Horses of the World

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Horse of the Day

ITALIAN HEAVY DRAFT

Country of origin: Italy

Category: Horse

Discover the Italian Heavy Draft Horse (Cavallo Agricolo Italiano da Tiro Pesante Rapido): size, weight, origins, uses, physical traits and genetic importance of this powerful breed from the Po Valley.

Discover this breed →

Featured on October 1, 2025

Welcome to Horses of the World

Horses of the World is a living encyclopedia designed for anyone who sincerely loves horses.

Here you’ll discover breeds from around the globe , their histories , unique traits , and their role in traditions . Whether you’re a passionate rider, nature lover, or simply curious, this site is built to share knowledge — and emotion.

This project is continuously evolving, enriched by in-depth research, original illustrations, and dedicated passion. Feel free to explore, share, and return often.

Latest Articles

Colored illustration of four ponies of different breeds (Shetland, Connemara, Welsh, and Fjord) in a pastoral landscape.

Horse Types & Temperaments

Ponies: from rustic companion to modern pony club

Ponies are not just small horses: they are compani…

Vintage watercolor showing a farrier trimming the left front hoof of a bay horse in a traditional stable.

Health & Veterinary Care

Hoof Trimming and Care: Horse Health and Prevention

The horse’s hoof is often described as its “second…

Vintage watercolor showing a bay horse on the lunge, facing a flag waved by a trainer during a desensitization exercise.

Ethology & behavior

Horse Desensitization: Methods and Practical Exercises

Desensitization is an essential step in a horse’s …

Vintage illustration of a young horse being broken-in, ridden by a novice rider under the supervision of a trainer on the lunge.

Ethology & behavior

Breaking-in a Horse: Stages, Methods and Key Issues

Breaking-in is a fundamental stage in a horse’s li…

Simplified diagram of the horse’s respiratory system with nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

Physiology

The Horse’s Respiratory System: Endurance and Limits

The horse is both a long-distance and speed athlet…

Pencil drawing depicting several historical saddles, from the Middle Ages to modern models.

Equipment and Tack

Historical Saddles: From Medieval Cavalry to Modern Sports

For more than two millennia, the saddle has accomp…

Bay horse in motion depicted in watercolor.

Ethology & behavior

The Flight Instinct: Key to Equine Survival and Behavior

The horse is above all a prey animal. Its survival…

Grey Connemara pony in an Irish landscape with Celtic cross in the background

Countries & equestrian traditions

Ireland and Its Ponies: Connemara and Celtic Culture

The Connemara, a Living Symbol of IrelandThe Conne…

Tuareg rider in a blue turban riding a Barb horse in the Sahara desert.

Countries & equestrian traditions

The Equestrian Traditions of the Tuaregs in the Sahara

The Tuaregs, a nomadic people of the central Sahar…

Pencil drawing of different types of horse bridles (snaffle bridle, double bridle, hackamore, rope halter)

Equipment and Tack

The Different Types of Bridles and Their Use

The bridle is an essential part of horse tack, all…

Pencil drawing of a classic horse saddle in side view.

Equipment and Tack

Choosing a Saddle: Criteria, Types, and Adjustments

The saddle is one of the most essential pieces of …

Basic horseback riding equipment for trail riding with saddle, helmet, boots, gloves and saddlebags arranged on the ground

Equipment and Tack

Basic Equipment for Horseback Riding Trips

Horseback riding trips are a unique adventure that…

Polo match in Argentina with riders in action on their horses.

Countries & equestrian traditions

The Art of Polo in Argentina: Sport, Tradition, and Culture

In Argentina, polo is not just a sport: it is a tr…

Young rider in riding gear walking a chestnut horse at a calm pace, in a peaceful natural setting.

Practical Guides & Tips

The 5 First Things to Learn on Horseback: The Basics for Beginners

Discovering horseback riding is a unique experienc…

Beginner rider walking into a sand arena to meet a saddled horse, with soft daylight coming through the indoor riding hall windows.

Practical Guides & Tips

First Riding Lesson: What to Expect?

Discovering horse riding is a truly emotional expe…

Pencil drawing of a beginner rider on a horse with a bitless bridle, representing a gentle and respectful form of riding.

Practical Guides & Tips

Riding Bitless: Is It Possible for a Beginner?

Riding a horse without a bit is attracting more an…

Young rider in equestrian gear gently brushing her horse’s face, holding a saddle and a blanket in her other hand.

Practical Guides & Tips

Horseback Riding Budget: How Much Does It Cost to Start?

For many, horseback riding is a dream, but it’s im…

Smiling young woman grooming a chestnut horse with brushes in hand, in a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

Practical Guides & Tips

Taking Care of a Horse Without Riding: Grooming and Emotional Bond

Riding is not the only way to interact with a hors…

Beginner riding equipment including saddle, bridle, riding pants, boots, gloves, saddle pad, crop, and grooming brushes.

Practical Guides & Tips

Essential Equipment for Starting Horse Riding

Learning to ride a horse requires more than just e…

Stylized illustration of a beginner rider walking a horse, shown in a learning posture with basic riding gear.

Practical Guides & Tips

Horse Riding for Beginners: Common Mistakes to Avoid

arning to ride a horse is an exciting adventure, b…

Artistic portrait of a bay horse in three-quarter view, on a dark background, with a calm and attentive expression.

Ethology & behavior

The Horse’s Memory: Myth or Scientific Reality?

Equine memory has fascinated people for centuries,…

Anatomical illustration showing the different phases of a bay horse trotting, on a beige background, used to study gait movement and symmetry.

Physiology

The Locomotion of the Horse: Understanding the Gaits

Locomotion lies at the very heart of the horse’s l…

Artistic depiction of the winged horse Pegasus rising into the sky, surrounded by golden clouds and celestial light.

Horse in art & legends

Pegasus, the Winged Horse: Symbols and Legacy

A universal mythological figure, Pegasus embodies …

Two foals playing together in a pasture, one rearing up in front of the other, showing natural social interaction among young horses.

Ethology & behavior

Play and Social Interaction in Foals

Foals, like most young mammals, spend much of thei…

Painting of a bearded cowboy riding a bay horse through the American West plains, with packhorses in the background under a cloudy sky.

Countries & equestrian traditions

The Role of the Horse in the Conquest of the American West

The conquest of the West, from the early 19th cent…

Illustration of two horses side by side: a dun-coated rustic horse and a bay sport horse, standing in a pastoral landscape.

Ethology & behavior

Behavioral Differences Between Hardy Horses and Sport Horses

Horses display a wide diversity of behaviors that …

Anatomical cross-section of a horse’s hoof showing navicular syndrome, highlighting inflamed areas around the navicular bone.

Health & Veterinary Care

Navicular Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management

Navicular syndrome, also known as podotrochlear sy…

Pencil drawing of a horse lying on its side with a pained and distressed expression, representing an episode of colic.

Health & Veterinary Care

Horse Colic: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Equine colic is one of the most frequent and dread…

Colored illustration of a horse surrounded by toxic foods and plants for horses: chocolate, avocado, potatoes, bread, coffee, buttercup, fern, yew, maple, and more.

Health & Veterinary Care

The Most Common Food Poisonings in Horses

A horse’s health largely depends on its diet. Howe…

Bay horse showing a typical laminitis pain stance, with front legs stretched forward and weight shifted to the hindquarters, standing in a pasture.

Health & Veterinary Care

Laminitis: Understanding and Preventing This Equine Scourge

Laminitis is one of the most feared conditions in …

Watercolor of a bay horse with closed eyes, ears pinned back, and tense nostrils, clearly expressing visible pain.

Health & Veterinary Care

Recognizing Signs of Pain in Horses

Pain in horses is often difficult to detect, as th…

Health & Veterinary Care

Which vaccines are mandatory for horses in France and Europe?

The health of horses largely depends on appropriat…

Pencil drawing of a powerful rearing horse, representing strength and the genetic diversity resulting from crossbreeding.

Breeding Management and Hybrid Horse Breeds: Science, Tradition and Challenges

The horse is one of the domestic animals that has …

Watercolor of a light grey Boulonnais draft horse standing in a rural landscape, showcasing the breed’s strength and nobility.

Preservation of endangered breeds

Preservation Programs for the Boulonnais Horse in France

The Boulonnais horse, nicknamed the “Thoroughbred …

Four-panel illustration showing stages of horse evaluation: conformation, movement, jumping ability, and final approval.

Stud-books & Breeding Selection

The Role of Performance Tests in Stud-Books

Stud-books play a central role in the selection an…

Pencil drawings of four horses with distinct conformations, representing emblematic breeds from America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Compare Horse Breeds

The Most Popular Horse Breeds by Continent

The horse is a universal heritage, present on ever…

Watercolor painting of a bay horse jumping over a training obstacle in an outdoor arena.

Compare Horse Breeds

Horse Breeds Best Suited for Show Jumping

Show jumping (SJ) is one of the most demanding dis…

Historical illustration of two armored samurai on horseback, one wielding a sword and the other a bow, in a forest battle scene.

Horses and Civilizations

Horses and Samurai: From the Battlefield to Martial Arts

Horses played a central role in the military and c…

Silhouette of a refined horse in front of a stylized pedigree tree, representing the importance of ancestry in horse breeding

Stud-books & Breeding Selection

The Importance of Origins in a Horse’s Value

A horse’s origin is not limited to its country of …

Anatomical diagram of a horse’s hoof viewed from below, labeled with the wall, sole, frog, apex of the frog, bars, and bulbs.

Physiology

The Anatomy of the Hoof and Its Functions

The hoof is a fascinating and complex structure th…

Full-body portrait of a bay warmblood horse standing in a pasture, displaying strength, calmness, and elegance.

Horse Types & Temperaments

Warmblood Horses: Balance and Versatility

In the world of hippology, the distinction between…

Pencil drawing of two Przewalski's horses in a grassy plain, representing an endangered wild horse species now protected in wildlife parks.

Preservation of endangered breeds

The Role of Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Saving the Wild Horse

A Natural Heritage in DangerWild horses, such as t…

Portrait of an Exmoor pony in its native British moorland, with a dark brown coat and alert expression, under a cloudy sky.

Preservation of endangered breeds

International Efforts to Protect the Exmoor Pony

A Primitive Breed at the Heart of Conservation Pro…

Watercolor of a bay horse galloping freely through a cloud of dust, with flowing mane and eyes looking ahead.

Horse in art & legends

Horses and Dreams: Cultural Interpretations Around the World

Since Antiquity, the horse has held a central plac…

Illustration inspired by Norse mythology showing deities and winged warriors riding majestic horses under a full moon in a dramatic celestial scene.

Horse in art & legends

Horses in Norse Tales and Legends

In Norse mythology, the horse holds a central plac…

Portrait of a richly adorned Marwari horse with its signature inward-curving ears, decorated with traditional Indian bridle and saddle cloth in red and gold patterns.

Countries & equestrian traditions

India and the Marwari: Curved-Eared Horse and Royal Symbol

A horse intimately tied to royaltyThe Marwari is c…

Group of horses of various coat colors gathered around a pile of hay, with some eating and others standing back, illustrating the social hierarchy during feeding.

Ethology & behavior

The feeding hierarchy in a group of horses

Among horses, access to food is not only a matter …

Physiology

Foal growth: key stages and care tips

The growth of a foal is a rapid and complex proces…

Young horse lying on the ground with eyes closed, relaxed posture, illustrating a phase of deep sleep.

Physiology

Sleep and Rest Cycles in Horses

Unlike humans, the horse has a polyphasic sleep pa…

Illustration showing three horses with distinct morphologies: a slender hot-blooded horse, a balanced warmblood, and a stocky draft horse.

Compare Horse Breeds

Types of Morphologies | How to Recognize and Differentiate Horses

Equine morphology refers to all the visible physic…

Sepia-toned drawing of a romantic rider galloping under the moonlight through a wild and dramatic landscape.

Horse in art & legends

The Figure of the Horse in Romantic Poetry

In the 19th century, the horse became a central fi…

Watercolor illustration of several heavy draft horses in a meadow. These cold-blooded horses are massive, calm, and powerful, with strong builds and abundant feathering.

Horse Types & Temperaments

Cold-Blooded Horses: Calm and Power

Cold-blooded horses represent a group of equines w…

Engraving-style illustration of a horse surrounded by symbols of science and tradition: microscope, DNA strand, genealogy chart, writing quill, and balance scale. Represents the concept of equine breeding selection.

Stud-books & Breeding Selection

Breeding Selection: Between Tradition and Science

Breeding selection is a fundamental pillar in the …

Watercolor illustration of two trail horses on a mountain path, one black and one chestnut with flaxen mane. Forested landscape in the background.

Compare Horse Breeds

Which Horse for Trail Riding? Breeds, Qualities and Practical Tips

Walking through nature alongside your horse is a u…

Illustration of three horses from different breeds: a chestnut Haflinger with flaxen mane, a bay Quarter Horse, and a grey Camargue. Side view on a light background with stylized foliage.

Compare Horse Breeds

The Best Horses for Beginners: Breeds, Temperament, and Training

Learning to ride is an exciting adventure, but it …

Mural depicting various ancient civilizations with horses: an Egyptian charioteer, a Greek armored rider, a mounted archer, a Roman horseman, and a leader in the background. The scene includes temples and ancient statues.

Horses and Civilizations

Horses and Ancient Civilizations: Partners in War, Labor, and Prestige

Since the dawn of human history, horses have accom…

Woman gently embracing a horse in a pastoral landscape, traditional oil painting.

Horse Types & Temperaments

Which Horse Breed is Closest to Humans?

Among the hundreds of horse breeds worldwide, some…

Compare Horse Breeds

What is the Most Popular Draft Horse Breed in the World?

Draft horses are among the largest and most powerf…

Compare Horse Breeds

What is the Most Popular Horse Breed in the World?

Horses have accompanied humans for thousands of ye…

Anatomical illustration of a horse's digestive system, showing internal organs in a lateral cutaway: esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum, colon, and rectum, in a detailed vintage style.

Physiology

The Horse's Digestive System: A Delicate yet Fascinating Balance

The horse is a powerful athlete, an enduring herbi…

Three horses of different breeds showing contrasting temperaments: one calm and peaceful, another curious and attentive, and the last one lively and energetic.

Horse Types & Temperaments

The Calmest, Most Sensitive… and Most Energetic Horse Breeds

Not all horses react the same way to stress, work,…

Prehistoric cave paintings of horses, created with ochre and charcoal on the wall of an ancient cave.

Horse in art & legends

At the Dawn of Art: Prehistoric Horses and the Mysteries of Caves

When we venture deep into the decorated caves of p…

Pencil drawing of a horse observing a human hand reaching out, symbolizing the emotional connection between horses and humans.

Ethology & behavior

Dow do Horses Perceive Human Emotions? What Science Reveals

What if your horse knew exactly how you feel?For s…

A woman and a bay horse gently touch foreheads with eyes closed, sharing a peaceful moment of trust outdoors.

Ethology & behavior

Decoding Horse Body Language: 10 Key Signals

Horses don’t speak, but they constantly communicat…

Stud-books & Breeding Selection

What is a Stud-Book?

The stud-book, or breed registry, is an official r…

ndalusian rider in traditional attire performing a Doma Vaquera figure on a white horse, under colorful lanterns evoking the festive spirit of Spanish ferias.

Countries & equestrian traditions

Spain - The Art of Doma Vaquera and the Andalusian Horse in the Ferias

In the south of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia s…

Japanese rider in traditional outfit practicing Yabusame: horseback archery at full gallop, aiming at a round wooden target in a ceremonial setting.

Countries & equestrian traditions

Japan: Yabusame, the sacred art of horseback archery

Japan has a rich but discreet equestrian tradition…

Moroccan rider in a white burnous, mounted on a grey horse adorned with red and gold tack, holding a traditional rifle. The desert setting evokes the Fantasia performance.

Countries & equestrian traditions

Horses, Riders and Warrior Culture at the Heart of Moroccan Identity

In Morocco, the horse is far more than a companion…

Ethology & behavior

How do horses perceive colors?

The way horses see the world is quite different fr…

Wild horse galloping in a dry, rocky landscape, demonstrating natural hoof wear in the wild.

Physiology

How Do Wild Horses Maintain their Hooves?

Unlike domestic horses that require regular care f…

Hot-blooded horse galloping across a plain, painted in a classical style emphasizing its refined muscles, noble carriage, and energetic posture.

Horse Types & Temperaments

Hot-Blooded Horses - Nobility, Spirit and Refinement

The expression “hot-blooded horse” evokes in the c…

Preservation of endangered breeds

Fading into Silence - Why some horse breeds are endangered

A Threatened Equine BiodiversityToday, over 500 ho…

Group of four horses standing close together, photographed from the front in an open field. Calm and attentive, they display bay, chestnut, and palomino coats, illustrating natural herd behavior.

Ethology & behavior

Hierarchy and Herd Life - What we learn from observing horses in freedom

Horses are profoundly social animals. Long before …

Symbolic painting showing horses across various artistic eras, blending mythological, equestrian, and spiritual scenes.

Horse in art & legends

The Horse in Art - Symbolism and Representations through the Ages

Since the dawn of time, the horse has held a speci…

Young Mongolian rider on a steppe horse in front of yurts, with mountains in the background.

Category: Horse

Discover the Don horse, a Russian breed renowned f…

View breed →

Le saviez-vous ?

The Marwari from India is known for its inward-turning ears that nearly touch at the tips.

Horses of the World

Horse of the Day

ITALIAN HEAVY DRAFT

Welcome to Horses of the World

Most Popular Breeds

SHIRE

AKHAL-TEKE

BULGARIAN DRAFT HORSE

KWPN

MARWARI

HANOVERIAN

FRIESIAN

BOULONNAIS

EAST BULGARIAN

ARDENNAIS (DRAFT)

HAFLINGER

FALABELLA

Latest Articles

Ponies: from rustic companion to modern pony club

Hoof Trimming and Care: Horse Health and Prevention

Horse Desensitization: Methods and Practical Exercises

Breaking-in a Horse: Stages, Methods and Key Issues

The Horse’s Respiratory System: Endurance and Limits

Historical Saddles: From Medieval Cavalry to Modern Sports

The Flight Instinct: Key to Equine Survival and Behavior

Ireland and Its Ponies: Connemara and Celtic Culture

The Equestrian Traditions of the Tuaregs in the Sahara

The Different Types of Bridles and Their Use

Choosing a Saddle: Criteria, Types, and Adjustments

Basic Equipment for Horseback Riding Trips

The Art of Polo in Argentina: Sport, Tradition, and Culture

The 5 First Things to Learn on Horseback: The Basics for Beginners

First Riding Lesson: What to Expect?

Riding Bitless: Is It Possible for a Beginner?

Horseback Riding Budget: How Much Does It Cost to Start?

Taking Care of a Horse Without Riding: Grooming and Emotional Bond

Essential Equipment for Starting Horse Riding

Horse Riding for Beginners: Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Horse’s Memory: Myth or Scientific Reality?

The Locomotion of the Horse: Understanding the Gaits

Pegasus, the Winged Horse: Symbols and Legacy

Play and Social Interaction in Foals

The Role of the Horse in the Conquest of the American West

Behavioral Differences Between Hardy Horses and Sport Horses

Navicular Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management

Horse Colic: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

The Most Common Food Poisonings in Horses

Laminitis: Understanding and Preventing This Equine Scourge

Recognizing Signs of Pain in Horses

Which vaccines are mandatory for horses in France and Europe?

Breeding Management and Hybrid Horse Breeds: Science, Tradition and Challenges

Preservation Programs for the Boulonnais Horse in France

The Role of Performance Tests in Stud-Books

The Most Popular Horse Breeds by Continent

Horse Breeds Best Suited for Show Jumping

Horses and Samurai: From the Battlefield to Martial Arts

The Importance of Origins in a Horse’s Value

The Anatomy of the Hoof and Its Functions

Warmblood Horses: Balance and Versatility

The Role of Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Saving the Wild Horse

International Efforts to Protect the Exmoor Pony

Horses and Dreams: Cultural Interpretations Around the World

Horses in Norse Tales and Legends

India and the Marwari: Curved-Eared Horse and Royal Symbol

The feeding hierarchy in a group of horses

Foal growth: key stages and care tips

Sleep and Rest Cycles in Horses

Types of Morphologies | How to Recognize and Differentiate Horses

The Figure of the Horse in Romantic Poetry

Cold-Blooded Horses: Calm and Power

Breeding Selection: Between Tradition and Science

Which Horse for Trail Riding? Breeds, Qualities and Practical Tips

The Best Horses for Beginners: Breeds, Temperament, and Training

Horses and Ancient Civilizations: Partners in War, Labor, and Prestige

Which Horse Breed is Closest to Humans?

What is the Most Popular Draft Horse Breed in the World?

What is the Most Popular Horse Breed in the World?

The Horse's Digestive System: A Delicate yet Fascinating Balance

The Calmest, Most Sensitive… and Most Energetic Horse Breeds

At the Dawn of Art: Prehistoric Horses and the Mysteries of Caves