* Defining a breed: There's no universally agreed-upon definition of what constitutes a distinct horse breed. Some organizations might consider a group of horses with specific characteristics a breed, while others might not.
* Ongoing development: New breeds are constantly being developed, while some existing breeds are on the verge of extinction. This makes it a constantly shifting number.
* Regional variations: The number of recognized breeds can vary depending on the region or organization you're looking at.
However, it is generally accepted that there are over 100 distinct horse breeds recognized worldwide. 350 is likely a very high estimate.
If you're interested in learning more about specific breeds, you can explore resources from organizations like:
* The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
* The American Paint Horse Association (APHA)
* The American Horse Registry of America (AHRA)
* The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
These organizations have extensive information on a variety of breeds and their characteristics.