Introduction
Curly horses, also known as Bashkir Curlies or North American Curly Horses, Gaited Curlies or Curly Missouri Fox Trotters are a wonderful breed known for their beautiful curly coats. In this article, let’s dive into the world of Curly horses – checking out their looks, where they come from, where they live, what they do, and how they’re spreading their curly charm all around the world, including Europe!
Looks and Vibes
Picture a horse with a wavy or curly coat – that’s a Curly horse! These curls come in all sorts of styles, from loose waves to tight ringlets. They’re like the rockstars of the horse world, strutting their stuff in any size from miniature horses all the way to draft horses and a super friendly attitude.
Origins
Nobody’s quite sure where these amazing horses came from, but they’ve been part of North America for ages. They were discovered wild in the American West back in the 1800s and even lived with some Native American tribes. Many originate in the northern regions of Nevada.
All over the world
While many Curly horses reside in North America, they’ve also spread their wings and crossed the pond to Europe. You’ll find them strutting their stuff in the United Kingdom and Germany, among other places. Zion’s Gait Curlies has shipped horses to Germany, France, Finland, Sweden, Canada and all over the United States. ZGC Kayenta, shown above, went to Sweeden. These unique horses have found a special place in the hearts of horse lovers all over Europe, showing off their curly coats and charming personalities.
Why They’re Amazing!
Sure, Curly horses are a bit like unicorns with their curly hair, but they’re more than just a pretty face. They’re versatile and can do everything from trail riding to dressage, jumping, and even driving. Plus, if you’re allergic to regular horses, these curly-coated beauties might be your new best friend – they’re hypoallergenic!
Saving the Curls
With their unique looks and history, people are working hard to keep Curly horses around. Groups like the American Bashkir Curly Registry, the ICHO and Zion’s Gait Curlies are all about preserving their genes and making sure they’re bred responsibly.
Mixing and Matching
For generations breeders have bred Curly Horses with other horse breeds. That’s how you get different types of Curlies, like the American Bashkir Curly, Missouri Fox Trotting Curly, Gaited Curlies and North American Curly Horse that are great for a great variety of disciplines.
Around the World and Beyond
Curly horses aren’t just a North American thing anymore. They’re spreading their curly love all over the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With their gorgeous looks and friendly personalities, these horses are here to stay!
