- What is a Florida Cracker Horse?
- Who was the Mostest Hoss?
- What is a Chocolate Palomino?
- Who was Yellow Mount? What mold did Breyer use for his portrait?
For Fun
Rare Horse Breeds
by Kathy Peth - Illustrations by Cynthia KennedyWith the proliferation of registries for almost any breed, kind, type, style, and color of horse, it's no wonder that new, rare species crop up (or out) regularly. I've been keeply a list for years now, and am happy to offer you these samples of the odd and unusual horses just waiting for you to begin a repopulation program. Breed registry phone numbers on request.
Arizona Warmblood
A friend living in Arizona has informed me of a new breed of horse she has discovered: The Arizona Warmblood. Identifying attributes: bleached hair, lots of mane, droopy lips and prominent hip bones -- something like an aging rock star.Cool-Footed Bog Horse
The Cool-Footed Bog Horse is seen most often in the Pacific Northwest. If you stumble across a large-boned horse pastured on swamp grass in designated wetlands, or, like the moose, preferring to eat plants growing in water, it is most likely the Bog Horse. Known for slow, deliberate movement, you may need to paint a stripe on it to see if it's moving. Size three or larger hooves. Color optional, bay preferred. Common.
CrankTailed CrowHopper
A popular horse, often seen only in arenas. This is an outcrop of almost every breed, as the only requirements for registry are an over-active tail and/or an unusually rounded back. Watch for them -- I bet you spot one at your next horse event. Hint: THis is the horse the politician or club president rides in the grand entry. No color preference.Moss Hoss
Another Pacific Northwest native is the Moss Hoss. May be erroneously reported to the Humane Society as "moldy." Sometimes confused with the CUrly Horse, is differentiated by the length of its moss. If the moss is longer than the mane, hangs from the belly, and is reasonably easily removed, it's a Moss Hoss and can be registered. Burdocks considered an asset.Chocolate Horses
In the color "breeds" are the Chocolate Horses, divided into two sub-species: the Godiva and the Dilettante. The Godiva is noted for its propensity for mad dashes down darkened streets. Breed requires a flowing mane for local parade-code approval. Expensive. The Dilettante, a regional favorite, is a lazy horse that dabbles in all events but needs an aftenoon nap after the slightest exertion. Both, however, are a very beautiful, rich brown color, with a creamy, white genetic outcrop.Published March 1998 in Performance Horse.
Question & Answer
Answers to last issue's questions:
Q #1. What was Theodore Roosevelt's nickname?
A. Teddy, because it is rumored that he let a bear fo when he was hunting.
Q #2. What is Cold Blooded?
A. Draft horses are considered Cold Blooded. They have little or no Arabian or Thoroughbred blood in them.
Q #3. Who was Greyhound?
A. Greyhound was a champion trotter.
This month's questions:
(Answers next newsletter.)
More Bits 'N' Pieces about real horses in the next newsletter.
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