Stable Days

MY FAVORITE BREED ... FALABELLA!

Hi Horse Pals!
I wanted to share my favourite horse breed!
The FALABELLA!

These are the cutest little ponies ever!

I love them because they're small and are very funny!

The Falabella miniature horse is one of the smallest breeds of horse in the world, seldom taller than eight hands (78 cm/32 inches) in height at the withers.

 The Falabella is a rare breed, with only a few thousand individuals existing worldwide. The Falabella, despite its size, is not considered a pony, but rather is a miniature horse.

Thanks horse Pals! 

Your horse Pal Meg!

HUGE T-SHIRT SALE AT THE STABLE DAYS STORE

Hi Horse Pals ~

With Spring here, we're having an awesome t-shirt sale at our store.  Pick up your "It's All About Horses"  tee at the lowest price ever!!  We have super soft tees and stylish tank tops that are perfect for riding or just hanging out!  And they make cool gifts, too!

To go to our store, simply click on the beautiful horse that says "Store" on the top right column of the blog!

Happy Shopping!  Your Horse Pal, @raya

P.S.  Whenever you buy anything from our store, you are also helping animals because a portion of all sales goes to animal rescue!  We also have really cute peace t-shirts, too so check them out!

HORSE PAL, DARBY SHARES THE SKYROS PONY :)

 

Hi Horse Pals ~

Horse Pal, Darby sent this and we wanted to share it with all of you.  Enjoy!

 

Here is a pony that I recently found out about. I found a really good site that tells you horse breeds, and about the horses. It is http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/Horses.htm#R 

Anyway, they have a lot of breeds that I have never even heard of...like this pony, the Skyros Pony.

It is a Greek pony found throughout Greece. It is a light riding and also a draft pony. It is ussually found in the colors white, dun, bay or gray. It also says that the breed is nearly extinct. It's so sad to see many great breeds like the Skyros pony become extinct...

Thanks, Darby!  If anyone else would like to share interesting horse facts, feel free to email us at [email protected] and we'll post them for you.

MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ QUARTER HORSE BY DARBY

American Quarter Horse!!!!!

Why I Like Them: They are a sweet, good natured, all around horse breed. The are also very beautiful, and come in almost any coloring.

History: Back in the late 1700’s the colonists came across a horse breed that combined the English horses with the Chickasaw breed, which was a descendent of the Arabia and Barb, brought into the southeast United States by the Spanish Conquistadors. What they had was a small, sturdy horse that was quick and nimble and showed signs of superior intelligence and a willingness to work. As flat land horse racing became popular, this fast animal, achieving speeds of up to 55 miles per hour over short distances soon dominated the quarter mile track and was aptly named the quarter miler, or quarter horse. As the quarter horse breed continued to gain popularity, its gentle nature led it to be used as a riding horse and due to its strength was soon performing other work on many of the early farms. The breed seemed to have a natural instinct for working around cattle as well. When the settlers began surging west in the 1800’s, the quarter horse breed was the horse of choice of the early cowboys, being used for cattle round-up due to their speed and agile maneuverability and quickly became the horses that cowboys counted on for their daily duties on cattle ranches. As with most activities undertaken by the early cowboys, the duties performed by them and their horses, quickly turned into competition, setting the stage for rodeo riding, and the quarter horse breed excelled at calf roping, team roping and barrel racing.   ~~~  http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/american-quarter-horse.shtml

 Facts:

1. The AQH has a small straight head, with alert eyes and ears.

2. The horse has a big, wide, broad chest.

3. The AQH can be used for any riding, from Western Ranch Sorting and Team Roping to Ausstralian Equitation.

4. The American Quarter Horse is one of the most versatile breeds, with affinities for racing, working, and riding. The Quarter Horse outnumbers every other breed of horse in the world. With a registry of over a million registered horses he is popular everywhere. The AQHA has been registering horses since the 1940s which is a relatively short amount of time compared to the much older Arabian breed. ~~~  http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_most_popular_breed_of_horse

 Movies:  Work'n Quarterhorse: Ranch Horse (Part 1),   Casey's Shadow,

The Winning Halter Horse

Books: The American Quarter Horse: An Introduction To Selection, Care and Enjoyment,  American Quarter Horse Journal,  Horse Diaries #3: Koda,  Legends: Outstanding Quarter Horse Stallions and Mares (Volume 1)

Photos:

 

 
 


Thanks, Darby!!  This was a great idea for a column, Lisbeth!  We love the Arabian and the Quarter Horse, too!  Your Horse Pals, @raya and @very

MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ ARABIAN BY LISBETH

Hi Horse Pals ~

Lisbeth has a great idea for the blog ... here it is!!  So, send us your stories soon and we'll post them here!!

Your Horse Pals, @raya and @very

I had an idea for the blog. A column called My Favorite Horse Breeds or something. The horse pals could send in photos, facts, the history of the horse, books and movies with the breed in it and why it's one of their favorites! Here's the first one if you like the idea!

My Favorite Horse Breeds~ Arabian 

Why I like them- They're so majestic and beautiful!

History- The Arabian is from Arabia. They were used for military work and were very important to the Arab people. They were bred with English mares to produce the Thoroughbred. 

Facts- 

1. They have small heads that are concave, small ears and an arched tail carriage

2. They are used for almost every type of riding including ranch work, parades and hunting. 

3.  They are one of the most popular breeds in America.

Books-  Arabians and The Black Stallion

Movies-  The Black Stallion

Photos-

I hope you like Arabians as much as I do!

Lisbeth   (   My Dream Horse- Black Arabian   )

CHECK OUT OUR NEW STABLE DAYS STORE FOR AWESOME HORSE GIFTS!

Hi Horse Pals ~

Avery and I are so excited to launch our own Stable Days Store!  Click on the store button located on the right column at the top of our blog to check it out.

We have created a "Live Your Passion" line of products that go with our motto of 'playing hard and living free'.  We helped design these t-shirts and tote bags and hope you all like them. 

 

You will also find our Stable Days DVD for sale in our store.

The cool thing about buying any products in our store is that you are also helping animals because we donate a portion of all of our sales to animal rescue.

Our t-shirts and tote bags make great gifts for all your family and friends.

Happy shopping, @raya and @very

P.S.  We are in the process of designing a dog tee so check back soon!!

  

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ AUSTRALIAN STOCK HORSE

Hi, again!

This week we are doing the Australian Stock Horse and let me tell... oh just read this yourself!!! :)  !!!

 

1: The Autralian Stock Horse dates back to one of the 9 first horses imported to Austalia, in January of 1788!

2: The Australian Stock Horse ranges from all colors, so you can find one to fit you!

3: The Australian Stock Horse is sure footed but does better on flat ground.

4: The Australian Stock Horse is a muscular breed, with long legs enabling it to jump pretty good.

 

5: The Australian Stock Horse is mostly used for English riding including jumping, dressage and eventing, but they can be used for western riding also.

 

I hope that you find an Aussie to fit your needs, mate!!!

written by Horse Pal Darby

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ ROCKY MOUNTAIN HORSE

Okay, this is my first article about horses on this site.  I chose the Rocky Mountain Horse because they have a  very unique color. Take a lookie!!   1: The Rocky Mountain Horse was first made in the  1800s but no one really knows for sure how or at the  exact date that they were made. Only generations of  stories about these magnificent horses have been  reported.  2: The Rocky Mountain Horse was originated from  the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky.   3: This breed was considered to be an all seasons  horse to the inhabitants of Kentucky.  These horses are sound, sure footed, easy gaited and the mount for any rider.  The inhabitants of Kentucky had used these horses to plow fields and ride day after day, these horses  were what made their life work. The horses were  exhausted by the time that the day was finished,  but the have enough stamina to keep working and going day after day.  4: These horse's color ranges from black coat  color and a fflaxen mane and tail to a very light  colored coat with a flaxen or brown/chestnut  colored mane and tail. These horses can also  come in the all brown color of coat and mane just like the horse above.   5: The Rocky Mountain Horses existence  depended on one horse, TOBE. TOBE was owned  by Sam Tuttle, who had fell in love with the Rocky Mountain Horse. TOBE had sired many Rocky  Mountain Horses, until people had fell in love with  the Rocky all over again. Tobe sired many Rockies until his death at the age of 37 years old. Everybody  who loves the Rocky Mountain Horse has TOBE on  their mind.  So, if you are looking for a sure footed horse for a beginner rider or an experienced rider, English or  western riding, look into a Rocky Mountain Horse. written by Horse Pal, Darby

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ BASHKIR CURLY HORSE

Hi Horse Pals ~

We are going to highlight the Bashkir Curly Horse based on a special request from Eloise. We hope you all enjoy learning about this breed!   BASHKIR CURLY HORSE

Fact #1:  The Bashkir, also known as the Curlies, carry a gene for a uniquely curly coat of hair.  The unique gene can be expressed minimally where the horse has curly hair inside ears, at fetlocks and a kinky mane and tail or maximally where a horse has curls all over its body, an extremely dreadlocked mane, curly eyelashes and guard hairs.

Fact #2:  Horses with curly coats are most certainly an ancient breed.  They have been depicted in art and statues in early China as far back as 161 AD.  It is a mystery how they came to the U.S.  but there is evidence they have been in North America since the early 1800s.

 

Fact #3:  The Bashkir has unusually tough black hoofs that are almost perfectly round in shape.  Many Curlies with white legs will still have four black hoofs.

Fact #4:  Curlies are most often chestnut colored but can be found in every color, even Appaloosa and Pinto coloring.  Most Curlies stand between 14 and 16 hands.

Fact #5: Though eye catching and unusual in , the show ring, Curlies have the movement, enduranace and heart to excel in competition.  Several Curlies have made a name for themselves at upper levels of dressage and show jumping.

Fact #6:  Couldn't resist this last one!  Curlies are acclaimed to the only hypoallergenic horse breed so they are a great choice for the horse lover who is allergic to horses!  Most people allergic to horses suffer no allergic reaction when near a Curly.

We hope you enjoyed learning about this beautiful breed.  We sure did!!  We love their curly hair!  Let us know if there's another breed you'd like us to highlight.  Also, if you've written any horse stories or poems you would like to share with our Horse Pals, make sure to send them in and we'll post them for you.

Your Horse Pals, Araya and Avery

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ SHETLAND PONY

Hi Horse Pals ~

Cayce recently requested we highlight Shetland ponies, so here it is, for you Cayce!!  Enjoy!

SHETLAND

Fact #1:  The Shetland is native to the Shetland Islands off Scotland and although its roots are unknown, it is an ancient breed and has been around a long time!!  Think 8000 B.C.!  Wow!

 

Fact #2:  Shetlands are possibly the strongest breed in relation to their size and can survive extremely harsh conditions.

Fact #3:  Sheltands are measured in inches or centimeters rather than in hands and they can be up to 42 inches.  

Fact #4:  In winter, the Shetland pony grows a double coat as protection against the climate of its native home.  The coast has "guard hairs" which shed rain and make for an extremely waterproof winter coat.

Fact #5:  Shetlands excel at scurry driving a type of speed driving competition where contestants are timed as they drive around an obstacle course, often leaning at very sharp angles as they go around corners.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about a pony that is a very popular children's riding horse.  If you own a Shetland, send us photos of you riding. We'd love to share them with our Horse Pals.

Happy trails,

@raya and Avery

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE

Hi Horse Pals,

Due to a special request from Eloise, we are going highlight the Tennessee Walking Horse. Early in our riding careers, Avery and I got a chance to ride a Tennessee Walking Horse. Our friend owned a few Tennessee Walkers and at her barn it was all Tennessee Walking Horses! And a few others, of course.  They were so beautiful and their gaits were so smooth - it was a really nice ride! 

So, let's get to the facts:)

TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE

Fact#1 :  The Tennessee Walking Horse was developed in the 1800s in Tennessee, America by land owners who wanted a comfortable riding horse for use on their land.

Fact#2 :  The Tennessee has an unusual stance with both pairs of legs pushed away from the body.

Fact#3 :  The Walkers have three very comfortable gaits - the flat walk, the running walk and the smooth rolling canter.  Both the walks are a 4 beat pace.    

Fact#4 :  The Walker can be any solid color, and stand between 15 and 16 hands.

Fact#5 :  The Walker is said to be the most good-tempered of all horses.

 

And an extra bonus fact!

Fact #6:  Strolling Jim was foaled in 1936 and was bred by Ed Gilliam near Viola, Tennessee.   He was a chestnut gelding with a near hind sock, a star and a snip.   He was a three-year-old when he won Grand Championship honors at the first Celebration in 1939. 

We hope you enjoyed this horse breed.  Thanks for the suggestion, Eloise! 

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ FRIESIAN

Hi Horse Pals ~ 

Great guesses for our next horse breed ... it's the Friesian, one of my favorite breeds!!  I had so much fun finding the gorgeous photos that follow.  Enjoy!

FRIESIAN

Fact #1:  So, I thought I'd make the first fact about the Friesian's color ... it's always black! And very beautiful, I must say!  Friesian horses are sometimes referred to as Belgian Blacks.

Fact #2:  The Friesian is one of Europe's oldest horses and hails from Friesland in the north of the Netherlands.   It has had an influence on a number of other breeds, specifically the Oldenburg and Fell and Dales ponies.

Fact #3:  Color alone is not the only distinguishing characteristic of the Friesian.  They also have a long, thick mane and tail, and "feathers"--long, silky hair on the lower legs, deliberately left untrimmed.

Fact #4:  The Friesian's average height is 15.3 but they can vary between 14.2 and 17 hands.

Fact #5:  Ancestors of the modern Friesians were used in medieval times to carry knights to battle. 

Another fun fact!:  Due to its flashy appearance, the Friesian has become popular in the film industry.  Films such as Eragon, The Mask of Zorro, Alexander, The Chronicles of Narnia and 300 have all featured Friesian horses.   

Okay, Horse Pals, let us know what horse you'd like us to feature next and we'll pick one from the suggestions.  We look forward to your picks!

@raya and Avery

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ MISSOURI FOX TROTTER

Hi Horse Pals ~

I thought it would be fun to highlight the Missouri Fox Trotter, so here it is!

MISSOURI FOX TROTTER

Fact #1:  In the early 19th century, the Missouri Fox Trotter was developed from horses in the Missouri Ozarks and bloodlines can be traced from the horses of early settlers coming to the Ozarks from neighboring states of Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas. Their horses were depended upon for their surefootedness in this mountainous region and their ability to do whatever was needed around the homestead ranging from plowing, hauling logs and working cattle, while at the same time being able to double as a stylish buggy horse or riding horse for the family. Whatever the need, this using horse proved capable and adaptable, later becoming known as the Missouri Fox Trotter.  I bet Laura Ingalls' family and their friends had Fox Trotters!

Fact #2:  The breed is best known for its unique gait, known as the fox trot, a four-beat diagonal gait in which the horse appears to walk with its front legs and trot with its hind. The gait, however, is not a mixed patter of footfalls, it has a clear pattern of diagonal foot movement where the front foot hits the ground a split-second before the opposite rear foot. The head shakes in unison with the rhythm of the gait. The tail perfectly balances the movements of the head.

Fact #3:  Because the Missouri Fox Trotter has a four-beat motion rather than a two-beat trot, the gait is easy to sit. It is accompanied by an up and down head nodding. The horses, unlike some other gaited breeds, do not have high-stepping action, but rather a very smooth, comfortable ride. The fox trot can be maintained for great stretches of time, reaching speeds up to 12 mph. A Fox Trotter can also perform a speed fox trot which goes 12-18 mph. 

 

Fact #4:  The Missouri Fox Trotter is also known for its stamina and soundness. The horses have a willing and gentle disposition, and are very surefooted. 

Fact #5:  The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse generally stands between 14.2 and 16.2 hands in height, and averages between 900 to 1200 pounds.  They come in most equine coat colors.

I hope you all enjoyed learning more about the Missouri Fox Trotter.  I think it would be fun to ride one some day! My sister, Avery and I have both ridden Tennessee Walkers and we enjoyed their unique gait.  Let us know if you've ridden a Fox Trotter and send us photos if you have them.

Our next breed is known for its distinctive color.  I look forward to your guesses!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ HAFLINGER

Hi Horse Pals ~

In honor of Snickers and our Horse Pal, Elizabeth, we are going to highlight the Haflinger.  I love learning about new horse breeds and hope you enjoy this post.

                                       HAFLINGER

Fact #1:  The Haflinger is an old breed of small horse that originated in the mountains of the Austrian Tyrol. The name comes from the village of Hafling, part of Austria prior to the end of World War I, but now, located in Italy.

Fact #2:  The Haflinger is a small but powerfully built pony that is around 14 hands in height and is Chestnut in color with flaxen manes and tails.

Fact #3:  Haflingers which are entered in the breed's stud book are traditionally branded.  The brand mark is the alpine flower, the edelweiss, at the center of which is placed the letter "H".

Fact #4:  The Haflinger is known for its distinctive gait. It has a rhythmic gait that covers a large amount of ground.  The walk is relaxed but energetic and the trot and canter are elastic, energetic and athletic with a natural tendency to be off the forehand and balanced.

Fact #5:  The Haflinger is noted for its longevity and often live to be in their late 30's and reproduce well through their 20's. 

I love Haflingers and was very happy to feature them and learn more about them.  Next breed's clue:  Like the Haflinger, this horse breed has a unique gait.  Happy guessing!!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ BARB

Hi Horse Pals ~

Our next highlighted horse is the Barb.  I thought it would be fun to highlight this ancient breed which some say may trace back to a group of wild horses that survived the Ice Age making it the oldest horse breed!

BARB  

Fact #1:  The Barb comes from the coastal regions of North Africa, countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia and was formerly known as the Barbary Coast.  Like the Arabian, the Barb has had a tremendous effect on many horse breeds we see today.

Fact #2:  The Barb is a desert horse and known to possess swiftness, incredible endurance, and surefootednes, enabling him to gallop headlong up and down steep ravines that would give most other breeds pause. It is prized for its speed over short distances, and its loyalty and docile attitude.  

Fact #3: Throughout the world, Barbs are recognized as critically endangered. Through my research, I found the beautiful Abaco Barbs (see photo below) that live on the island of Abaco in the Bahamas.  There are only 8 of these beauties left in the world and there is an organization called arkwild.org whose goal is to preserve this breed and make the world aware of its existence.

Fact #4:  The Barb is between 14.2 and 15.2 hands and predominantly gray, but can be bay, brown, black or chestnut.

Fact #5:  One of the most famous Barb Horses, Roan Barbary belonged to the English King Richard II at the end of the 14th century. 

I hope you all enjoyed learning more about the Barb.  I thought it would be fun for you all to choose the next highlighted breed, so instead of giving you a clue, you can send in your nomination for the next breed and I'll choose one.  Simply leave the breed of your choice in the comments of this post.  I look forward to your suggestions!!

Happy Trails,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~THOROUGHBRED

Hi Horse Pals,

Happy Valentine's Day!!  In honor of the day of 'love', I have chosen a breed my sister and I love, the Thoroughbred!  Quite apart from being the world's supreme racehorse, the Thoroughbred has played a vital part in the upgrading of numerous old horse and pony breeds and in establishing as many new ones.  

THOROUGHBRED

(This color above is a rare one in the Thoroughbreds)

Fact #1: The Thoroughbred originated in Great Britain and its genetic origin is Arabian.  The "foundation" stallions of the breed were: the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian. They were bred to native sprinting mares -- very probably Scottish Galloways -- and the resultant foals were the first Thoroughbreds.

Fact #2:  In addition to racing, Thoroughbreds compete in eventing, show jumping, and dressage at the highest levels of international competition, including the Olympics. They are also used as show hunters, steeplechasers, and in western riding speed events such as barrel racing.   Thoroughbreds can also be seen as mounted police, on polo and fox hunting fields.

Fact #3:  The first Thoroughbred horse brought to America was Bulle Rock, imported in 1730 by Samuel Gist of Hanover County, Virginia.

Fact #4:  The Thoroughbred comes in all solid colors, the most common being bay, chestnut and brown and the height ranges from 15.2 16.3 hands.

Fact #5:  There are many famous Thoroughbreds and here are just a few racehorses: Secretariat ~ in 1973, the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Citation in 1948, won 16 of 21 starts, fourth all-time money winner. Tied or broke 5 track records. Secretariat sold for an all-time high of $6,080,000.

Native Dancer ~ this silver gray horse won 21 of 22 races in his career. Owned by Alfred G. Vanderbilt, best two-year-old of 1952 and champion three-year-old in 1953, retired in 1954. Sired Raise A Native, Majestic Prince and Kauai King. 

I hope you love the Thoroughbred as much as I do!  To give you all a bit more time to guess, I will start featuring a new breed every other week.  Here is a clue for the next horse or pony breed:)  This breed is known for its stamina and endurance.  Good luck!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya 

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~APPALOOSA

Hi Horse Pals,

This week's horse is the Appaloosa.  I chose this horse because it is one of Dandy's Horse Pals at the barn.  So, this one's for you, Snoopy!  You can check out Snoopy in our photo albums.  

                                                          APPALOOSA

Fact #1:  Once almost extinct, the American Appaloosa is now one of the most numerous horses in the world!

Fact #2:  The Appaloosas descended from spotted Spanish horses brought to America and prized by the Nez Perce Indian tribe.  They got their name from the Palouse River in the Pacific Northwest.

Fact #3:  There are 5 main coat patterns.  A leopard is white with black/brown spots.  A snowflake has white spots on a dark body.  The blanket is white without dark spots over the hips, a marble is mottled, and a frost has white specks on a dark background.

Fact #4:  In America gaited spotted horses, those who show the ability to perform an intermediate gait other than the trot (such as the rack, foxtrot, running walk or pace) are termed Walkaloosas.  Like the Appaloosa, it is known for its kind, sensitive nature and makes an outstanding pleasure and trail horse.  (Cool fact, huh?!)

Fact #5:  Appaloosas are highly versatile horses, seen in western riding competitions that include cutting, reigning, rodeo, barrel racing and pole bending.  They are also used for English riding in hunt seat, dressage and hunter style events. There is horse racing for Appaloosas, and they do well in endurance riding as well as being casual trail riding companion animals.

Fact #6:  I couldn't pass up adding another fact again!  Appaloosas are often seen on the big and small screen in Western movies and television series.  "Cojo Rojo" starred in the Marlon Brando filmThe Appaloosa and "Zip Cochise" was ridden by John Wayne in the 1966 film El Dorado.

 

This was a really fun breed to research and I even found a really cool Appaloosa Museum.

Here's a clue for next week's breed:  this horse breed can be found in MANY different breeds!

Happy hoofin',

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ FALABELLA

Hi Horse Pals, 

So, this week's breed tied in perfectly with our friends' Steve and Tamara's visit to South America.

Here are some fun facts about the Falabella:

FALABELLA

Fact #1:  The little Falabella is named after the family who created it near Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the early 1900s.  They crossed tiny Shetland ponies with a small Thoroughbred and kept breeding using the smallest ponies produced, creating the smallest breed of horse in the world..

Fact #2:  Although its size suggests it is a pony, its proportions make it closer to a miniature horse, standing around 7 to 8.2 hands.  

Fact #3  Falabella foals stand only around 4 hands (that's only 16 inches!) and the mom is pregnant for 13 months, two months longer than other horses and ponies!  

Fact #4:  Most Falabellas are considered intelligent and easily trainable. Due to their size, Falabella horses can only be ridden by very small children, and thus are generally shown in-hand at horse shows. They can be taught to drive, and cart driving is a favorite pastime of Falabella owners. They also are able to jump obstacles up to three feet, though only in-hand, without a rider.

Fact #5:   Falabella's most common colors are bay and black, but there are also pintos, palominos and other spotting patterns found.

I hope you love this little horse as much as I do!  Here is a clue for next week's breed...

this breed is often featured in movies!

Good luck!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ MORGAN

Hi Horse Pals ~

I chose the Morgan because I love the story of how the breed got its name.  I hope you enjoy it, too!

            MORGAN

Fact #1:  Justin Morgan, the first Morgan horse named after his owner, was foaled in 1789 and originally named Figure.  As a 2 year old, he was sold to Justin Morgan, a schoolteacher who used the little bay stallion to work long, hard hours plowing fields, carrying his master in the saddle and pulling a carriage on the roads of Vermont. Though he was not as big as the colonial workhorses and not as tall and long-legged as the racehorses, he consistently outperformed both and made himself famous!  Once he pulled a log no draft horse could budge, once he carried President Monrose on a muster-day parade, and once he outran the most winning racehorse central Vermont had ever known! 

Fact #2:  The Morgan horse is a remarkable horse and possibly one of the most important American breeds of horse and it influenced many other breeds, most notably the Tennessee Walker, Standardbred and Saddlebred. 

Fact #3:  The Morgans are stong, brave and versatile.  They are equally at home in harness and under saddle and are widely used for leisure riding all over America.  They excel in almost all disciplines of horsemanship.

Fact #4: Today's Morgans differ little from Figure.  The average size is between 14.2 and 15.2 hands and they are predominently bay, chestnut or brown although some black, palomino, buckskin and even a few grays appear in the breed.

Fact #5:  The Morgan has a characteristic stance, with the front end thrust forward and the hind legs pushed straight out behind them.

I had so much fun with this one that I'm giving an extra bonus fact!

Fact #6!:  The Morgan horse made such a fabulous story that a book and movie were made about it.  The popular children's book, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, is written by famous equine writer Marguerite Henry and Walt Disney Studios released the movie, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, in 1972.  

So, here's a clue about next week's breed: this breed is from South America!

Guess away and happy riding!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ PERCHERON

Hi Horse Pals,

This weeks' horse is the well known Percheron.  

                                                        PERCHERON

Fact #1:  Originally from the La Perche district of Normandy, France, the Percheron is one of the most popular draft horses and is found world wide.

Fact #2: One of the tallest horses on record was a Percheron named Dr. Le Gear.  He was foaled in 1902, stood 21 hands and weighed 2,995 pounds!

Fact #3: They can stand between 15.2 and 19 hands, can weigh up to 2,600 pounds and are typically come in black and gray.  

Fact #4:  The versatile Percheron has been used as a warhorse, for draft and farm work and also as a riding horse.

Fact #5:  For a heavy horse, they have grace and freedom of movement, and amazing stamina, being able to travel in trot, on average, an incredible 35 miles a day!

I hope you love the Percheron as much as I do.  Some say they may have existed since the Ice Age!  Wow!  

Here Is a clue for next weeks' horse: it is named after a person.

Good Luck!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ DUTCH WARMBLOOD

Hi Horse Pals,

So this one was a bit harder to guess, eh?  He He.  This week's Horse is the Dutch Warmblood and he is a beauty!

DUTCH WARMBLOOD

Fact #1: The Dutch Warmblood is a relatively young breed that was created in the 1900s in the Netherlands and combines the best elements of both the Gelderlander and the Groningen with the English Thoroughbred.

Fact #2:  The Dutch Warmblood is possibly the most successful of the competition breeds.

One of its own has the title of world's most successful show jumper and one of the most famous dressage partnerships of all time was Jennie Loriston-Clarke and Dutch Warmblood, Dutch Courage.

Fact #3:  Dutch Warmbloods are usually bay, gray, chestnut or black in color and stand between 15.3 and 16.3 hands.

Fact #4:  The Dutch Warmblood is a strong and athletic breed, known for its calm temperament.

Fact #5:  A Dutch Warmblood stallion named Brego played Aragorn’s steed in all three Lord of the Rings movies. 

I think this is one of the most beautiful breeds of all!  I love how they jump and how they move!  I hope you enjoyed this highlight as much as I did!

So, for this week's clue ... this horse is a large one!  Good luck!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya                                                                 

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ QUARTER HORSE

Hi Horse Pals,

Horse Pal, Cayce requested the Quarter Horse and in honor of her horse Annie, this is the horse of the week.

                                                               QUARTER HORSE

Fact #1:  The Quarter Horse was first bred in Virginia in the 1600s for riding and farmwork and is the first "all-American horse".

Fact #2:  The Quarter Horse is one of America's oldest and certainly one of the most popular horses in the world, with over three million registered in the U.S.

Fact #3:  The Quarter Horse comes in any solid color and they range in size from 14.3 to 16 hands.

Fact #4:  The Quarter Horse has extraordinary versatility because of its exceptional temperament. They are used for all areas of leisure riding, in competitive sports, especially the rodeo, all forms of ranch and cow work and once again on the racetrack.

Fact #5:  Wimpy, the first registered Quarter Horse, was born in the 1930s and sired over 150 foals!!!  He was a chestnut colored stallion, with a star and a sock on his left hind leg. When fully grown, he was 15 hands high and weighed about 1200 pounds.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about the Quarter Horse.  You may remember in Stable Days I rode a Quarter Horse pony named Laurel so I have a special place in my heart for Quarter Horses.

So, here's my clue for next week's horse ... I'm going to make it a bit tougher!  This horse is from Europe and often bay in color.  Happy guessing!!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ ARABIAN

Hi Horse Pals ~

The first 2 horses I rode were Arabians, OB and Biffy, and so I am happy to highlight them. They are considered by many people to be the most beautiful equine animal in the world.

ARABIAN

Fact#1::  The Arabian originated in the Middle East and to the Arab people is called keheilan, meaning " pure blood, through and through".  They are the oldest and purest of all horse breeds.

Fact#2::  The Arab is quite unique in its conformation.  The Arab has 17 ribs (other horses have 18); five lumbar vertebrae (other horses have 6); and 16 tail bones (other horses have 18).

Fact#3::  The head is small and elegant, with a "dished," or concave, profile.  The neck has a high crest and the angle at which the neck joins the head, called the mitbah, is seen only in this breed.

Fact #4:  The Arabian is a breed with a reputation for intelligence, high spirit and outstanding stamina, which makes it an excellent choice for endurance riding.

Fact #5:  Traditionally, the Arab is a small horse ranging from 14.2 - 15 hands and the Arabian Horse Association recognizes pure bred horses with the coat colors bay, grey, chestnut, black and roan.  Bay is the most common color, followed by grey and then chestnut.

There were so many fun facts about Arabians that it was hard to choose 5!  It's a lot of fun to learn even more about some of my favorite horses.  

So, here's the clue to my next horse choice ... the first horse to be registered as this breed was named Wimpy. Have fun guessing!!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ HANOVERIAN

Hi Horse Pals,

It has been very fun to hear your favorite horse breeds (along with some fun facts and 

photos) in our contests.  I thought it would be fun to highlight a different horse breed each week starting now into the new year.  I will put some  beautiful photos and fun facts about each breed.  I will start with some of my favs, and since my #1 favorite is the Hanoverian I will start with that today.  Feel free to post some fun facts on your favorite breeds and if you want to post a photo, e-mail it to me and I will put it on the blog.  Let me know if there is a breed you would like me to highlight and I will try to get to them all in 2009!!

Let the fun begin!!

HANOVERIAN

Fact #1::  The Hanoverian originated in Germany in the 1700's.

Fact #2::  A great many Hanoverians have become household names as show jumpers, among them Dollar Girl (1995 World Cup winner with Nick Skelton) and Top Gun (1992 Olympic team gold medallist with Jan Tops).

Fact #3:: They can come in any solid color and their height is from 15.3 to 16.3 hands 

(62-66 in.)

Fact #4::  Hanoverians are among the world's most sought-after sports horses, their strength and athleticism making them especially suitable for dressage and show jumping.

Fact #5 The Hanoverian is noted for its strength then its speed, hence the many successes of its representatives in dressage and show jumping.  They are known for their natural balance and floating trot.

Here's a clue to next week's horse ... "It only has 17 ribs".  If you want to guess, just click comment below and add your guess!!

See ya next week,

Your Horse Pal,

@raya