Horses were the engines that moved into place the very foundations of human civilization. Since ancient times, people have bred horses to harness their strength—for use in transportation, agriculture, work, and war.
Some have pinned the first domestication of horses to as early as 3500 B.C., while others have pointed to evidence attesting to origins far more ancient, perhaps even 12,000 years ago.
It is widely believed that some of the most ancient breeds of horses came from the steppes of Eurasia. The Mongolian horse is one such breed, yet breeds such as the Caspian compete for the title of the most ancient horse in existence, as do several others. There are myriad ancient horse breeds—all of which have contributed to those of modern times commonly known today.
While some ancient breeds have gone the way of the dinosaurs, others are still in existence and are, in fact, still quite common. Here are seven of the most ancient horse breeds still alive today—although some continue to thrive, others teeter on the brink of extinction and are no longer found living in the wild.
1. Arabian
One of the most common ancient horses still alive today is the Arabian, an equine that traces its roots to the Bedouin tribe some 4,500 years ago. These robust steeds hail from the Middle East but came to be used throughout Rome, Greece, Egypt, and beyond.
In terms of physical characteristics, Arabians are typically 14.1 to 15.1 hands high—horses’ heights are measured in hand spans. They are known for their concave face profiles and high tail carriage. Their coats are often bay, chestnut, grey, roan, or black.
2. Mongolian
The Mongolian horse, as mentioned above, makes a worthy claim for the title of oldest horse in existence. Humans have been riding this short, stocky breed for 4,000 years, according to some, although domesticated horses have lived on the Eurasian steppes for some 10,000 years.
Originally used for war, this robust animal has been ridden by the nomads of Mongolia since ancient times and remains in use today.
3. Przewalski’s
Another notable ancient steed hailing from that particular Asian region is the Przewalski’s horse—a bulky breed that has now become extinct in the wild, with only 2,000 domestic animals in captivity.
4. Akhal-Teke
The Akhal-Teke is not to be counted out as one of the most ancient horse breeds on Earth. Hailing from the region of Turkmenistan, the Akhal-Teke is at least 3,000 years old.
In terms of physicality, this horse has been measured between 14.2 and 16 Hands in height. But perhaps its most remarkable characteristic is its magnificent, glistening coat. It is known for its spectacular metallic sheen that sometimes glimmers like gold in the sunlight. Their coats can also be black, bay, chestnut, or gray. Yet the breed is susceptible to hereditary disease due to a lack of genetic diversity.
5. Norwegian Fjord
A horse of a more Western origin, the Norwegian fjord horse has been dated back to over 4,000 years ago, when the Vikings came to Norway. The Norwegian fjord was used both for war and farming.
6. Icelandic
A less ancient breed of horse than others, hailing from the Viking age, is the iconic Icelandic horse, which settlers brought to Iceland approximately 1,000 years ago. In terms of genetics, they are distant relatives of Mongolian horses.
These unique, photogenic animals come in almost any color and typically measure 13 to 14 hands in height. They are known to be able to perform two additional gaits over and above the three basic gaits.
In 980, to keep the breed pure, the nation’s government banned the importation of horses into Iceland for they saw undesirable traits when it was mixed with other horse breeds. That law remains in effect today, and any Icelandic horse that leaves the country is barred from ever returning.
7. Caspian
Hailing from the regions of northern Iran, the Caspian horse is another front-runner for the title of the most ancient horse breed in existence. The oldest remains of a Caspian horse ever found date back to 3,400 B.C.
This animal—small in stature but of standard proportion and temperament—measures from 9.8 to 11 hands high, and can be found in any solid color.
These equines are still in use today and can be found in many towns in Iran, pulling carts or performing menial tasks. They’re also used in dressage, pony racing, and other sporting activities.
