Today we have a fun chat about unique aspects of horse breeds.

I share some interesting tidbits like:

• Why taxes made people not want Arabians
• If an Akhel-teke was a dog, what breed would it be?
• How certain breeds tend to have a certain disposition — and why you want to know that to choose a horse, plus train the horse.

Summary:
Summary by AI:

Short Summary of the Video (Renee):
A veterinarian with over 30 years of experience breaks down the top 10 most loved horse breeds, discussing their temperament, speed, intelligence, ideal uses, and pros and cons.

Breed Highlights:

1. Arabian – Intelligent, energetic, endurance champions, but need calm owners.
2. Percheron – Massive, gentle giants ideal for heavy work, calm and easy to train.
3. Quarter Horse – Versatile, beginner-friendly, but intelligence varies. Great all-around horse.
4. Thoroughbred – Fastest over middle distances, sensitive, structured “wood” personalities.
5. Akhal-Teke – Rare, smart, independent. Best for experienced, dedicated riders.
6. Andalusian – Graceful, strong-willed, great for dressage, need a rider with persuasion, not force.
7. Appaloosa – Calm and patient with striking patterns, but selective breeding caused some health issues.
8. Mustang – Wild, resilient, intelligent. Rewarding for experienced and patient trainers.
9. Friesian – Beautiful, trainable, docile but strong. Excellent for dressage and film work.
10. Half Arabian / Half Warmblood – Vet’s personal favorite. Combines stamina, intelligence, and balance. Great for versatile sports like eventing.

Key Takeaway:
Every breed has strengths, but finding the right match for your personality and experience level is crucial. Proper care and training matter more than breed alone. The vet also emphasizes TBT (Tucker Biokinetic Technique) to restore horse health and performance by addressing root causes.

Transcription:

Renee (00:00:00.00)
Arabian, Percheron, quarter horses. These are some of the most well-loved and known horses in the world. But which horse breed is the fastest? Which ones are the smartest and easiest to train? As a veter with over 30 years of experience, I’ll break down these 10 most loved breeds, including their unique strengths for those who ride and for those who just want to learn more about these majestic animals. Number one, Arabian horses. In the movie, The Black Stalion, the main horse is an Arabian. For temperament, Arabians are often referred to as hot-blooded. They are known for their spirited nature and high energy. However, they’re also highly intelligent, very sensitive, and can form very strong bonds with their owners. But here’s the thing. If the owner of the Arabian is also considered high-spirited and high energy, these temperments will clash. A high-spirited owner with a high-spirited horse will rev each other up. So if you want an Arabian horse, you need to be calm and easygoing so the Arabian’s energy will stay calm. Speed. While not the fastest over short distances, Arabians are the champions of endurance. They have a remarkable capacity for stamina, making them dominant in long distance races.

Renee (00:01:12.12)
Intelligence. Arabians are the geniuses of the horse world. They’re really smart and quick learners, which makes them easily trainable. But this intelligence is actually one of two reasons that Arabians have a less than desirable reputation for the average rider. Let me give you an example in dog terms. Arabians are like border collies. Border collies are extremely smart, trainable, and loving, but they have to have a job. They’ve got to keep busy doing stuff, learning things, or they can be difficult to manage. If border collies are stuck inside all day with nothing to do, they can become destructive. The same with the Arabian. They can’t sit in a stall all day. They’ll get so bored, they’ll become depressed or destructive and desperate to get out. In a bit, I’ll When you talk about a breed that’s half Arabian, where you get the intelligence of the Arabian, but without the constant need to be doing something. The other reason Arabians have a less than ideal reputation is because of taxes. In the early ’70s, the price for a top quality Arabian was $25,000. But by 1985, the average auction price for the Arabian was $478,000. This boom was fueled by the breed status as an image of luxury and prestige.

Renee (00:02:33.08)
Plus, breeders were exploiting a tax loophole where farms could be used as tax shelters. So this led to an extremely overinflated market. The market collapsed after the 1986 tax reform bill closed that loophole. This led to widespread financial losses for breeders and also a massive oversupply of Arabians. I remember an Arabian breeder client I had as a vet back in the day. She She told me she had 20 yearlings for sale. She used to be able to have 20,000 per horse plus a waiting list, and now she couldn’t give Arabians away, let alone get any money for them. This market collapse where no one could give away Arabians, led to the belief that no one wanted Arabian. The truth is, Arabians are good horses. They just need the right owner and environment. Arabians are best for endurance riders, experienced horse people, and those who have a lot of time to spend with a very smart horse. Number two, the Percheron horse. You’ve likely seen these massive draft horses pulling wagons at the county fair. To give some perspective, the average horse weighs about a thousand pounds, but the Percheron draft horse on average weighs about 2,000 pounds.

Renee (00:03:47.09)
That’s one ton. Temperament. Percherons are known for their calm and docile disposition. Despite their massive size, they’re considered gentle giants. They’re very reliable, making them trustworthy for even inexperienced handlers and riders. Speed. They are not built for speed. Their strength and powerful frame are specialized for pulling heavy loads. An individual Percheron can pull a 5,000 pound load. That’s over twice their own weight. A team of two Percherons won a contest by pulling 14,600 pounds. Now, that is horsepower. Percherons have a strong, smooth walk and trot, making them comfortable for slow and steady work. Intelligence. Percherons Percherons are intelligent and trainable. They are quick to learn new commands and are known for being very cooperative. Their willingness to work and learn new tasks makes them a favorite for tasks that require consistency and focus. I liken them to a labrador retriever. They like to work, they’re very friendly, and they also are fine to lay on the couch. A basic percheron can range from $2,000 to $8,000, but a well-trained or breeding percheron can easily reach $20,000 or more. Percherons are best for heavy farm work, logging, pulling carriages, parades, and as a powerful but gentle riding horse for larger riders.

Renee (00:05:08.28)
They are also popular for plowing competitions and also as a companion because of their kind and gentle disposition. Number three, quarter horses. We see quarter horses in every cowboy movie and rodeo. Temperament. They are known for their calm, docile, and laidback disposition. They are highly trainable and generally have an even disposition, making them the best choice for beginners and competitive riders. Intelligence. I feel quarter horses have the widest range of intelligence. On the one hand, I know quarter horses that are dumber than a box of rocks, but on the other hand, I know quarter horses that can easily outwit their rider. So there really is a wide range, just like people. But all quarter horses know their job and they do it very well. This makes them exceptionally versatile and willing to work in a variety of disciplines. Cost. A good all-around quarter horse can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. Horses with extensive training or breeding can be much more expensive. But single-focused breeding has its downside. Breeding for powerful muscle mass has given some quarter horses a hidden problem, feet that are too small for its body, just as Appalooza’s bred only for color now can have eye issues.

Renee (00:06:23.19)
And how poor Arabians overbred for the dish face can be stupid and spooky. These are not just physical problems. These are imbalances caused by a lack of focus on the horse’s overall well-being. This imbalance is a perfect example of why I created the TACO biokinetic technique, or TBT. Tbt is the way of addressing any horse issue by getting to the root cause and eliminating that. We restore balance to the horse’s body regardless of its breed. Learn how TBT can help your horse by checking the link below. Quarter horses are best for ranch work, raining, western pleasure, bear racing, and reliable as a family horse or trail horse. I would compare the average quarter horse to the golden retriever because quarter horses love doing whatever you want. Whether it’s riding or grooming or feeding them snacks, quarter horses love it all. Number 4, the thoroughbred. These are commonly race horses and sport horses, such as jumping and eventing. What I find interesting about thoroughbreds is that the majority of them are considered wood horses. Wood is one of the five personality types in Chinese medicine. The other types are fire, earth, metal, and water. A wood type horse likes structure.

Renee (00:07:37.09)
They want to know the rules, and they’ll follow the rules. They want to know the schedule, and they’ll follow the schedule. But if you don’t follow the rules, or heaven forbid, you change the schedule, they will get upset about this, and you’re going to hear about it. Temperament. Thoroughbreds are also considered hot-blooded. They are known for their athleticism, strong work ethic, and spirited nature. They are often more sensitive than other breeds and require an experienced rider. So as with the arabians, you need to be calm and easygoing so the thoroughbred energy remains calm. If you want step-by-step guidance on calming your horse and yourself before riding, I’ve got a special guided meditation coming up soon. Subscribe so you don’t miss it. Speed. Thorbrids are the fastest breed in the world over middle distances and are famous for their speed on the racetrack. Intelligence. They are intelligent and have a strong work ethic. Which is related to what I said about them having a wood personality. They are quick to learn new things, but this also means they can pick up bad habits just as easily. A retired racehorse can be purchased for a few thousand dollars, but a well-bred racing prospect can sell for millions.

Renee (00:08:45.08)
The reds are best for horse racing, show jumping, eventing, and other high-level horse disciplines. Number 5, the aculteci. Okay, I have an opinion about these horses that you might not agree with, but first let me share. These horses are fairly rare. In my 30 years as a veterinarian, I’ve only got to know about five of these horses. Let me explain my opinion with my dog breed comparison. I would compare the aculteci to the standard poodle. The standard poodle is widely known for its intelligence, but Did you know the standard poodle is not allowed to be a seeing-eye dog? Because even well-trained, the standard poodle will drag its owner through a puddle so it won’t get its own feet wet. These dogs prioritize their own well being, and so do acotegies, in my opinion. They’re just very independent. This isn’t bad, it’s just how they are. Please let me know your experience below in the comments. Temperament. Acotegies are known for their intelligence, their sensitivity, and spirited nature. They often form a very strong one-person bond with their owner, showing great loyalty and affection. Speed. They’re highly athletic and possess great endurance. Their speed and stamina are well suited for long distance riding and racing.

Renee (00:09:58.17)
They are not built for short sprints like the American Quarter Horse, but very good for sustained, efficient movement over longer distances. Intelligence. They are considered one of the most intelligent horse breeds. Their cleverness and trainability are highly valued, but they require a consistent and patient approach to prevent them from becoming bored or rebellious. They are known for being quick learners and are often used in high-level dressage and show jumping. The Echoteky is a rare and sought-after breed, making it one of the most expensive in the world. Prices can range from $10,000 for a basic horse to well over $100,000 for a well-trained pedigreed show horse. Echoteky is our best for endurance riding, dressage, show jumping, and best for a one-person pleasure horse for a dedicated and experienced rider. Their unique appearance also makes them a favorite for equestrian shows and photography. Number 6, Andalusians. Temperament. Andalusians are known for their intelligence, sensitivity, and courageous nature. They’re also powerful and require an experienced, competent rider. People think that if they’ve ridden a quarter horse, they can just hop on and ride an Andalusian, but they are not the same. I had a client who trained quarter horses for 25 years.

Renee (00:11:16.01)
Then she switched over to Andalusians when they became popular. She told me, It’s hard to believe how different these horses are. All the training methods and tricks I use for quarter horses don’t work for the Andalusian at all. With the quarter horse, you teach them training cues that may do what they’re supposed to do on cue. With the Andalusian, not so much. Kind of got to persuade Andalusians to do things, or they’re just not going to do it. Shadow Facts from the Lord of the Rings was played by two different Andalusian horses. By the way, if you want to discover some surprising truth about horses in Hollywood, check out this video to see what’s real, what’s moving magic, and how safe those horses really were. Speed. They are not known for their speed, but rather for their grace, agility, and powerful movements. This makes them perfect for classical dressage. Intelligence. They are highly intelligent and sensitive. This allows them to learn complex movements and form a deep partnership with their rider. These horses are generally more expensive due to their rarity and specialized training. Prices often start at $10,000 and go much higher for exceptional individuals.

Renee (00:12:24.19)
I think Andalusians are beautiful, but I would not own one. Why not you’re wondering? Because Andalusians are Earth personality. In Chinese personality theory, an Earth horse is very calm down to Earth. Where another horse would spook and run off, the Andalusian is considered bomb proof. Earth personality horse is good to have, but I wouldn’t choose one because I am also Earth. With me and the Andalusian being so calm and down to Earth, the only thing we do is take naps together. You never want to choose a horse with the identical personality to yourself. For the dog comparison, I’d say the Great Pyranies. The Great Pyranies, a large and gentle dog, has this Zen-like manner and also can be stubborn at times, just like the Andalusian. Both can be great companions for individuals and family. The Andalusian is best for dressage, classical riding, and as a show horse. Number seven, Appaloosa’s. Appaloosa’s are good horses. They’re essentially a color breed, so you’d see them anywhere you see quarter horses. Temperment. Appaloosa’s are generally known for their calm and even-tempered disposition. They were bred for their patience and make great family horses. Their gorgeous coat patterns make them valuable, so breeders breed for color.

Renee (00:13:39.23)
Over time, breeding specifically for color ended up with horses with sparse manes and tails. Appaloos may also be prone to eye uveitis, also called moon blindness. Speed. They are not a speed-focused breed, but they’re a versatile athlete that can perform well in many events. Intelligence. Appaloos are intelligent and curious, which makes them highly trainable and responsive. A basic Appaloosa can be relatively affordable with prices from $1,000 to $5,000, but unique coloring or exceptional blood lines can drive the price up. Appaloos are best for trail riding, Western pleasure, showmanship, and a dependable companion. Number 8, the Mustang. Mustangs are the wild horses. Temperament. Mustangs are known for their resilience, intelligence, and spirited independent nature. Their temperament can vary depending on specific breeding and how they were handled initially. All BLM, that’s Bureau of Land Management, Mustangs, are freeze-branded, so that means that their initial interactions with humans were not the best. Speed. Mustangs are known for being hardy and sure-footed, able to travel long distances over rough terrain. Intelligence. They are extremely intelligent and have a strong wild instinct. With patient and consistent training, they can can be incredibly loyal and adaptable. Mustangs can be adopted from the Bureau of Land Management for a very low fee, sometimes as low as $50, but the cost of training can be significant.

Renee (00:15:11.25)
Mustangs are best for experienced riders looking for a challenging but rewarding partnership, trail work, or ranch horses. Want to learn even more surprising facts about horses and what makes them unique? Watch this video to see all the amazing things I’ve discovered in 30 years as a horse veterinarian. Number nine, the Frisian. Frisians have many movie credits. You may have seen them in hunger games, Masks of Zoro, Lady Hawk, Chronicles of Narnia, and several more. Temperament. Friesians are known for their friendly, willing, and docile nature. They are eager to please and can form strong bonds, but their Larger size and strength means they’re best for experienced handlers. Speed. They are not built for speed, but are graceful and powerful. They were originally carriage horses, but have now been bred for more athletic endeavors. Intelligence. They are highly intelligent and trainable, excelling in disciplines that require precision and focus. Friesians are one of the more expensive breeds. Prices range from 7,000 to 10,000 for a basic horse, but for a well-trained or imported Friesian, you’ll be looking at 25,000 up to $100,000. Friesians are best for dressage, driving, and film work. Friesians are beautiful horses that are gracious and easy to work with.

Renee (00:16:22.09)
They are primarily Earth horses, but people say if you get one Friesian, you’re going to want another one. Number 10. My favorite horse, half Arabian, half warm blood. People often ask me, after 30 years of being a vet, what’s your favorite horse breed? I tell them this story. One time, years ago, I saw a horse trotting out in the pasture, and it struck me because it was so effortless and gorgeous and perfect, and I couldn’t place the breed. I found out it was half Arab, half warm blood. Now, it wasn’t very tall, about 15 hands, but that works for me because I’m short, about 5, too. So a full warm blood is too tall me, and I really appreciate the Arabian intelligence, so I would pick a half Arab, half warmblood. Temperament. This cross has the more refined, sensitive temperament of the Arabian and the calm, reliable disposition of the warmblood. This combination often creates a horse that’s both spirited and level-headed. Speed and stamina. You’d see a nice balance here. The horse would have the powerful extended trot of the warm blood and the incredible stamina and endurance of the Arabian. This makes them capable of sustained effort and exhaling over longer distances than a pure warm blood.

Renee (00:17:34.29)
Intelligence. Both breeds are intelligent. With the Arabian’s sharp wit and the warm blood’s more cooperative nature, this cross would likely be very trainable and eager to please. The price of the cross breed varies widely depending on the breeding of the parents and the quality of the training. A high-quality cross with a good pedigree and training could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. This type of cross breed is highly versatile and would Excel in several disciplines. They are often sought after for eventing, which is really three disciplines. So that requires a combination of speed and stamina and jumping ability, as well as dressage and show jumping. They also make excellent sport and pleasure horses for a competent amateur rider. For anybody wondering, the dog breed I’d compare this cross to is the Doberman. And yes, the Doberman is my favorite dog breed as well. What I’ve learned in my 30 years as a vet is that no matter the breed, the health and performance of the horse come down to a balanced and aligned body. Each breed may have a different body type and energy level, but they all need proper care to perform their best.

Renee (00:18:39.12)
That’s where the Tucker biokinetic technique comes in. Tbt works on the horse’s body at a fundamental level. Tbt addresses the root cause of issues, not just the symptoms, no matter what breed. Click the link below to learn more about TBT courses. Thanks so much for watching. See you next time.

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