As it’s documented, horses have existed for the longest time and have constantly helped human beings for various purposes. It is known that there are more than 350 breeds of horses with each having their own unique traits and characteristics. However, here are five of the rarest horse breeds in the world that are still around for now.
1. Akhal–Teke
Believed to be one of the oldest breeds of horses that exist, the Akhal-Teke is immensely popular for their eye-catching metallic sheen. A genetic mutation known as a “dilution gene” is actually responsible for the breed’s extraordinary shiny coat, which has helped earned its nickname as “Golden Horses.” They are known to adapt to extreme climatic conditions and have a reputation for possessing three characteristics, namely speed, endurance, and diligence.It’s widely perceived that the tribes of Turkmenistan selectively bred these horses to refine their physical and aesthetic characteristics. In the past, this breed was used in wars and races. To this day, Akhal-Tekes are depicted on the official coat of arms and on banknotes that are made and issued within Turkmenistan. Additionally, the species is listed as “threatened” on the Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List (CPL).
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2. Curly Horse
Known for their uniquely distinctive curly coat, the curlies are often referred to as Bashkir Curlies, American Bashkir Curlies, and North American Curly Horses.The curlies are known for their calm and gentle personality. The origins of this horse breed has remained one of the greatest mysteries in the horse world, claims Carol Ann Baldwin, a board member of the American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry, according to Equitrekking.
“Research done at UC Davis was able to identify that some of the genetic markers of the Curly can be traced to the distinct breeds of the Quarter Horse and the Morgan,” Carol said. “Other rare and unusual Curly horse traits that emerged from the UC research are found only in feral horses or in those breeds based on the feral herds.”
Another unique characteristic that all horse lovers with allergies could note is that this breed is hypoallergenic for most.
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A close-up shot of a Curly horse's coat. Penella22/CC BY 3.0
3. Black Forest Horse
These gentle and beautiful horses are a light draft from the Black Forest of southwest Germany. Characterized by a dense golden tail and mane that covers both sides of its neck, this breed has immense strength and patience.Possessing a rich chestnut-color coat, the Black Forest horse was mainly bred for work in agriculture and forestry, and its origins date back to 600 years ago. These horses are facing a decline in numbers and are considered endangered.
Monika Kind, Rickenbach/CC BY-SA 3.0
4. Mangalarga Marchador
The Mangalarga Marchador is the national horse of Brazil and is a product of a rich agriculture area. According to the International Museum of the Horse, the Mangalarga are very versatile and can perform a variety of tasks, which include management of large agricultural farms and cattle ranches and a number of nonspecialized sports. This breed of horse is well known for its keen intelligence, docile nature, undying stamina, and regal bearing. Additionally, the breed is smooth-gaited, with two natural intermediate speed-ambling gaits.
Pamela C. P. Olczyk/Shutterstock
5. Sorraia
The Sorraia is one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. This ancient breed is indigenous to the region of the Iberian peninsula, in the Sorraia River basin, in Portugal. These intelligent species with Gullo color are known to have roamed in the wild area. These days, there are a couple of breeders and enthusiasts that are working to preserve the breed as there only a few hundred of them that exist now.
David Wieczorek/Shutterstock
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