12 Most Popular Horse Breeds (and What Makes Them Favorites)

Horses have been our trusted partners for years, and every horse breed offers something unique—speed, versatility, or personality. From the fast Thoroughbred to the elegant Friesian horse, certain breeds have become favorites for riders in every discipline. But what makes these horses so popular among horse lovers? Here are the most popular horse breeds in the U.S. and what sets them apart.

1. American Quarter Horse

As of 2020, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) had over 6 million horses registered with the association since being founded in 1940. This makes it the largest registry in the world and, therefore, one of the most popular horse breeds! The American Quarter Horse is infamous for its role in establishing the American West. Originally created by crossing Thoroughbreds and native Spanish horses, the Quarter Horse was bred to be compact with explosive speeds over short distances (hence the name!). The American Quarter Horse remains a favorite for its intelligence, steady temperament, and adaptability. Whether it’s cutting, reining, barrel racing, or simply being a reliable trail partner, they are super versatile.

2. American Paint Horse

It's hard to miss the American Paint Horse with their beautiful markings. They stand out in every environment. Similar to the Quarter Horse, Paints were created by combining Thoroughbreds and native Spanish horses. Quarter horses were also added to the mix, giving Paints their solid build. The end result was a strong, intelligent, and versatile horse with unique coloring. Today, they remain popular for their calm temperament, agility, and eye-catching appearance. Since its founding in 1962, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) has registered over 1.1 million horses.

3. Mustang

The Mustang is known for its resilience, intelligence, and untamed spirit. They descended from Spanish steeds brought to North America in the 16th century. Over time, Mustangs developed into a hardy, surefooted breed with incredible endurance as they traveled the harsh wilderness. Wild Mustangs still roam across the western U.S., with their population managed by the Bureau of Land Management through roundups and adoption programs. Many people like Mustangs for their athleticism, strong survival instincts, and deep loyalty.

4. Thoroughbred

Thoroughbreds are most commonly known as racehorses. They were bred in England during the 17th century by crossing Arabians, Barbs, and Turkoman horses. Thoroughbreds were imported into the United States in the 1700s and became the basis for horse racing. But Thoroughbreds are not limited to just racing. Their versatility and speed make them ideal for show jumping, eventing, dressage, and polo.

5. Arabian Horse

Arabian horses are one of the oldest breeds and have influenced a number of other breeds. Their origin can be traced back over 2,000 years. They were originally bred by nomadic tribes in the Middle East. Arabians were eventually imported into Europe and later to the United States. With over 660,000 Arabians registered in the United States as of 2003, you can see how popular the breed has become. Arabians are very versatile and excel in endurance riding, dressage, show jumping, and pleasure riding due to their endurance and athleticism.

6. Standardbred

The Standardbred is best known for competing in harness racing. Originally bred in the United States by crossing an English Thoroughbred, Morgans, and early trotters, the Standardbred became the ultimate pacing horse. The breed's name comes from the "standard" time required for registration—originally, horses had to trot or pace a mile within a set time to be registered. Standardbreds have also become popular in dressage, eventing, and pleasure driving due to their calm demeanor and solid work ethic.

7. Friesian Horse

Your first introduction to a Friesian horse likely happened in a movie. This breed is known for their impressive presence, making them a Hollywood favorite for films and shows. Originating in Friesland, Friesians have a history that dates back well over 2,000 years. They were once used as war horses, then transitioning to carriage horses, before becoming highly sought-after riding horses. They've had major influences on a number of other breeds, including Morgan horses. There are about 70,000 Friesians registered worldwide, which is very impressive since they almost went extinct several times.

8. Morgan Horse

The Morgan horse is one of the earliest American horse breeds, stemming from Justin Morgan and known for their versatility, intelligence, and hard-working nature. They were used for pulling carriages, working on farms, and even serving as cavalry mounts during the Civil War. Morgan horses are one of the most popular breeds due to their calm temperament, which makes them excellent family companions, trail horses, and even competitive athletes. They excel in dressage, driving, Western riding, and endurance.

9. Appaloosa

The Appaloosa is a distinctive breed known for its colorful spotted coats and rich history. Originating with the Nez Perce Native American tribe in the Pacific Northwest, Appaloosas were bred for their versatility, stamina, and sure-footedness, making them perfect for hunting and transportation. The breed nearly vanished in the late 1800s but was revived in the 20th century. People love Appaloosas for their unique coloring, disposition, and versatility.

10. Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic Horse is a small, stout breed known for their unique gaits and hardy nature. They originated in Iceland over 1,000 years ago, and the breed has stayed true to their origins due to the island's isolation. They are hardy and withstand harsh weather. One of the most notable things about Icelandic Horses is their two unique gaits: tölt, a four-beat lateral gait, and flugskeið, or flying pace. These gaits cover distances quickly and are very comfortable for the rider, making them a popular choice for trail riding and endurance.

11. Andalusian

The Andalusian horse, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse (Pura Raza Española or PRE), dates back over 3,000 years to the Iberian Peninsula. They originated from crossing Iberian horses, Arabians, Berbers, and a few other Eastern horse breeds. After becoming a recognized breed in the 15th century, Andalusians became a symbol in Spanish culture. There are roughly 14,000 registered Andalusians in the world, and this number continues to grow. They are popular in dressage, driving, and bullfighting and are often used in cinema, similar to the Friesian horse.

12. Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking horse is a gaited breed known for its smooth, natural gait, the running walk, which makes it incredibly comfortable to ride over long distances. They were originally bred in the southern United States in the 18th century for plantation owners. Tennessee Walkers have calm temperaments and a smooth gait, which makes them ideal for trail riding, pleasure riding, and driving.