Welcome to our list of 25 UK horse breeds, some of these you might already know but we have included some rare breeds in this list, how many do you know?
Below is a list of all the breeds mentioned, to go to a specific breed you can click it below or scroll to read about all of them.
1. Exmoor
The Exmoor pony is one of the oldest native breeds in Britain, with a history dating back to the Domesday Book in 1086. Originating from the Exmoor moorland in South-West Britain, these ponies have adapted to the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions of the moors.
Height
11.2 - 12.3hh
Colours
Brown, bay or dun with black points and no white markings.
Looks
Broad forehead, pointed ears, alert, toad eyes, deep chest, short legs.
Traits
Clever, brave, loyal, strong-willed.
Uses
Agricultural work, children’s ponies.
2. Dartmoor
The Dartmoor pony is a charming and versatile breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from the Dartmoor moorland in Devon, England, these ponies have been recorded living in the wild and inhospitable moors since the Middle Ages. They have adapted to the tough and uncompromising conditions of the moors, making them particularly hardy with excellent stamina.
Height
11.1 - 12.2hh
Colours
Brown, bay, black, chestnut and roan. Piebald and skewbald colouring are not permitted within the breed standard.
Looks
Small, neat head with large, wide-set eyes and alert ears. Their body is well-compact and strong, with a broad, deep rib cage, and strong legs.
Traits
Kind, reliable, gentle, calm
Uses
Children’s ponies, companions, showing.
3. Lundy Pony
The Lundy pony is a unique breed that hails from Lundy Island, located off the coast of Devon, England. These ponies were developed in the twentieth century when a small herd was shipped to the island in 1928. They lived and bred under semi-feral conditions, initially consisting of New Forest stock, with later additions of Welsh and Connemara stallions. In 1972, a process of breed recognition began, and a breed society was established in 1974.
Height
12.2 - 14.2hh.
Colours
Bay, chestnut, black, grey, palomino and roan.
Looks
Compact, muscular, strong legs.
Traits
Gentle, intelligent, friendly, calm.
Uses
Children's ponies, companions, driving.
4. Fell Pony
The Fell pony is a versatile and hardy breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from the hills and mountains of Cumbria in northwest England, these ponies have been used for centuries as working animals. They are closely related to the Dales Pony and share a common ancestry with the now-extinct Galloway pony.
Height
13 - 14hh.
Colours
Black, dark chestnut, bay, grey. Piebald and skewbald colouring are not permitted within the breed standard.
Looks
Sturdy, compact, broad chest, deep ribcage.
Traits
Intelligent, lively, self-preserving, sure-footed, agile.
Uses
Driving, agricultural work, cross country, hunting, trekking.
5. Dales Pony
The Dales pony is a robust and spirited breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from the Dales of Yorkshire in northern England, these ponies have been used for centuries as working animals. Their history is closely linked to lead mining in the Dales area, where they were used to carry heavy loads of lead, iron ore, and fuel.
Height
14 - 14.2hh.
Colours
Black, brown, bay, grey, roan.
Looks
Neat head with large, wide-set eyes, a broad chest, strong legs, and a compact, muscular body.
Traits
Hardy, strong, brave, sensible.
Uses
Hunting, driving, agricultural work, cross country, trekking.
6. Shetland Pony
The Shetland pony is a small but mighty breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from the Shetland Islands, located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, these ponies have been present on the islands for over 2,000 years. They are believed to have been brought to the islands by the Vikings and have adapted to the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the Shetlands.
Height
9 - 10.2hh.
Colours
Black, bay, chestnut, palomino, dappled grey, piebald, skewbald.
Looks
Small head, widely spaced eyes, and small, alert ears. They have a short, muscular neck, a compact, stocky body, and short, strong legs.
Traits
Hardy, strong, docile, strong.
Uses
Children’s ponies, companions, driving.
7. New Forest
The New Forest pony is a versatile and hardy breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from the New Forest in Hampshire, England, these ponies have been present in the area since before the last Ice Age. The earliest written record of horses in the New Forest dates back to the time of William the Conqueror, when rights of common pasture were granted to the area's inhabitants.
Height
12 - 14.2hh.
Colours
Bay, chestnut, grey, piebald skewbald, blue-eyed cream colours.
Looks
Compact, stocky, wide chest, strong ribcage.
Traits
Sure footed, hardy, strong. Intelligent, lively but calm companions.
Uses: Riding, driving, hunting, cross-country, trekking.
8. Highland Pony
The Highland pony is a native Scottish breed known for its hardiness and versatility. Originating from the Scottish Highlands and Islands, this breed has adapted to the harsh and variable climatic conditions of Scotland over many centuries. The Highland pony's ancestry includes influences from the Pict horses of the 5th to 8th centuries, as well as later additions of French, Spanish, and British breeds.
Height
13 - 14.2hh.
Colours
Dun, bay, grey, black. Rarely liver chestnut with silver mane and tail. Zebra leg marking with dorsal stripe.
Looks
Sturdy, strong legs and hindquarters. Thick double layered coat.
Traits
Kind and calm.
Uses
Riding, driving, trekking.
9. Eriskay Pony
The Eriskay pony is a unique and hardy breed native to the Hebrides of Scotland. This breed has a rich history, tracing its lineage back to ancient times with Celtic and Norse influences. The Eriskay pony has adapted to the harsh and variable climatic conditions of the Scottish Western Isles, making it a resilient and versatile breed. The Eriskay pony is currently considered critically endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with efforts underway to conserve this unique and historically significant breed for future generations.
Height
12 - 13hh.
Colours
Grey, bay, black.
Looks
Large head, thick mane, wide forehead, well-muscled.
Traits
Friendly, calm, intelligent.
Uses
Children’s ponies, light draught work, dressage, show jumping, three-day eventing, western riding, and driving.
10. Clydesdale
The Clydesdale horse is a majestic and powerful breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from Lanarkshire, Scotland, the breed is named after the River Clyde. The history of the Clydesdale horse dates back to the mid-18th century when native horses were crossbred with Flemish stallions to produce a horse of greater weight and substance.
Height
16 - 19hh.
Weight
1,700 - 2,200 lbs.
Colours
Bay, black, brown, chestnut. Often have white blaze and legs.
Looks
Muscular, short back, long arched necks, large round hooves.
Traits
Gentle, docile, easy to train, friendly.
Uses
Historically agriculture, heavy pulling, and transportation. Also used in modern times for riding and driving.
11. Shire
The Shire horse is a majestic and powerful breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating in the British Isles, the Shire horse is believed to have descended from the Old English Black Horse, a breed developed in medieval England during the reign of King Henry VIII. The breed was selectively bred for size and strength to carry the heavy armor of knights into battle. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Dutch engineers brought large horses, known as Frieslands, to England to help with land drainage work. These horses were then crossbred with local breeds, resulting in the creation of the English Cart Horse, which eventually evolved into the Shire horse.
The breed gained popularity for its strength and ability to pull heavy loads, making it invaluable for farm work, hauling goods, and transportation. During the Industrial Revolution, Shire horses were often used to pull barges along canals and haul carts in cities. The English Cart Horse Society, formed in 1878, later became the Shire Horse Society in 1884.
Height
17 - 19hh
Weight
1,800 - 2,400 lbs
Colours
Black, brown, bay, grey. Commonly have white facial and leg markings.
Looks
Strong, large hooves, feathers.
Traits
Calm, docile, ‘gentle giants’, eager to please.
Uses
Farm work, equine therapy, riding, police horses.
12. Cleveland Bay
The Cleveland Bay is a distinguished and versatile breed with a rich history and unique characteristics. Originating in England during the 17th century, the breed is named after its bay colouring and the Cleveland district of Yorkshire. The Cleveland Bay is the oldest established horse breed in England, with its ancestors dating back to the Middle Ages when they were used as pack horses known as "Chapman Horses." Over time, these horses were crossbred with Andalusian, Barb, Arabian, and Thoroughbred blood to create the modern Cleveland Bay.
Despite facing serious declines in population after World War II, the breed has experienced a resurgence in popularity since the 1970s. However, it remains a rare breed, with both the United Kingdom-based Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the United States-based Livestock Conservancy considering the population to be at critical limits for extinction.
Height
16 - 16.2hh
Colours
Bay with black points.
Looks
Muscular, short legs.
Traits
Calm, sensible.
Uses
Farmwork, driving, hunting and jumping.
13. Hackney
The Hackney horse is an elegant and high-stepping breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating in Great Britain, the breed was developed in the 14th century in Norfolk when the King of England required powerful but attractive horses with an excellent trot for general-purpose riding. The Hackney horse was further refined in the 18th century by crossbreeding Norfolk Trotters with Arabian stallions, resulting in a horse known for its speed and stamina12.
Height
14.2 - 16hh
Colours
Chestnut, bay, brown, and black, often with some white markings.
Looks
Refined appearance, with a well-arched neck, strong back, and powerful hindquarters. Has a very high stepping trot.
Traits
Spirited, energetic, good stamina.
Uses
Showing, carriage driving, riding.
14. Connemara
The Connemara pony is a versatile and hardy breed originating from the Connemara region of County Galway in western Ireland. This breed has a rich history, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. The Connemara pony is believed to have developed from Norse predecessors of Icelandic ponies brought to Ireland by the Vikings. Over the centuries, the breed has been influenced by various other breeds, including the Irish Hobby, Spanish Jennet, Barb, and Andalusian horses.
Height
13 - 15hh.
Colours
Grey, black, bay, brown, dun, roan, chestnut, palomino, cream.
Looks
Compact, muscular, deep jaw, large eyes.
Traits
Intelligent, hardy, sure footed, athletic.
Uses
Children’s ponies, eventing, driving, show jumping, dressage, showing.
15. Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk Punch is a rare and sturdy breed known for its strength, docile nature, and unique chestnut colour. Originating in Suffolk, England, this breed was developed in the early 16th century specifically for agricultural work. The Suffolk Punch is the oldest breed of heavy horse in Great Britain and has remained relatively unchanged in appearance since its inception.
Height
16.1 - 17.2hh
Weight
1,980 - 2,200 lbs.
Colours
Chestnut.
Looks
Muscular, arching neck, well-muscled shoulders, a short, wide back, broad croup, short legs.
Traits
Energetic trot, mature, easy to keep, calm, docile, easy to train.
Uses
Draught work, forestry, therapy horses.
16. Welsh Pony
The Welsh pony is a versatile and hardy breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from Wales, these ponies have been present in the region for thousands of years. They developed from native ponies that roamed the Welsh hills and mountains, and over time, they were influenced by Arabian, Thoroughbred, and Hackney bloodlines.
Welsh ponies are classified into four sections based on their height and type: Section A (Welsh Mountain Pony), Section B (Welsh Pony), Section C (Welsh Pony of Cob Type), and Section D (Welsh Cob).
Height
12 - 15hh
Colours
Bay, chestnut, grey, black, and roan.
Looks
Expressive eyes, a deep chest, and a sturdy, compact build.
Traits
Sure footed, hardy, intelligent, adaptable.
Uses
Riding, driving, showing, show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
17. Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a renowned and versatile breed known for its speed, agility, and athleticism. Originating in 17th and 18th century England, the breed was developed by crossbreeding native mares with three imported stallions of Barb, Turkomen, and Arab descent: the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. This strategic breeding aimed to create the ultimate racehorse, combining speed, strength, and endurance.
Height
15 - 17hh
Colours
Bay, brown, black, grey, chestnut.
Looks
Tall, slim, broad chest, long legs.
Traits
Spirited, intelligent, bold, sensitive, strong work ethic.
Uses
Racing, eventing, polo, hunting.
18. Irish Sports Horse
The Irish Sport Horse, also known as the Irish Hunter, is a versatile and athletic breed that originated in Ireland. This breed was developed by crossbreeding the sturdy Irish Draught with the agile Thoroughbred, aiming to combine the best traits of both breeds. The result is a horse known for its speed, strength, and well-balanced temperament.
Height
15 - 17hh
Colours
Black, bay, brown, chestnut, grey, and roan. Sometimes piebald and skewbald.
Looks
Muscular, short back, long neck, sloping shoulders.
Traits
Calm, gentle, intelligent, willing, sensible.
Uses
Eventing, hunting, riding schools, trekking, farm work.
19. Irish Draught
The Irish Draught is a versatile and sturdy breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating in Ireland, this breed was developed in the 18th century to serve as a strong and reliable farm horse. Irish Draughts were bred to be powerful enough for agricultural work yet refined enough for riding and driving.
Height
15.2 - 16.3hh
Colours
Grey, black, brown, chestnut, bay, dun, palomino, roan.
Looks
Good bone structure, wide forehead, widely spaced eyes.
Traits
Calm, gentle, intelligent, willing, sensible.
Uses
Eventing, police horses, hunting, riding.
20. Welsh Cob
The Welsh Cob is a versatile and hardy breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. Originating from Wales, the Welsh Cob is part of the Welsh Pony and Cob group, which includes four closely related breeds: the Welsh Mountain Pony (Section A), the Welsh Pony of riding type (Section B), the Welsh Pony of Cob Type (Section C), and the Welsh Cob (Section D)
Height
13.2hh+
Colours
Black, bay, chestnut, grey.
Shape
Sturdy build, compact body, strong legs.
Traits
Good stamina, intelligent, versatile, calm, gentle.
Uses
Driving, riding, show jumping, dressage.
21. Irish Cob (Gypsy Vanner)
The Gypsy pony, also known as the Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, or Gypsy Vanner, is a charismatic and versatile breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics. This breed originated with the Romani people of Great Britain, who required a strong and gentle horse to pull their caravans. The Gypsy pony was developed by crossbreeding Clydesdales and Shires for size, with Dales and Fell ponies for their hardiness and temperament.
Height
12 - 16hh
Colours
Piebald, skewbald commonly. Breed standard is based more on shape than colour.
Looks
Large feathers, thick mane and tail, strong hooves.
Traits
Gentle, calm, willing, easy to train.
Uses
Riding, driving, showing, children’s ponies.
22. British Warmblood
The British Warmblood is a distinguished and versatile breed known for its athleticism and elegant appearance. This breed was developed in the late 20th century with the aim of creating a horse suitable for competitive equestrian sports. The British Warmblood combines the best traits of various European and British horse breeds, including the Hanoverian, Dutch Warmblood, and Danish Warmblood.
Height
15.0hh+
Colours
Usually bay, chestnut, black.
Looks
Long neck, strong back, sturdy legs, well-proportioned head.
Traits
Intelligent, even tempered, willing to work, athletic.
Uses
Mainly dressage but showjumping and eventing also.
23. British Spotted
The British Spotted Pony is a unique and eye-catching breed known for its distinctive spotted coat and versatile nature. This breed has a rich history, tracing its origins back to the native Celtic ponies found in South-West England and Wales. The spotted pattern on their coat served as natural camouflage as they roamed the heaths and woodlands of ancient Britain, dating back to the last Ice Age.
Height
Up to 14.2hh
Colours
Leopard, mottled, snowflake, blanket, some solid colours are bred.
Looks
Bold eyes, strong shoulder, long neck, well developed hindquarters.
Traits
Hardy, friendly, intelligent, versatile.
Uses
Riding, showing, pets.
24. Kerry Bog
The Kerry Bog Pony is a small and hardy breed originating from the southwest of Ireland, specifically County Kerry. This breed has a rich history, with its ancestry possibly tracing back to the Irish Hobby horse. The Kerry Bog Pony lived a mainly feral existence in the peat bogs, where it developed unique physical characteristics that allowed it to thrive in such challenging environments.
Height
10 - 12hh
Colours
All solid colours, white markings are common.
Looks: Unique footfall to move over peat bogs.
Traits: Strong, intelligent, athletic, kind.
Uses: Riding, pets, therapy ponies.
25. Welara
The Welara is a distinctive and versatile breed that combines the best traits of the Welsh pony and the Arabian horse. This unique cross results in a refined, hardy, and spirited pony with a gentle and generous disposition. The breed originated in England in the early 20th century, developed by Lady Wentworth at the Crabbet Arabian Stud. She began breeding Arabian stallions with Welsh mares to create a pony that was both beautiful and hardy.
Height
11.2 - 15hh
Colours
Bay, grey, black, buckskin, dun.
Looks
Small, slightly concave head, arched neck, short back.
Traits
Intelligent, friendly, energetic, hardy.
Uses
Riding, eventing, hunter classes, trekking.
That’s the end of our list of 25 UK horse breeds. Which ones did you know and have you learned anything new? Be sure to check out some of the horse societies below if you would like to learn more about these horses.
Suffolk Horse Society
Thorughbred Breeders Association
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