Think all horses the same? Think again.
Wild Thing: Arabian
An Arabian has the spirit of a rock star: glamorously wild. “They have a natural pride that is evident in their personality,” says Paul Kostial, regional director of the International Arabian Horse Association. Their strong backs and arched necks reflect the courage and stamina of the breed. A word to the wise: tame the beast or it will tame you.
Info: International Arabian Horse Association Region IX, 214-373-7215.
Where to Buy: Josh Quintus, Colonial Wood Training Center, Arlington. 817-461-7461. 45 Arabians.
Cost: $1,000-$100,000.
Art in Motion: Appaloosa
The Jackson Pollock-splotches that spread from rump to shoulders are an appaloosa’s distinguishing feature. This horse excels in all areas of equine prowess—at the family farm, racetrack, or jumping arena—because of its eager-to-please nature. “The diversity of the colors and coat patterns are unbelievable,” says Judy Rich, president of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Appaloosa Horse Club.
Info: Dallas/Ft. Worth Appaloosa Horse Club, 972-596-0788.
Where to Buy: Jackie Lee Jackson, Top Step Farm, Aubrey. 940-365-2081. 150 appaloosas.
Cost: $3,500-$30,000.
Tiny Dancer: Miniature
After more than 400 years, breeders have perfected the toy horse. Miniatures are used primarily as show horses or pets. These mini-horses can only be ridden by children, but there is something to be said for a horse that is less than 3 feet tall. How cute is that? “They are a lot easier to care for. They require less space and less food,” says Duane McPherson, executive director of the American Miniature Horse Association.
Info: American Miniature Horse Association, 817-783-5600.
Where to Buy: Gwen and Louis Springfield, Fantasia Farms, Wills Point. 903-873-4577. 138 miniatures.
Cost: $700-$70,000.
Tough Guy: Morgan
Morgan horses are compact symbols of strength and power. Characteristics of this breed include an upright neck and distinctive head with large eyes and small ears. “They are the only breed that the American government bred for cavalry horses because they have stamina and endurance,” says Georgie Green, regional director of American Morgan Horse Association. That makes them ideal work horses for a ranch or farm. “You can ride them all day long.”
Info: American Morgan Horse Association, 972-727-3663.
Where to Buy: Georgie Green, Roadshow Morgans at Windswept Place, Allen. 972-727-3663. 40 morgans.
Cost: $900-$100,000.
Pretty Boy: American Paint
The paint is the American West’s Cadillac—the breed of choice for style and reliability. Most have white coats sprinkled with islands of color that can be any shape anywhere on their bodies. The value of an American paint is based on the beauty of its coat, not necessarily its athletic ability. “They are close to a quarter horse, but they have color,” says Lana Davis, corresponding secretary of the Texas Paint Horse Club.
Info: Texas Paint Horse Club, 817-431-9999.
Where to Buy: Gary and Linda Gordon, Fossil Gate Farm, Argyle.
942-240-8071. 95 paints.
Cost: $3,000-$150,000.
Working Man: Quarter Horse
Think of the quarter as the Honda Accord of horses. Their calm disposition and speed make them perfect companions on the range or in the gate, which makes them the favorite of modern cowboys, especially in the rodeo. They are very mild-mannered and can even be lackadaisical, which makes them popular for farmers, jumpers, and beginning riders. “Quarter horses are stronger because they are more muscled,” says Rob Werstler, director of racing at the Texas Quarter Horse Association.
Info: Texas Quarter Horse Association, 512-458-5202.
Where to Buy: Carol Rose, Carol Rose Ranch, Gainesville. 940-665-9304. 250 quarters.
Cost: $500-$500,000.
All-American: American Saddlebred
This breed should have the stamp “Made in the U.S.A.” Famous for its war record, the American saddlebred was the breed of choice for generals Lee, Grant, Sherman, and Jackson during the Civil War because of its courageous spirit and strength. After pulling rank, the American saddlebred steadily developed into a show horse. This breed contains high-steppers known for their proud carriage and attitude. “They’re extremely athletic, but they have an elegance and grace,” says Koren Mercer, president of the North Texas American Saddlebred Horse Association.
Info: North Texas American Saddlebred Horse Association, 972-529-5119.
Where to Buy: Patty Milligan,
Milligan Stables, Plano. 972-422-5096.
61 saddlebreds.
Cost: $3,000-$2 million.
The Champion: Thoroughbred
Place your bets on this extremely pure breed. Known for its ability to sustain speed over long distances, the thoroughbred is a horse of sheer will. This horse has a low head and a lighter, longer neck than other breeds so that it can win by a nose. Just beware: they are hot-blooded and have a prissiness that can make you curse. “They are the world’s finest equine athlete,” says Judy Rosson, advertising and marketing director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association.
Info: Texas Thoroughbred Association, 512-458-6133.
Where to Buy: Kirsten Johnson, Oak Creek Farm, Pilot Point. 940-686-5596. 70 thoroughbreds.
Cost: $1,500-$2.5 million.
Note: There are Adopt-a-Racehorse programs where people can get a thoroughbred or quarter horse for anywhere from $400-$1,500. Horses have been injured or lacked success on the racetrack. Groups that sponsor these programs are Racehorse Outplacement Assistance Network (ROAN) at www.quarterpole.com/ROAN/adopt.htm, United Pegasus Foundation at www.unitedpegasus.com and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at www.trfinc.org.
