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There are hundreds of horse breeds found around the world, each uniquely adapted to their local environment and role in human society.

Horses vary widely in appearance, size, and conformation, reflecting the particular conditions of their breed characteristics. Some are strong and heavy, ideal for farm work or pulling loads, while others are swift and agile, perfect for racing or equestrian sports.

Many of North America’s most popular horse breeds are ones developed in Canada or the United States, while others have European, Asian or South American lineage.

Although most North Americans no longer rely on equids for work and transportation, the continent is still home to millions of horses. Modern horse owners primarily use horses for recreation, companionship, and competition.

This article will discuss the most popular horse breeds in North America, particularly on Canadian and United States populations.

Horse Breed Background

Horse breeds are groups of horses with shared characteristics that are distinctively identified and passed down through generations. These characteristics can include external features such as color, size, and build, as well as inherent traits like temperament, gait, and performance abilities.

Key aspects of a horse breed include:

  • Genetic Consistency: Horse breeds are established through selective breeding, where horses with desired traits are bred over generations to reinforce these traits within the population. The offspring consistently exhibit these specific characteristics.
  • Breed Standards: Most horse breeds have defined standards set by breed registries or associations. These standards detail the ideal characteristics, including physical attributes and temperament, that horses of the breed should possess.
  • Registration: For a horse to be officially recognized as belonging to a particular breed, it typically needs to be registered with a breed registry. This process often requires proof of pedigree, demonstrating that the horse descends from recognized members of the breed.
  • Purpose and Use: Many horse breeds were originally developed for specific purposes, such as work, racing, riding, or show. For example, Thoroughbreds are known for racing, Clydesdales for heavy draft work, and Arabians for endurance.
  • Heritage and Origin: Each breed has its own history and geographic origin. The development of a breed is often closely tied to the culture and needs of the people in its region of origin.

Horse breeds may also have common tendencies towards certain health issues or genetic disorders, and they often require breed-specific management and care practices.

The breed of a horse also affects its suitability for various equestrian disciplines and determines the shows and competitions in which it can participate.

Global Equine Demographics

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the global horse population is approximately 60 million. The organization’s database includes records of 786 horse breeds, with varying breed demographics depending on the country. [1][2]

One 2010 study found the Arabian was the most widely distributed horse breed worldwide, present in 59 different countries. The Thoroughbred was the second most widely distributed breed, residing in 45 countries. [2]

North American Population

According to the latest data from the American Horse Council and Equestrian Canada, North America is home to over 12% of the horses in the world. [3][4]

The American Horse Council’s (AHC) 2017 National Economic Impact Study estimated a total U.S. equine population of 7.2 million horses. [3] However, some believe that this number understates how many horses there are in the United States.

A study by Equestrian Canada estimates that between 478,268 – 545,136 horses lived in Canada in 2021. Although, a 2009 report estimated a horse population of 963,500, suggesting that the number may be significantly higher. [5]

Activities and Uses

Surveys by the American Horse Council and Equestrian Canada also reveal the most popular activities and uses of horses in North America.

U.S. Horse Population

The following is the estimated number of horses categorized by activity in the U.S.: [3]

  • Recreation – 3,141,449
  • Showing – 1,227,986
  • Racing – 1,224,482
  • Working – 537,261

Canadian Horse Population

Below is the estimated percentage of horses by use in Canada: [5]

  • Recreation – 28%
  • Amateur Sport – 24.5%
  • Working – 19%
  • Breeding – 14%
  • Professional Sport – 8%
  • Elite Sport – 4%
  • Racing – 2.5%
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In 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) completed an equine census that included statistics on breed populations in the U.S. While this census only reflects horses kept on commercial farms, it offers valuable insight into North America’s most popular horse breeds. [4]

Here is a list of the most popular horse breeds in the United States according to data from the USDA.

  1. American Quarter Horse (42.1%)
  2. Thoroughbred (7.1%)
  3. American Paint Horse (6.8%)
  4. Miniature Horse (5.1%)
  5. Draft Horses (4.7%)
  6. Tennessee Walking Horse (4.5%)
  7. Grade Horse (4.1%)
  8. Arabian (3.9%)
  9. Standardbred (3.7%)
  10. Warmbloods (3.2%)
  11. Saddlebred (2.5%)
  12. Appaloosa (1.9%)
  13. Morgan (1.4%)
  14. Mustang (1.0%)

 

1. American Quarter Horse

By a wide margin, the American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in North America.

Quarter Horses are one of the oldest recognized American horse breeds. Initially bred for quarter-mile races, Quarter Horses thrive as western mounts and working ranch horses. They are well-known for their excellent character and versatility. [6]

Household surveys by the AHC indicate there are 2.1 million Quarter Horses living in the U.S. [3] This accounts for 42.1% of horses in all commercial operations included in the 2015 USDA census, representing the majority of horses in the West and South Central regions. [4]

The American Quarter Horse Association is the official North Americ