
Four American Horse Breeds around in the 19th Century
The Narragansett Pacer
Background
The N. Pacer was the first horse breed developed in the United States; it came from European and Spanish stock, and was well known for its smooth pace (which has been said to have been quicker than a normal trot). It was an extinct breed by the late 19th Century.
Appearance
Average height: 14-15 hh
Said to have been long-necked and -legged, with a clean head. N. Pacers were mostly chestnut / sorrel, but were also other colours.
The Morgan
Background
Named after Justin Morgan. His horse (the breed's foundation stallion) was a small bay horse called Figure. He was given to J.Morgan as a dept payment, and was born in 1789.
The Morgan in one of the oldest American horse breeds. Besides being used by the US Cavalry as mounts as well as for pulling artillery pieces and wagons of supplies (during the Civil War, 10,000 Morgans were acquired by the military in the state of Vermont alone), these versatile horses were used for almost every job, from pulling a family carriage, to trotting / harness racing - they were even used for ploughing.
Appearance
Average height: 14-15 hh
Head slightly convex with large brow and large eyes; has short back, strong legs
Can be any colour, but black, chestnut and bay most common.
The Tennesse Walking Horse
Background
Registered as a breed in 1891, but developed long before then. During the American Civil War in 1861-68, T.W.Horses (or Kentucky Saddlers as they were once known) were commonly used in the military and were popular as an officer's mount.
Appearance
Average height: 15 - 16 hh
Any colour, but black, chestnut, brown and bay most common.
The Standardbred Horse
Background
Although registered in the late 19th Century, the foundation of this breed goes back to 1777.
The names comes from the fact that there were certain 'standards' that was required of the breed - to trot a mile in under 2 minutes, 30 seconds.
Appearance
Average height: 15 - 16 hh
Quite powerfully built, with long bodies and large nostrils; larger than a Thoroughbred.
Can be any colour, but black, chestnut, brown and bay most common