN PAINT HORSE

The American Paint Horse is a breed of horses which are known for having a percentage of white hair over skin combined with another color. This color pattern is one of the most important characteristics of this breed. The American Paint Horse Association is one of the largest breed register centers in the US.

Photo of an American Paint Horse taken by myself
American Paint Horse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every American Paint Horse has white hair combined with some other color found in horses. This includes brown, black, tan, or gray. American Paint horses are related to the American Quarter Horse, and share the same ancestors. The markings on these horses can be anywhere on its body. Like the Quarter Horse, American Paint Horses are known for their speed and athletic qualities.

Strict requirements are necessary in order to register these horses. Both the sire and dam have to be registered in the APHA and the club for Thoroughbreds. At least one of the parents of the horse being registered must be an American Paint Horse. It is also important that the horse being registered have white fur over skin which is another color.  These horses have an excellent temperament, and make great pets.

The American Paint Horse should have a body shape which is the same as the American Quarter Horse. They should be heavy but not very tall, and their center of gravity should be low. They should also be very muscular with a powerful back legs. They should also be able to run extremely fast and maneuver quickly. The American Paint Horse is one of the most popular breeds of horses in the United States today.

Despite this, these horses are susceptible to getting lethal white syndrome, a genetic disease. Some foals are born with a pure white color and do not have a functioning colon. As of this writing, no effective treatments have been found for this disease, and the foal usually dies within two weeks. The death is a very painful process, and they are typically put down once symptoms have been found. The coat color alone is not an indicator that a horse has this disease.



This disease has become well known among American Paint Horse breeders, and many of them have encountered this disease first hand. While it was thought at one time that overos carried this disease, recent research has shown that not all overos carry this disorder, and tobianos and quarter horses may carry it also. Despite these conditions, American Paint Horses are highly prized.