Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, Paint, Percheron – the names are familiar but what defines these breeds? Follow along as we discover unique characteristics and why we make room for them in our stable.
The most predominant horse breed in American excels at sprinting short distances. The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the United States, with a registry of almost 3 million horses. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less, some have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph.
Well known both as a race horse and for its performance in rodeos, horse shows, and as a working ranch horse, their compact body is well-suited to the intricate and speedy maneuvers required in reining, cutting, working cow horse, barrel racing, calf roping, and other western riding events, especially those involving live cattle.
This breed of gaited horse is known for its unique four-beat running-walk and flashing movement. The Tennessee Walker is a popular riding horse due to its calm disposition, smooth gaits, and sure-footedness. Commonly ridden by plantation owners “in the day” to travel long distances over their land, thus the importance of a breed of horse with a smooth gait. Today, they are often seen in the show ring, but are also popular as a pleasure and trail riding horse using both English and Western equipment.
The American Paint Horse breed combines both the conformational characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors. Developed from a base of spotted horses with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines, the American Paint Horse Association breed registry is now one of the largest in North America. While the colorful coat pattern is essential to the identity of the breed, American Paint Horses have strict bloodline requirements and a distinctive stock-horse body type. To be eligible for registry, a Paint’s sire and dam must be registered with the American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, or the Jockey Club (Thoroughbreds). At least one of the parents must be a registered American Paint Horse. There are two categories of registration, regular, for horses with color, and solid Paint-bred, for those without color.
This breed is well known as the standard for horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are considered “hot-blooded” horses that are known for their agility, speed, and spirit.
The Thoroughbred, as it is known today, was developed in 17th and 18th century England, when native mares were crossbred with imported Oriental stallions of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman breeding. All modern Thoroughbreds can trace their pedigrees to three stallions originally imported into England in the 17th century and 18th century and to a larger number of foundation mares of mostly English breeding. Thoroughbreds are used mainly for racing, but are also bred for other riding disciplines such as show jumping, combined training, dressage, polo, and fox hunting. They are also commonly crossbred to create new breeds or to improve existing ones, and have been influential in the creation of the Quarter Horse, Standardbred, Anglo-Arabian, and various warmblood breeds.
Since we just discussed Thoroughbred, we will talk about the Belgian horse.
The Belgian horse or Belgian draft horse, also known as Belgian Heavy Horse, Brabançon, or Brabant, is a draft horse breed from the Brabant region of modern Belgium, where it is called the Cheval de trait belge or Flemish: Belgisch Trekpaard or Brabants Trekpaard or Brabander. It is one of the strongest of the heavy breeds. The Belgian Heavy Draft horse stands between 16.2 and 17 hands (66 and 68 inches) as measured at the withers. On average, the Belgian grows to weigh slightly over 2,000 pounds. Most American Belgians are a light chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. Currently, the world’s tallest horse is a Belgian Draft horse named Big Jake, a gelding born in 2000. He stands 82.75 inches tall. The worlds largest recorded Belgian Draft was named Brooklyn Supreme. He weighed 3,200 lbs. and stood at 78 inches tall.
The Shire is a British breed of draft horse with coloration typically black, bay, or grey. This breed has a great capacity for weight pulling, popular throughout its history for pulling brewer’s carts delivering ale to customers. Several breweries still maintain this tradition in the UK, such as the Samuel Smith Brewery in Tadcaster, and Thwaites Brewery. Today, the breed is also used for forestry work and leisure riding due to their steady and (and sturdy) disposition.
The Percheron is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne river valley in western France, part of the former Perche province from which the breed takes its name. Usually gray or black in color, Percherons are well muscled and known for their intelligence and willingness to work. They were originally bred for use as warhorses. Over time, they began to be used for pulling stagecoaches and later for agriculture and hauling heavy goods. Percherons are also adept under saddle, including competition in English riding disciplines such as show jumping.
The overall impression of the Percheron is one of power and ruggedness. Enthusiasts describe the temperament as proud and alert, and members of the breed are considered intelligent, willing workers with good dispositions. They are considered easy keepers and adapt well to many conditions and climates. In the 19th century, they were known to travel up to 37 miles a day at a trot.
We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Dawn Holliday to Equestrian Manager.
Dawn has been with The Greenbrier Sporting Club since 2004, and brings a great deal of experience with her. That, along with her work ethic and dedication, will ensure her success in this position and the continued success of The Equestrian Center.
Dawn grew up riding horses on her family’s farm in Smoot, West Virginia and is an avid trail rider. She joined The Sporting Club in 2004 as Stable Assistant, but quickly became an integral member of The Equestrian Center team and was promoted to Assistant Equestrian Manager in 2009. During her time with The Sporting Club, Dawn has bred and raised Labrador Retrievers and Australian Cattle Dogs, bringing them to work and sharing their development with our members and guests. A lover of all animals, she has also been involved in horse rescue and has fostered a pig, a herd of goats, numerous cows, and a litter of kittens.
Dawn lives in Frankford with her son Conner, partner Jeremy, and their menagerie of creatures: four horses, seven dogs, and four cats.
The most perfect place available to ride at The Greenbrier Sporting Club has to be at the pinnacle of Greenbrier Mountain, just a short distance from our Summit Lodge.
This year Sporting Club horses Lily, Daisy, Bootsie, Sunny and Gus can be found pastured on top of Greenbrier Mountain, providing Sporting Club members with a whole new environment to explore while trail riding. The horses enjoy their own fenced in pasture, complete with shelter and running water. Rides start at Jackson Circle and are in Western saddles, unless English saddles are specifically requested.
Trail rides are available for riders of all skill levels. Beginners can take a relaxing ride through The Summit neighborhoods while more advanced riders can choose a variety of trails, including part of The Summit Trail, which features incredible views of The Snead and The Greenbrier resort. With luck riders may see local fauna including wild turkey and deer.
Several members and their guests have taken our fantastic four-legged beauties out on these fun new trails, and they are looking forward to returning again soon. If you haven’t had a chance to experience for yourself then you still have some time to schedule before the horses go back down the mountain for the winter. Catch a warm day and sneak in a ride before the snow falls.
The Keeneland/Greenbrier partnership saw its first fruits the weekend before Labor Day, when almost 50 members of the prestigious racetrack visited The Greenbrier for the weekend. Included in their trip was a breakfast at The Greenbrier Sporting Club’s Member Lodge.
In return, The Greenbrier and Greenbrier Sporting Club are hosting an event at Keeneland on September 26th, from 6-8pm, to celebrate our partnership during the World Equestrian Games. Greenbrier Sporting Club Executive Chef Stephen Gustard and Greenbrier Executive Chef Rich Rosendale will both be on hand, serving Greenbrier signature dishes at the historic estate, Keene Place, in Lexington, KY.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
6PM – 8PM
4201 Versailles Road
For more information about this special weekend of The Greenbrier at Keeneland, and to RSVP, please call Josh Baldwin at 304.536.7781 or email RSVP@gbrsc.com.