By Purpose:
* Warmbloods: Often bred for sport, especially dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Examples: Hanoverian, Dutch Warmblood, Holsteiner, Selle Français
* Coldbloods: Strong, heavy horses often used for draft work. Examples: Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron, Belgian Draft Horse
* Thoroughbreds: Primarily bred for racing, known for speed and stamina.
* Arabs: Known for their endurance, intelligence, and beauty.
* Quarter Horses: Originally bred for speed over short distances, they are versatile and popular for ranch work, rodeo, and pleasure riding.
* Paint Horses: Characterized by their distinctive paint markings, they are known for their athleticism and good temperament.
* Appaloosas: Known for their spotted coat patterns and endurance, they are popular for pleasure riding and trail riding.
* Pony Breeds: Smaller than horses, often used for children's riding and driving. Examples: Shetland, Welsh, Pony of the Americas, Miniature Horse
By Region:
* Europe: Many warmblood and coldblood breeds originate from Europe, including the Friesian, Akhal-Teke, Andalusian, and Lusitano.
* Asia: The Arab, Mongolian, and Yakutian are some Asian breeds.
* North America: The American Quarter Horse, American Paint Horse, and Appaloosa are native to North America.
* South America: The Peruvian Paso and the Criollo are found in South America.
* Africa: The Barb and the Somali are African breeds.
* Australia: The Australian Stock Horse and the Waler are native to Australia.
Tips for Further Research:
* Websites: Websites like the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Paint Horse Association, and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) offer information about specific breeds.
* Breed Registries: Many horse breeds have their own breed registries that maintain records of their lineage and other information.
* Horse Books: There are many books about horse breeds, including encyclopedias and breed-specific guides.
Remember: This is just a starting point! The world of horse breeds is vast and fascinating. Happy exploring!