Black horses possess a unique and captivating allure, often featured in folklore and marketing for their dramatic presence. They come in a diverse array of shapes and sizes, each breed boasting its own special characteristics. This exploration delves into the world of these magnificent creatures, highlighting 13 distinct black horse breeds, from elegant racers to robust draft animals.
Friesian
The Friesian breed is immediately recognizable by its quintessential jet-black coat. While occasional chestnut or bay variations and minor white markings can occur, the vast majority of these stunning horses are entirely black. Originating as a draft animal before the Middle Ages, Friesians were employed in farm work and warfare. Typically standing around 15.2 hands, they possess muscular bodies, arched necks, short ears, and are further enhanced by their long, wavy manes and tails. Today, Friesians excel in both riding and driving, and their striking appearance makes them a popular choice for film and television, with notable appearances in Zorro, Interview with the Vampire, Snow White and the Huntsman, and Game of Thrones.
Dales Pony
Hailing from northern England, the Dales Pony is most commonly found in black, though bay, roan, gray, and brown are also eligible for registration. These ponies, descending from working horses used in the lead mining industry, typically stand around 14.2 hands. They feature stocky bodies, muscular legs, and long, silky manes, tails, and feathers. Known for their good-natured and friendly disposition, Dales Ponies are suitable for young riders and driving. Their excellent stamina also makes them ideal trekking ponies. Sadly, with only about 5,000 registered worldwide, the Dales Pony is considered an endangered breed.
Fell Pony
Native to northern England, particularly Cumbria, the Fell Pony shares its ancestry with other native British breeds. Black is a common coat color, alongside brown, gray, and bay. Skewbalds, piebalds, and chestnuts are also present but registered separately. While earlier native ponies were smaller, today’s Fell Ponies typically measure just under 14 hands. They possess excellent stamina and are often seen in competitive driving events and used for trekking due to their steady temperament.
Murgese
The hardy Murgese breed originates from the Apulia region of Italy. Thought to be a cross between local horses and imported Arabians and Barbs, the Murgese typically has a black or dark roan coat, standing between 14.3 and 16.2 hands. It is characterized by a sturdy neck, pronounced withers, a well-developed chest, and strong legs. Its most notable feature is its exceptionally hard hooves, making it well-suited for navigating challenging terrain. Historically used for light draft work and farming, Murgese horses are now popular for cross-country riding and trekking.
Percheron
Originating in the Perche province of western France, the Percheron is another notable draft horse breed. Most Percherons are black or gray, with occasional chestnut, bay, or roan individuals. Originally bred for warfare, they served extensively in World War I due to their calm temperament, making them suitable for forward units and artillery. Once common throughout Europe and the USA, their numbers declined after World War II. However, their value in draft work has led to a population recovery, with around 2,500 Percherons registered annually in the US in recent years.
Mérens
Also known by its older name, the Ariégeois, the Mérens breed hails from the Pyrenees and Ariégeois mountain ranges in southern France. Its origins are believed to date back to prehistoric times, possibly descended from Oriental or Iberian lineages. A defining characteristic of the Mérens is its consistently black coat. Traditionally used for farm and draft work, Mérens 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, demonstrating the success of preservation efforts.
American Quarter Horse
Renowned for its speed, the American Quarter Horse earned its name from its ability to outrun other breeds over a quarter mile. While sorrel is the most common color, American Quarters can be black or nearly any other color. They typically range from 14 to 16 hands, with those used in Halter competitions being taller. Two primary types exist: the leaner, longer-legged hunter (or racing type) and the stock type. American Quarters are frequently seen in rodeos, ranch work, and as show horses. For those inspired by the quintessential American Western riding style, Wild Jolie Cowgirl Boots offer a perfect blend of functionality and style for both rodeo events and everyday riding.
Mustang
Often perceived as wild horses, Mustangs are more accurately described as feral. They are descendants of domesticated horses brought to the Americas by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Black Mustangs are striking, but the breed can be any color, boasting a varied gene pool and diverse body types. Their common traits include hardiness and stamina. Typically standing between 14 and 15 hands, they rarely exceed 16 hands. Thousands of Mustangs were captured for warfare in the early 20th century, leading to a decline in their numbers. The Spanish Mustang Registry was established to preserve the breed, and various laws now protect them from abusive capture methods. Today, Mustangs are found in large numbers across the USA, particularly in Nevada.
Lusitano
Originating from Portugal, the Lusitano is a close relative of the Andalusian horse, with a history dating back to Roman times when it was recognized for its speed. Lusitanos can be found in all coat colors, including black, though chestnut, bay, and gray are most common. They typically stand around 15.3 hands, with some exceeding 16 hands. Traditionally used for dressage, driving, and bullfighting (a version where bulls are not killed), they remain successful dressage competitors. Today, they are particularly renowned in competitive driving, with Lusitano teams achieving world championships.
Andalusian
The Andalusian horse, originating from the Iberian Peninsula, has been recognized as a distinct breed since the 15th century. Prized as war horses and used in diplomacy by the Spanish government, these horses are strong yet elegant. While black Andalusians exist, they are rare; 80% of the breed is gray, with another 15% being bay. The remaining 5% are divided among black, palomino, dun, and chestnut. Andalusians excel in dressage, show jumping, and other equestrian events. Their striking appearance has also led to roles in films, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Peruvian Paso
The result of centuries of selective breeding in Peru, the Peruvian Paso’s ancestors were horses brought from Spain 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 prized. They often have white facial and leg markings, and their manes are thick and luxurious. A distinctive feature is their exceptionally smooth gait, making them comfortable for long rides and capable of covering many miles without tiring rider or horse. The breed remains popular in Peru and globally, used in shows, parades, pleasure, and endurance riding.
Morgan
One of the oldest American horse breeds, the Morgan traces its origins to the 19th century. It was favored for riding and carriage pulling and was extensively used by both sides in the American Civil War for cavalry troops. Black is a common Morgan 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 descend from a stallion named Figure, owned by Justin Morgan. Morgans are celebrated for their versatility, excelling in various disciplines including show jumping, dressage, livestock management, and as therapy horses due to their gentle nature and steady movement.
Tennessee Walking Horse
Emerging in the late 18th century, the Tennessee Walking Horse, or Tennessee Walker, developed from crosses between Spanish Mustangs and Canadian and Narragansett Pacers. Common colors include black, bay, and chestnut, as well as champagne, dun, cream, silver dapple, and pinto patterns. The breed is most famous 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 unique gait has been the subject of abuse through “soring,” a practice of causing pain to horses’ legs to exaggerate their gait. Although outlawed, soring persists, and organizations like the Humane Society of the United States work to combat this practice.
These magnificent black horse breeds, from the powerful Friesian to the agile American Quarter Horse, showcase the beauty, versatility, and rich history of equines. Whether excelling in work, sport, or entertainment, their striking appearance and unique characteristics continue to captivate admirers worldwide.
