| This information is taken in part from the International Curly Horse Organization North American Curly Horse Registry www.CurlyHorses.org |
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Whether in draft, pony, or in one of several saddle types, the North American Curly Horse
is a very naturally successful horse. We look for a hardy, sound, well proportioned,
well-balanced curly coated horse, with an overall desirable conformation. It will show a
gentle, calm, docile demeanor, yet remain alert. It will exhibit friendliness, intelligence, and
a willing, dedicated work ethic. Stallions will display masculinity and mares will display
femininity. Thickness and type of muscle pattern will vary between types, but its muscling
will be ideal for the disciplines its type is best suited for.
The domestic Curly Horse of today is still a horse designed more by Mother Nature than by
man, and it still has many survival and primitive characteristics as a result of that heritage.
It is not a stabilized equine breed by most definitions, which are usually variations of this
statement: "Animals that, through selection and breeding over many generations, have
come to resemble one another and pass on those traits uniformly & predictably to their
offspring." Instead, the North American Curly Horse is a very unique horse of widely
variable descriptions. Part of its very identity is this wide range of diverse types. Close to
nature, and unique to man for all these reasons, the North American Curly Horse of today
is still a horse known for its solid rugged natural ability & adaptability, its wide diversity of
size, color & type, and its "braveheart."
General Description
COAT
The coat is the Curly's main "claim to fame".The Curly Horse does have a unique
hypoallergenic curly coat. It is usually very obvious in winter, when its longer coat typically
shows thick dense curl; in some cases similar to sheep fleece. In summer, the Curly Horse
sheds its thick curly body coat for a smoother, sleeker summer coat, which may or may not
show evidence of curl. Its mane & forelock, the hair inside it ears, and often its fetlocks, will
typically remain conspicuously curly year round. Its Curly coat is hypoallergenic for many
people allergic to other horses.
SIZE
Curly Horse saddle types are the most numerous kind of Curly Horses, typically ranging
from 14.1 to 15.1 hands high. However, the amazing Curly Horse comes in all sizes and
shapes from large draft type Curly Horses on down to small Curly Miniature Horses, and
everything in between. Although all sizes exist and are acceptable in Curly Horses, in the
saddle (non draft) types, the recommended maximum size is 16.2 hh and 1350 lbs, to
preserve their natural durability.
With the widest possible variation in one "breed" of horse, there is truly a Curly Horse for
every equine discipline & purpose.
Pony Height Clarification:
In the general horse industry a saddle type Curly will technically be considered a pony
when under 14.2 hh. Among Curly Horse fanciers however, since a height of 14.0 - 14.2
hh is so common, the designation "pony" will more often refer to a Curly that stands 14.0
hh or less.
COLOR
No restrictions in color. All equine genetic coat colors, dilutes, eye colors, markings &
pigments are allowed, and probably all exist in the Curly Horse - none are penalized. Dark
or striated hooves (coronet ermine spotting with white socks) are desirable.
TEMPERAMENT
Most horse breeds fondly claim their most intelligent or well-mannered members as being
representatives of their breed. With Curly Horses, the majority of them are found to be
consistently highly intelligent, naturally calm, and friendly, personable horses. Curly
Horses are highly prized by their owners for both their peaceful dispositions and their
ability & desire to use reason when frightened or challenged.
ORIGIN
Unknown. All we know is, apparently curly coated horses have been pictured in artwork
throughout the history of mankind. And we do know that as recently as two to three
hundred years ago, dominant gene Curly Horses were living in the wild horse herds of
North (and probably South) America. Today, there are still Curly Horses found in the wild
mustang herds scattered throughout the Western United States. In North America, today's
dominant gene Curly Horses trace directly back to the Curly Horses that developed in the
wild.
