Beauty is subjective, but there are several horse breeds that are widely recognised for their striking looks, elegance, and presence. Here are some of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world.
World's most beautiful horse breeds
Arab
It is inconceivable that a list of beautiful horse breeds wouldn't have Arabs on it. These elegant horses have slender limbs, silky manes and distinctive dish-shaped faces.
The Arab is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and is known for its endurance abilities. Bred to travel long distances in the Arabian Peninsula, it is one of the best breeds for the sport of endurance riding. Along with the thoroughbred, they are known as hot-blooded horses as they are often highly-strung and should only be ridden and handled by experts.
Thoroughbred
As the favoured breed for race horses, thoroughbreds are a familiar sight at race courses across the world. These beautiful, lean, speed-machines have long, powerful legs that act as levers which propel the horse forward with explosive acceleration.
The thoroughbred dates back to the 17th century when Britain's stockier horses were crossed with imported Arab horses in a bid to breed faster horses for racing.
Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A)
These dainty, fine native ponies, which don't exceed 128cm, are known for their tiny heads that – thanks to some Arab influence in the past – have elegant dished faces and large eyes with long lashes. Mostly grey in colour, they are popular as childrens' ponies.
Shire
The biggest horse breed in the world, the shire is a majestic gentle giant standing up to 173cm at the shoulder. They are usually black, bay (brown with black mane and tail) and grey and are famed for their big feathers around their fetlocks (ankles).
Morgan
The Morgan horse is a distinct and versatile breed known for its strength, agility, and friendly temperament. Originating in the early 19th century in the United States, the breed traces its roots back to a horse named Figure, who was owned by Justin Morgan, a farmer and musician.
Morgan horses are medium-sized, typically standing between 14.1 to 15.2 hands high, with a compact and muscular build. Their coat colours can vary but they are most often bay, black, or chestnut.
Appaloosa
The Dalmatian of the horse world, the appaloosa is famed for its eye-catching spotted coats. Each appaloosa looks quite different as their spotted patterns are unique.
Appaloosas were initially bred by the Nez Perce tribe, who valued them for their stamina, agility, and ability to handle the rugged terrain of the region.
Andalusian
Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly from the region of Andalusia in Spain, the Andalusian is known for its noble appearance and remarkable versatility. Often called the "Spanish Horse," it has been admired for centuries and is considered one of the most elegant breeds in the world.
Usually grey in colour, their heads are one of the most distinctive features: typically refined with a straight or slightly convex profile, wide-set eyes, and a proud expression that conveys intelligence and spirit.
Lipizzaner
Lipizzaners are known for their stunning white coats (though they are born darker and lighten with age), elegant movements, and classical posture. Their graceful, high-stepping gaits and regal demeanour make them iconic, especially in the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Their calm and intelligent temperament adds to their beauty.