Here you will find information about the breeds of horses we want to use at Silverwind Ranch. We want to give children the opportunity to work with breeds of horses that they may, otherwise, never see, or know exist.
Friesian
Known as the "gentle giant" of light draft horses, Friesians are most recognized for their all black color and feathered feet. These elegant animals, despite their size, have a grace and carriage that make them every little girls' dream horse.
It is very hard to trace the Friesians emergence in history, although depictions of this breed are found in artworks dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest distinctive breeds in history, originating in Friesland in the northern Netherlands, thus the name Friesian.
In the 1600's, they were adapted to carry heavy weight under saddle. Later, due to its splendid action at the trot, the Friesian was bred to be lighter in weight. This, unfortunately, limited the breed's use in agriculture and led to its decline in the early 1900's. Systematic breeding has restored the breed's quality and its numbers are now increasing.
This breed has gained much popularity in the United States after Othello (pictured left) appeared as Captain Etienne Navarre's (played by Rutger Hauer) mount Goliath in the 1985 film Ladyhawke.
We believe the Friesian will make an excellent addition to our riding program with their quiet disposition and gentleness.
It is very hard to trace the Friesians emergence in history, although depictions of this breed are found in artworks dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest distinctive breeds in history, originating in Friesland in the northern Netherlands, thus the name Friesian.
In the 1600's, they were adapted to carry heavy weight under saddle. Later, due to its splendid action at the trot, the Friesian was bred to be lighter in weight. This, unfortunately, limited the breed's use in agriculture and led to its decline in the early 1900's. Systematic breeding has restored the breed's quality and its numbers are now increasing.
This breed has gained much popularity in the United States after Othello (pictured left) appeared as Captain Etienne Navarre's (played by Rutger Hauer) mount Goliath in the 1985 film Ladyhawke.
We believe the Friesian will make an excellent addition to our riding program with their quiet disposition and gentleness.
American Walking Pony
The American Walking Pony is a relatively new breed, which was developed mainly for the use as a show horse in gaited competitions. Although it has three unique gaits, it is able to compete in seven. Due to its Welsh Pony heritage, the pony also makes an excellent light hunter.
This breed will be an excellent to our riding program, not only with it's smaller size, but versatility in many disciplines.
This breed will be an excellent to our riding program, not only with it's smaller size, but versatility in many disciplines.
McCurdy Plantation Horse
The McCurdy Plantation Horse Breed was developed by the McCurdy family of Lowndesboro, Lowndes County, Alabama, in the late 1800's and the early 1900's. The McCurdy family were plantation owners, and needed well-gaited, durable horses to oversee and work the land. When the Tennessee Walking Horse Registry was established in the early 1930's, the McCurdy family registered their own horses as Tennessee Walking Horses (indeed, several McCurdy-bred horses are in the original Foundation registry of the Tennessee Walking Horse).
Over time, as their reputation and prominence grew, others began breeding their stock to McCurdy family horses. Thus developed in Lowndes County and throughout Central Alabama, a breed known simply as the McCurdys, or McCurdy Walkers.
Plantation-era people needed a horse that was versatile in use, comfortable to ride, of calm disposition, and dependable. The early McCurdy horses filled this need in every respect - they were often ridden 20 - 30 miles a day to oversee the plantation work or into town, hitched to a wagon, plow, or buggy, herd livestock, foxhunt, bird hunt and transport children safely to school.
McCurdy Plantation Horses have a very calm, easy-going temperament that makes them unequaled as personal and family horses. They excel at many tasks such as trail riding, field trialing, driving and working livestock. Back in the days when horses were the primary mode of transportation, McCurdy's were especially noted for their endurance and stamina.
Many McCurdy Horses are known to have natural "cow-savvy" or cow herding instincts. Many have excellent dispositions for children to begin their riding experience. Their calm dispositions, combined with an easy, comfortable gait produces enjoyment and confidence in novice or young riders that results in life-long love affairs with horses.
Over time, as their reputation and prominence grew, others began breeding their stock to McCurdy family horses. Thus developed in Lowndes County and throughout Central Alabama, a breed known simply as the McCurdys, or McCurdy Walkers.
Plantation-era people needed a horse that was versatile in use, comfortable to ride, of calm disposition, and dependable. The early McCurdy horses filled this need in every respect - they were often ridden 20 - 30 miles a day to oversee the plantation work or into town, hitched to a wagon, plow, or buggy, herd livestock, foxhunt, bird hunt and transport children safely to school.
McCurdy Plantation Horses have a very calm, easy-going temperament that makes them unequaled as personal and family horses. They excel at many tasks such as trail riding, field trialing, driving and working livestock. Back in the days when horses were the primary mode of transportation, McCurdy's were especially noted for their endurance and stamina.
Many McCurdy Horses are known to have natural "cow-savvy" or cow herding instincts. Many have excellent dispositions for children to begin their riding experience. Their calm dispositions, combined with an easy, comfortable gait produces enjoyment and confidence in novice or young riders that results in life-long love affairs with horses.
Caspian
The Caspian Horse is a most remarkable creature. Long thought extinct, it was only rediscovered during this century to take its place as one of the oldest and gentlest horses in the world.
The first breeding Caspians were brought to America from England and Australia in 1995 and 1996.
There is no question that the Caspian Horse is the finest child's mount available. The combination of a perfect horse build on a 10-12 hand pony, with the most trainable of temperaments results in a horse that seems to have been made for kids.
The first breeding Caspians were brought to America from England and Australia in 1995 and 1996.
There is no question that the Caspian Horse is the finest child's mount available. The combination of a perfect horse build on a 10-12 hand pony, with the most trainable of temperaments results in a horse that seems to have been made for kids.
Paso Fino
These gaited horses were developed throughout Latin America and the Carribean. Though a smaller statured horse, they can pull their own weight and are considered the Mercedes of horses due to their gaits. Riding a Paso is like sitting on a log. You don't move in the saddle but the ground flies under the Paso's feet.
More and more chiropractors and orthopedists are recommending Paso Finos to their injured clientele that just won't give up riding a horse for anything in the world. Paso Finos have become "horse therapy" for all of those injured backs, hips, and knees. They are also a very smooth ride for those that are just beginning to ride, which helps build confidence in one's riding skills.
Second to the ride in importance has to be the personality of these horses. Not in 30 years around horses have I had another breed as a whole just take my breath away. They are smart, enthusiastic, willing, mischievous, strong, loving, sharing, and oh so many other adjectives that come to mind. The Paso Fino will enlarge and challenge your vocabulary just trying to describe it.
My family has owned 2 Paso Finos, and each of them were a joy to be around and to ride.
More and more chiropractors and orthopedists are recommending Paso Finos to their injured clientele that just won't give up riding a horse for anything in the world. Paso Finos have become "horse therapy" for all of those injured backs, hips, and knees. They are also a very smooth ride for those that are just beginning to ride, which helps build confidence in one's riding skills.
Second to the ride in importance has to be the personality of these horses. Not in 30 years around horses have I had another breed as a whole just take my breath away. They are smart, enthusiastic, willing, mischievous, strong, loving, sharing, and oh so many other adjectives that come to mind. The Paso Fino will enlarge and challenge your vocabulary just trying to describe it.
My family has owned 2 Paso Finos, and each of them were a joy to be around and to ride.
Fell Pony
The Fell Pony shares its origins with the now-extinct Galloway pony which was also the root of the Dales Pony. It is believed to have originated on the border between England and Scotland during Roman times from the crossing of imported war stallions with the local Celtic ponies.
They are primarily a working breed of pony with activity, stamina, hardiness and intelligence that enables them to live and thrive in tough conditions out on the fells in the Lake District.
A Fell pony can be used as an all-round family pony - it is capable of carrying all members of the family, even heavier adults, and versatile enough to fullfil a variety of jobs previously done by two or three more specialized animals. Their relatively small size still makes them suitable steeds for children. The new rise of carriage driving has provided the Fell pony with the job which it has traditionally done for centuries. The breed is well suited for driving.
With the Fell Pony's smaller yet sturdy stature, all around abilities, and steady temperment, this breed will make an excellent addition to our program.
They are primarily a working breed of pony with activity, stamina, hardiness and intelligence that enables them to live and thrive in tough conditions out on the fells in the Lake District.
A Fell pony can be used as an all-round family pony - it is capable of carrying all members of the family, even heavier adults, and versatile enough to fullfil a variety of jobs previously done by two or three more specialized animals. Their relatively small size still makes them suitable steeds for children. The new rise of carriage driving has provided the Fell pony with the job which it has traditionally done for centuries. The breed is well suited for driving.
With the Fell Pony's smaller yet sturdy stature, all around abilities, and steady temperment, this breed will make an excellent addition to our program.
Hackney
The origins of the Hackney as we know it began in Norfolk, England where the horses called Norfolk Trotters had been selectively bred for elegant style and speed. Seeking to improve on both counts, breeders mated the Norfolk mares to grandsons of the foundation sires of the Thoroughbred. The first Hackney as we know the breed today is said to be The Shale’s Horse, foaled in 1760. During the next 50 years, the Hackney was developed as a special breed.
They are known for their great stamina, trotting at high speed for extended periods of time. In addition to inherent soundness and endurance, the Hackney Horse has proven to be a breed with an easy, rhythmic canter, and a free, generous walk.
Hackneys, especially the ponies, are easy to keep. They don't take up a lot of space and are relatively inexpensive to buy and maintain. And they are so much fun.
A Hackney can teach a child the lessons of life...the caring and sharing between a child and a Hackney is one of life's greatest joys.
They love to be driven and make their owners proud, both in the show ring and on a quiet country road. Under saddle, they are equally affable. Their longevity and soundness are legendary.
Above all, the Hackney loves to please, whether it is under the lights of a show ring or the canopy of green leaves on a country road.
They are known for their great stamina, trotting at high speed for extended periods of time. In addition to inherent soundness and endurance, the Hackney Horse has proven to be a breed with an easy, rhythmic canter, and a free, generous walk.
Hackneys, especially the ponies, are easy to keep. They don't take up a lot of space and are relatively inexpensive to buy and maintain. And they are so much fun.
A Hackney can teach a child the lessons of life...the caring and sharing between a child and a Hackney is one of life's greatest joys.
They love to be driven and make their owners proud, both in the show ring and on a quiet country road. Under saddle, they are equally affable. Their longevity and soundness are legendary.
Above all, the Hackney loves to please, whether it is under the lights of a show ring or the canopy of green leaves on a country road.
Missouri Fox Trotter
The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse was developed in the rugged Ozark hills during the 19th century by settlers who needed easy riding, durable mounts that could travel long distances at a sure-footed, ground consuming gait.
Missouri achieved statehood in 1821 and the pioneers who poured across the Mississippi River and settled in the Ozarks came largely from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Naturally they brought along saddle horses popular in those areas. It soon became apparent that horse able to perform the easy, broken gait called the Fox Trot were the most useful in the rocky, forest covered hills of the Ozarks and selective breeding for the Fox Trot gait began.
The distinguished characteristic of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is the Fox Trot gait; the horse walks with the front feet and trots with the hind feet. This extremely sure footed gait gives the rider little jar since the hind feet slide into place. The Fox Trot is a rhythm gait and the horse can maintain it for long periods of time with little fatigue. The Missouri Fox Trotter also performs a rapid flat foot walk and a delightful canter.
Having owned several horses of this breed I can attest first hand to their gentleness. Most Fox Trotters are like big dogs - just wanting to please and be loved on with a sweet and gentle nature.
Missouri achieved statehood in 1821 and the pioneers who poured across the Mississippi River and settled in the Ozarks came largely from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Naturally they brought along saddle horses popular in those areas. It soon became apparent that horse able to perform the easy, broken gait called the Fox Trot were the most useful in the rocky, forest covered hills of the Ozarks and selective breeding for the Fox Trot gait began.
The distinguished characteristic of the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is the Fox Trot gait; the horse walks with the front feet and trots with the hind feet. This extremely sure footed gait gives the rider little jar since the hind feet slide into place. The Fox Trot is a rhythm gait and the horse can maintain it for long periods of time with little fatigue. The Missouri Fox Trotter also performs a rapid flat foot walk and a delightful canter.
Having owned several horses of this breed I can attest first hand to their gentleness. Most Fox Trotters are like big dogs - just wanting to please and be loved on with a sweet and gentle nature.
New Forest Pony
The New Forest Pony,or New Forester, is one of the recognized mountain and moorland, or native, pony breeds of the British Isles. The breed is valued for its hardiness, strength and sureness of foot. It is indigenous to the New Forest, in Hampshire in southern England, and many ponies can still be seen running loose there.
There have been references to the New Forest Pony as far back as 1016. Stud books have been in existence since 1906. Thoroughbred and Arab blood has been introduced into the breed from time to time to improve looks and increase height and speed. They have been purebred for 50 years. The earliest record of horses in the New Forest dates back to 1016 when rights of common pasture were granted to the people living in what was a royal hunting ground. Since then, either as specific attempts to improve the breed or just as part of the normal ebb and flow of life and trade in the New Forest, many outside breeds were turned over to roam free and pasture on the commons. Notable blood lines introduced by this method were Welsh, Arab and Hackney. Later, another concerted effort was made to improve the New Forest blood and other British Isles pony bloodlines were introduced to achieve this, including Fell Ponies, Dales, Highlands, Dartmoor and Exmoor.
The New Forest Pony is considered to have a gentle temperament, and the ponies are noted for their intelligence, strength and versatility. They are noted for friendliness, intelligence, strength, versatility and are nearly always willing-to-please.
There have been references to the New Forest Pony as far back as 1016. Stud books have been in existence since 1906. Thoroughbred and Arab blood has been introduced into the breed from time to time to improve looks and increase height and speed. They have been purebred for 50 years. The earliest record of horses in the New Forest dates back to 1016 when rights of common pasture were granted to the people living in what was a royal hunting ground. Since then, either as specific attempts to improve the breed or just as part of the normal ebb and flow of life and trade in the New Forest, many outside breeds were turned over to roam free and pasture on the commons. Notable blood lines introduced by this method were Welsh, Arab and Hackney. Later, another concerted effort was made to improve the New Forest blood and other British Isles pony bloodlines were introduced to achieve this, including Fell Ponies, Dales, Highlands, Dartmoor and Exmoor.
The New Forest Pony is considered to have a gentle temperament, and the ponies are noted for their intelligence, strength and versatility. They are noted for friendliness, intelligence, strength, versatility and are nearly always willing-to-please.
Rocky Mountain Horse
Around the turn of the 20th century, a young horse soon to be called the Rocky Mountain Horse appeared in eastern Kentucky that gave rise to a line of horses prized by North American and European owners. On the farm of Sam Tuttle in Spout Springs Kentucky, there stood a stallion "Old Tobe". This sure footed, gentle horse carried young, old, and inexperienced riders over the rugged mountain trails of Natural Bridge State Park where Sam held the concession for horse-back riding. Even though Old Tobe was a breeding stallion, he carried riders without faltering. He fathered many fine horses up until the age of 37, and many of the present Rocky Mountain Horses carry his bloodline.
The breed is best known for its gentleness, often being compared to the Golden Retriever dog as a means of describing their unusual enjoyment of human company. It is an easy keeper and a wonderful riding horse with a strong heart and lots of endurance. Today the Rocky Mountain Horse is being used as a pleasure horse, for trail riding, in the show ring and for endurance riding.
The breed is best known for its gentleness, often being compared to the Golden Retriever dog as a means of describing their unusual enjoyment of human company. It is an easy keeper and a wonderful riding horse with a strong heart and lots of endurance. Today the Rocky Mountain Horse is being used as a pleasure horse, for trail riding, in the show ring and for endurance riding.