Chapter 10 Large-Animal Production 559 Light Horse Breeds Light horses are the horses that most people think about when they picture a horse. These horses are most commonly used as saddle horses. There are literally hundreds of breeds of light horses. Some of the most common breeds include the American Mustang, American Paint Horse, American Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Arabian, Dutch Warmblood, Missouri Fox Trotter, Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, and the Thoroughbred. Dennins W. Donohue/Shutterstock.com American Mustang. American Mustangs come from the feral horses in the American West. To be considered part of this breed, the horse must have come directly from the range or have parents who have come directly from the range. They are typically 14.2 to 15.2 hands tall and have heavy bone and large heads. Conformation varies greatly, depending on the genetics in the area where individual horses are found. Telasecret, AQHA World Champion Producer, Courtesy Clark Rassi Quarter Horses American Quarter Horse. The American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breed registry in the United States, and the Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the nation. The breed got its name from its ability to quickly sprint over a quarter mile. These horses are 14.2 to 16 hands tall and are characteristically eye appealing. They typically have a blending of an attractive head with a refined throatlatch and trim neck. Conformation standards include a long shoulder deep girth strong back, loin, and hip and uniform muscularity in their hip, gaskin, forearm, and chest. Quarter Horses are considered one of the most versatile breeds. They excel at ranch work, both English and western showing, racing, and pleasure riding. Darrell Dodds courtesy of the Appaloosa Horse Club Appaloosa. The Appaloosa breed originated from the horses of the Nez Perce Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. This breed is characteristically 14.1 to 15.3 hands tall. Coloring often includes a spotted coat pattern on either their entire body or over their hindquarters. They are often seen with mottled or spotted colored skin, white sclera around their eyes, and striped hooves. Horses without spotted coloring can still be registered in this breed if their parentage is verified. Appaloosas are used for general riding, showing, and ranch work. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Courtesy of APHA/Paint Horse Journal American Paint Horse. The American Paint Horse breed originated in the United States as a registry for horses who have a coat pattern with large sections of white coloring. They have muscular hindquarters and strong toplines, combined with athletic ability and a willing disposition. They typically range from 14.2 to 16 hands tall. There are bloodline restrictions and horses must have a distinctive stockhorse body type. Horses who are the offspring of American Paint Horse parents, but who do not meet the coloring requirements, can also be registered in this breed. The American Paint is used in a wide spectrum of activities including showing, ranch work, racing, and pleasure riding.