Gaited Horse Breeds
Gaited Horses are loved around the world for their smooth and easy to ride gaits. They are a favorite for many trail and pleasure riders. I still have more to film, but here is the current list of Gaited Horse Breeds!
Aegidienberger
Breed Origin: Germany
Average Height: 13-15.0hh
Registry: Rheinische Pferdestammbuch
Main Gaits: Walk, Trot, Tolt, Canter
About the Aegidienberger Breed: The Aegidienberger is a relatively new breed developed in Germany. They are a cross between an Icelandic and a Peruvian. There are around 1,000 registered horses.
Icelandic
Breed Origin: Iceland
Average Height: 12.2-14.2hh
Registry: International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations
US Registry: United States Icelandic Horse Congress
Main Gaits: Walk, Trot, Tolt, Canter and sometimes Flying Pace
About the Icelandic Horse: Known as the original viking horse. They have been bred in Iceland for over 1,000 years. Their popularity has continued to grow and they can now be found all around the world.
McCurdy Plantation Horse
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 12.2-14.2hh
Registry: McCurdy Plantation Horse Registry
Main Gaits: Walk, McCurdy Lick, Canter
About the McCurdy Plantation Horse: A rare gaited breed, there are fewer than 700 of them registered worldwide. The breed was developed by the McCurdy family in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
Missouri Fox Trotter
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.0-16.0hh
Registry: Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association
Main Gaits: Flat Foot Walk, Foxtrot, Canter
About the Missouri Fox Trotter: The 19th century was a time of westward expansion in America. Early settlers and pioneers needed a horse that could handle the rugged new life in the Ozarks.
Old Kentucky Saddler (Mountain Pleasure Horse)
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.2-15.2hh
Registry: Mountain Pleasure Horse Association
Main Gaits: Walk, Saddle Gait, Canter
About the Old Kentucky Saddler: Developed in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky. They are the oldest gaited breed in North America. There are currently less than 3,000 alive today.
Peruvian Horse
Breed Origin: Peru
Average Height: 14.0-15.2hh
Registry: North American Peruvian Horse Association
Main Gaits: Walk, Paso Llano, Canter
About the Peruvian Horse: This smooth horse from Peru is naturally gaited. Many say they are the smoothest riding horse in the World! Sometimes confused with the Paso Fino, they are, in fact, a completely different breed.
Racking Horse
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 15.2hh
Registry: Racking Horse Breeders Association of America
Main Gaits: Walk, Rack, Canter
About the Racking Horse: They are known for their gait called the Rack, a smooth four beat gait, where only one foot strikes the ground at a time. In 1975 they were named as Alabama's state horse.
Rocky Mountain Horse
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.2-16.0hh
Registry: Rocky Mountain Horse Association
Main Gaits: Walk, Singlefoot, Canter
About the Rocky Mountain Horse: Bred in the mountains of Kentucky. They have a smooth four beat gait. Known for their beautiful Chocolate coloring with Flaxen mane and tail. They also come in solid colors.
Smokey Valley Horse
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.2-16.2hh
Registry: Smokey Valley Horse Registry
Main Gaits: Walk, Running Walk, Rack
About the Smokey Valley Horse: The Smokey Valley Horse is a recreation of America's historic smooth gaited traveling horse. They are capable of maintaining their gait through a wide range of speed and for long distances.
Spotted Saddle Horse
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.3 - 16.0hh
Registries: Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association & National Spotted Saddle Horse Association.
Main Gaits: Walk, Saddle Gait, Canter
About the Spotted Saddle Horse: Known for their smooth gaits and flashy coloring. The breed was developed in Tennessee. There are two different Spotted Saddle Horse Associations and there can be quite a bit of variety between horses.
Standardbred
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.0-17.0hh
Registry: National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders
Main Gaits: Walk, Trot or Pace, Canter
About the Standardbred: Best known for harness racing, this American breed has some of the fastest trotting horses in the world. There are two different types of Standardbreds, the trotters and the pacers.
Tennessee Walker
Breed Origin: USA
Average Height: 14.3-17.0hh
Registry: Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' & Exhibitors' Association
Main Gaits: Flat Foot Walk, Running Walk, Rocking Chair Canter
About the Tennessee Walker: Developed in Tennessee during the 18th century. Their purpose was to be a utility horse that had a gentle temperament with a stylish and comfortable ride. There are now over 500,000 registered worldwide.
