Black horses possess a captivating allure, frequently gracing marketing campaigns and weaving through the tapestry of folklore. Their striking presence comes in a diverse array of forms and sizes, each breed holding its own unique charm. This exploration delves into the world of 13 black horse breeds, from the refined elegance of racehorses to the robust strength of draft animals, celebrating their beauty and majesty.
1. Friesian
The Friesian horse is instantly recognizable by its quintessential jet-black coat, though occasionally chestnut or bay variations with minor white markings can be found. Primarily a draft animal with a history of use in farming and warfare predating the Middle Ages, the Friesian typically stands around 15.2 hands. They are characterized by muscular bodies, arched necks, short ears, and a dramatic appearance enhanced by their long, wavy manes and tails. Today, Friesians are versatile, excelling in both riding and driving, and their striking looks make them popular choices for film and television, with notable appearances in productions like Zorro, Interview with the Vampire, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Game of Thrones.
2. Dales Pony
Originating in northern England, the Dales Pony is most commonly found in black, though bay, roan, gray, and brown coats are also eligible for registration. These ponies, descending from working horses in the lead mining industry, stand around 14.2 hands tall and possess stocky bodies, muscular legs, and long, silky manes, tails, and feathers. Known for their good-natured and friendly disposition, Dales Ponies are well-suited for young riders and driving. Their excellent stamina makes them frequent choices for trekking. Sadly, with only about 5,000 registered Dales Ponies worldwide, the breed is considered endangered.
3. Fell Pony
Native to northern England, particularly the county of Cumbria, the Fell Pony commonly exhibits a black coat, but can also be brown, gray, or bay. Skewbald, piebald, and chestnut variations exist but are cataloged separately. While ancient native British ponies stood around 12 hands, and those during the Roman occupation reached about 13 hands, modern Fell Ponies typically measure just under 14 hands. They possess exceptional stamina, making them well-suited for competitive driving and trekking, and they are appreciated for their steady temperament.
4. Murgese
Hailing from the Apulia region of Italy, the hardy Murgese breed derives its name from the locale of Murge and is believed to be a cross between native Italian horses and imported Arabians and Barbs. The Murgese typically has a black or dark roan coat, standing between 14.3 and 16.2 hands. Distinctive features include a sturdy neck, pronounced withers, a well-developed chest, and strong legs. Their exceptionally hard hooves make them adept at navigating tough terrain. Historically used for farm work and light draft tasks, Murgese horses are now often employed in cross-country riding and trekking.
5. Percheron
Originating in the Perche province of western France, the Percheron is another notable draft horse breed. While most Percherons are black or gray, some chestnut, bay, or roan individuals exist. Originally bred for warfare, they demonstrated a calm temperament, making them suitable for use in forward units and with artillery during World War I. Once prevalent across Europe and the USA, their numbers declined after World War II. However, their value in draft work has led to a population recovery, with approximately 2,500 Percherons registered annually in the US in 2009.
6. Mérens
Also known by its older name, the Ariégeois, the Mérens is native to the Pyrenees and Ariégeois mountain ranges in southern France and is thought to date back to prehistoric times. The breed’s coat is invariably black. Traditionally used for farm and draft work, Mérens horses are now frequently ridden, and some have achieved success in competitive carriage driving. The breed faced extinction in the late 20th century, with only 40 registered horses in the 1970s. However, dedicated breeding programs have significantly increased their numbers, serving as an example of successful breed preservation.
7. American Quarter Horse
Renowned for its speed, the American Quarter Horse can outpace other breeds over distances up to a quarter-mile, a trait that lends the breed its name. While black is a possible coat color, sorrel is the most common, with nearly any other color also found. Most stand between 14 and 16 hands, though those used in halter competitions can be taller. Two primary types exist: the leaner, longer-legged hunter or racing type, and the stock type. American Quarters are prominent in rodeos, ranch work, and as show horses. For those drawn to the quintessential American Western riding style, Wild Jolie Cowgirl Boots offer a perfect blend of functionality and style for rodeo events and everyday riding.
8. Mustang
Mustangs are more accurately described as feral horses, descended from domesticated horses brought to the Americas by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Black Mustangs are a striking sight, but the breed encompasses a variety of colors due to its diverse gene pool and varied body types. They are characterized by their hardiness and stamina. Mustangs are relatively small, typically standing between 14 and 15 hands, and rarely exceeding 16 hands. Their numbers declined significantly after thousands were captured for warfare in the early 20th century. The Spanish Mustang Registry was established to preserve the breed, and laws now aim to prevent abusive capturing methods. Today, thousands of Mustangs inhabit the USA, with over half residing in Nevada.
9. Lusitano
Originating from Portugal, the Lusitano is a close relative of the Andalusian horse and has been known for its speed since Roman times. While Lusitanos can be found in all coat colors, including black, chestnut, bay, and gray are the most common. They typically stand around 15.3 hands, with some exceeding 16 hands. Traditionally used for dressage, driving, and bullfighting (where bulls are not killed), they continue to excel in dressage and competitive driving, with a four-in-hand driving team winning both the 1996 World Championships and 2006 World Equestrian Games.
10. Andalusian
Hailing from the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian horse has been recognized as a distinct breed since the 15th century. Prized as war horses and even used in diplomacy by the Spanish government, these horses are strong yet elegant. Black Andalusians are rare; the breed is predominantly gray (80%), followed by bay (15%). The remaining 5% includes black, palomino, dun, and chestnut. They are successful in dressage, show jumping, and other equestrian events, and their striking appearance has led to roles in films such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
11. Peruvian Paso
The Peruvian Paso is the result of centuries of selective breeding in Peru, with ancestors tracing back to horses brought from Spain, Panama, Jamaica, and other parts of Central America. Peruvian Pasos can be black, bay, chestnut, brown, gray, palomino, buckskin, roan, or dun, with solid colors being most highly prized. They may have white markings on their face and legs, and possess thick, luxurious manes. A distinctive feature is their exceptionally smooth gait, which is comfortable for long rides, allowing both horse and rider to cover many miles without fatigue. The breed remains highly popular in Peru, with over 25,000 Peruvian Pasos worldwide, utilized in shows, parades, pleasure, and endurance riding.
12. Morgan
One of the oldest American horse breeds, the Morgan traces its origins to the 19th century and was widely used for riding and pulling carriages. Both sides of the American Civil War utilized Morgans extensively for their cavalry troops. Black is a common color, alongside bay and chestnut, with dun, gray, silver dapple, palomino, and buckskin also found. Typically standing between 14.1 and 15.2 hands, they have a compact build, strong legs, and an upright, arching neck. All Morgans trace their lineage back to a stallion named Figure, owned by Justin Morgan. Morgans are celebrated for their versatility, excelling as show jumpers, dressage horses, in livestock management, and as therapy horses due to their gentle nature and steady movement.
13. Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse, or Tennessee Walker, emerged as a distinct breed in the late 18th century from a cross between Spanish Mustangs and Canadian and Narragansett Pacers. Common coat colors include black, bay, and chestnut, as well as champagne, dun, cream, silver dapple, and pinto patterns. The breed is best known for its distinctive “running-walk,” a four-beat gait faster than a regular walk, allowing speeds of 10 to 20 miles per hour. Unfortunately, this gait has been subject to abuse through “soring,” a practice of causing pain to the horses’ legs to exaggerate their gait, which has been outlawed but persists. Support for efforts to stop this practice can be found through organizations like the Humane Society of the United States.
Black Beauties
This exploration has highlighted 13 black horse breeds from across the globe, showcasing these magnificent creatures in various roles – at work, in the show ring, and on the track. Their striking appearance has also cemented their status as stars of the screen. While some breeds are exclusively black, many others feature black coats within a diverse spectrum of colors and patterns, offering a rich and beautiful variety for enthusiasts to admire.
