13 Rarest Horse Breeds You've Never Heard Of

The world is home to many horse breeds, each with its own unique characteristics, history, and purpose. Some breeds are more common and well-known, while others are considered rare and endangered. The rarest horse breeds in the world are often those that have a small population, unique physical or behavioral characteristics, or a limited geographic range.

These breeds often have a rich history and cultural significance, and are considered important for preserving genetic diversity within the equine species. Preserving these rare breeds is crucial for their survival and also for maintaining the rich cultural heritage that they represent.

Rarest Horse Breeds

Some of the rarest horse breeds are threatened by loss of habitat, interbreeding with other breeds, and a lack of interest in preserving them.

Akhal-Teke

This breed is native to Turkmenistan and is known for its unique metallic coat, which can range from a pale gold to a shimmering silver. The Akhal-Teke is also known for its speed, endurance, and intelligence.

The Akhal-Teke is considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. There are an estimated 3,000 Akhal-Tekes in the world, with the majority of them located in Russia and Turkmenistan. This breed is known for its distinctive metallic sheen on its coat and its endurance and athleticism. Due to their rarity, they are highly valued and are often used in equestrian sports and horse racing.

American Cream Draft

This breed is a rare draft horse that is known for its light cream-colored coat and gentle disposition. They are relatively small for a draft horse, standing around 14-16 hands.

The American Cream Draft is considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. The breed was developed in the United States in the early 20th century, and its numbers have remained small since then. The American Cream Draft is characterized by its cream-colored coat, which can range from a light yellow to a dark apricot.

The breed is known for its calm and gentle temperament, as well as its strength and versatility. Due to their rarity, they are highly sought after by equestrians and horse enthusiasts. There are less than 300 American Cream Draft horses are known to exist worldwide.

Bashkir Curly

This breed is named for its distinctive curly coat, which is the result of a genetic mutation. Bashkir Curlies are known for their good nature and hardiness.

The Bashkir Curly is considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. It is a small, hardy breed that originated in the Bashkir region of Russia, and it is known for its distinctive curly coat. The curl in the coat is caused by a genetic mutation, which makes this breed unique and highly sought after by horse enthusiasts. The Bashkir Curly is also known for its intelligence, endurance, and good nature.

The exact numbers of Bashkir Curly horses are hard to determine as the population is scattered in different countries, but it is estimated that there are only a few thousand individuals worldwide, which makes this breed considered very rare.

Canadian Horse

The Canadian Horse, also known as the “Little Iron Horse” or the “French Horse,” is a breed of horse that originated in Canada in the 17th century. It is considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, with the breed’s numbers having declined significantly in the past century.

It is known for its strength, hardiness, and versatility, which made it a valuable workhorse in the past. The breed is also known for its intelligence, courage, and good nature. However, due to mechanization in the early 20th century, the breed’s population has greatly decreased.

Nowadays, the population of the Canadian horse is small, but it is considered to be stable. It is estimated that there are around 4,500 Canadian horses worldwide.

Cleveland Bay

This breed is one of the oldest in England, dating back to the 17th century. Cleveland Bays are known for their strength, elegance, and versatility, and have been used for a variety of purposes throughout their history.

The Cleveland Bay horse is considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. The breed originated in the Cleveland district of England in the 17th century, and it is known for its strength, endurance, and elegance. Cleveland Bays were historically used for heavy draft work, as well as for riding and carriage.

Due to their ability to combine power and elegance, the breed was highly sought after. However, with the increased popularity of other draft breeds, such as the Shire and Clydesdale, the Cleveland Bay’s popularity and population has decreased over time.

Nowadays the breed is considered critically endangered and their population is small. The exact number is unknown, but it is estimated that there are around 500 purebred Cleveland Bay horses worldwide.

Exmoor Pony

This pony breed is native to the British Isles and is known for its hardiness, intelligence, and endurance. Exmoors are also known for their thick, shaggy coats, which protect them from the harsh moors where they originated.

The Exmoor pony is considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world. The breed is native to the British Isles, specifically the Exmoor region of southwest England.

The breed is known for its hardiness, endurance, and good nature, as well as its distinctive “dun” coloring and primitive markings. They are small in size, with a height at the withers of about 13 to 14 hands.

The population of Exmoor ponies has varied over the years, with numbers reaching as low as just a few hundred during the mid-20th century. But since then, the population has increased through conservation efforts.

Nowadays the population is considered to be stable and in the thousands. However, due to the small numbers and geographic isolation, the Exmoor pony is considered a rare breed.

Falabella

The Falabella is considered to be a rare breed of horse. It is known for its small size, with mature horses typically standing less than 8 hands (32 inches) at the shoulder. The breed was developed in Argentina by crossing small Thoroughbreds, Shetland Ponies, and other local pony breeds.

Falabellas are known for their delicate build, refined features and kind disposition, They are also considered to be very hardy and adaptable and are typically used for riding and driving.

The exact numbers of Falabella horse is hard to determine, but it is believed that there are only a few thousand individuals worldwide, making this breed considered rare, particularly in some countries outside of South America.

Additionally, breeding Falabellas is not as widespread as other breeds, hence Falabellas can be difficult to find and purchase.

Fjord

This ancient breed is native to Norway and is known for its distinctive dun color and upright mane. Fjords are known for their strength, stamina, and sure-footedness.

The Fjord horse is considered a rare breed because it is an ancient breed that has been relatively isolated for centuries, with little crossbreeding.

Additionally, their numbers have been limited due to their traditional use as work horses, rather than as show or sport horses. Conservation efforts have been put in place to help preserve the breed and increase its numbers.

Galiceño

This breed is native to Mexico and is known for its small size, agility, and endurance. Galiceños were once used by the Tarahumara people for hunting and transportation.

The Galiceño is considered a rare horse breed because it is an ancient breed that has been relatively isolated for centuries, with little crossbreeding. The Galiceño horse is considered an endangered breed, and its numbers are very small.

The Galiceño horse is a Spanish breed that was used as a war horse, and were raised in the Galicia region of Spain. Because of their small numbers and the lack of breeding programs, the Galiceño is considered a rare breed. Conservation efforts are currently in place to help preserve the breed and increase its numbers.

Gypsy Vanner

Also known as the Gypsy Horse, this breed is known for its colorful feathered feet and long, flowing mane and tail. Gypsy Vanners are known for their intelligence, gentle nature, and versatility.

The Gypsy Vanner, also known as the Gypsy Horse or Irish Cob, is considered a rare breed because it is a relatively new breed, developed in the 20th century by Gypsies in the British Isles.

The breed was created by crossing various heavy horse breeds, such as the Shire and Clydesdale, with small pony breeds, such as the Dales and Fell ponies.

The result was a horse with a distinctive, colorful appearance and a strong, stocky build. The breed was used mainly as a draft horse for traveling families.

Their numbers have remained low due to limited breeding programs and selective breeding. Conservation efforts have been put in place to help preserve the breed and increase its numbers.

Kiger Mustang

This is a rare subtype of wild horse native to the high desert country of Oregon, USA. They are known for their distinctive coloration, which features a dark dorsal stripe and “zebra” striped legs. Kigers are also known for their hardiness, endurance, and sure-footedness.

The Kiger Mustang is considered a rare breed because it is a specific genetic strain of the Mustang horse, which is itself a breed that has been relatively isolated for centuries.

The Kiger Mustang is thought to be one of the purest strains of wild horse and is believed to have descended from Spanish horses brought to North America by the Conquistadors.

The Kiger Mustang was discovered in the 1970s on the Kiger Ranch in Oregon, USA. Kigers are known for their unique color patterns, athleticism and good temperament.

Their numbers have remained small due to the limited geographic area they are found, and their genetic characteristics are considered rare. Conservation efforts are currently in place to help preserve the breed and increase its numbers.

Lusitano

The Lusitano is considered a rare breed because it is an ancient breed that has been relatively isolated for centuries, with little crossbreeding. The Lusitano is a Portuguese horse breed, and it is considered one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.

They have been used for many centuries in Portugal for various purposes, including bullfighting, dressage and as a war horse. Their numbers have remained small due to the limited breeding programs and selective breeding.

The breed’s popularity has grown in recent years due to their versatility, athleticism and good temperament, but they are still considered a rare breed. Conservation efforts are currently in place to help preserve the breed and increase its numbers.

Marwari

This breed is native to India and is known for its unique inward-turning ears. Marwaris are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery.

The Marwari horse is considered a rare breed because it is an ancient breed that has been relatively isolated for centuries, with little crossbreeding. The Marwari is a horse breed from the Marwar region in India, and it is considered one of the oldest horse breeds in India.

They are known for their unique and distinctive ear shape, which is curved inward and has a slight twist at the tips, they are also known for their endurance, strength and good temperament.

Their numbers have remained small due to the limited breeding programs, selective breeding, and the fact that the breed was traditionally used for war, and not as a riding horse. Conservation efforts are currently in place to help preserve the breed and increase its numbers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several horse breeds that are considered rare due to their ancient origins, isolation, and limited breeding programs. These breeds include the Fjord horse, Galiceño, Gypsy Vanner, Kiger Mustang, Lusitano, and Marwari.

These breeds are known for their unique characteristics, such as their physical appearance, strength, endurance, and good temperament. Many of these breeds have small numbers, and conservation efforts are in place to help preserve them and increase their numbers.

Despite their rarity, these breeds have a dedicated following, and their popularity is growing as people learn more about their unique characteristics and versatility.

13 Rarest Horse Breeds You’ve Never Heard Of