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HI Spy: Your Favorite Breed


A good horse is a good horse, regardless of who its parents are. Still, once you’ve spent some time in the horse world, you might find yourself developing an affinity for a particular breed of horse.



The docile American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the world. Clearly, its docile nature and dominance in western sports have earned it plenty of fans. But if you’re committed to English sports, maybe Thoroughbreds or one of the European Warmblood breeds is your cup of tea. Or it could be the personable Morgan, the stunning Arabian, the smooth-gaited Rocky Mountain Horse or any of the other beloved breeds you’ll find today.



Sometimes all it takes is a single horse to win you over for a particular breed. If you learned to ride on a Shetland Pony or an American Saddlebred, that exposure is likely to stick with you. Or if your friend’s kind Appaloosa helped you get over a bad riding experience, you may have a soft spot for spots.


Of course, if you’ve found that your favorite equines have been grade horses, those of mixed or unknown parentage, the non-breed could be the breed of choice for you.

Click “Submit a Comment” below and tell us what breed of horse is your favorite, and why. Some of the responses may be selected for a future issue of Horse Illustrated.

One selected response may be selected by the editors to win a monthly prize! If you would like to be eligible for the prize, please include your email address in the comment form (email addresses are not publicly displayed.)

See all HI Spy Questions >>

View Comments

  • I have two favorites, the pony breed any draft breed. But I'd have to say my absolute love would lie with ponies. They just have so much personality and spunk. They can survive a winter snowstorm and don't mind the heat. They teach you to be better (and stronger) riders and always love you.
    My pony is my best friend.

  • I like grade horses those that are mixed breeds that leave you guessing to what their potential.I know its not exactly a breed but I have a grade horse, a quarter horse draft cross and although he is funny looking he is amazing and has so much heart he takes such good care of me when we are out on the trail and doesn't give up

  • My favorite breed of horse is definately the Friesian. They are so beautiful. I love big black horses. They are strong and bold, yet gentle and kind. They have loyal hearts and a sweetness to them. They may be known for their dressage, but they can also be taught to be in movies, jump, and do a bunch of liberty exercises!! Big and black is the way to go!!

  • My favorite breed of horse is a Friesian! I love them!! They are so beautiful and graceful when they move (and when you ride)! :) My second is a Saddlebred.

  • I admire all breeds and mixes of breeds but I've always had a paticular soft spot for Arabians. I enjoy their history, fairy-tale look, dance-like movement and their faithful, gentle, energetic personality.

  • My favorite horse breed is something I cannot decide, for I don't have one single favorite but a couple of favorites.
    I really like gypsy horses because of how beautiful and graceful they look.
    I love quarter horses because of their energetic spirits.
    I enjoy Tennessee Walkers because of how smooth they are.
    and I like Arabians because of how unique and wonderful they are.
    EVERY horse is amazing, but sometimes you just have favorites.

  • I don't know what my favorite horse breed is. I don't think it matters what breed the horse is just the attatued of the horse. But I think if I could only pick 1 horse breed I would have to say the Ranger breed.

  • My Favorite Breed is the Azteca, the Beauty of an Andalusian, and yet gentale and willing of a Quarter Horse. Not many people still know about the Azteca because it is a fairly a new breed

  • The Thoroughbred! They are not only one of the most influencle horse breed they are also the most athletic and beautiful . even a Ex-racer could turn into a childs trail horse! They can do anything there amazing!-

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