The curly coats which give these horses their name is due to a certain gene which is passed on from their parents. In addition to their coat, other hair (e.g. tail, mane, even eyelashes) can display curls. This is one of four unique features which make this breed popular:
1) Hypoallergenic. People who suffer from horse allergies generally have a reduced reaction to curlies and many of them have no reaction at all, making this group of horses unique.
2) Appearance. The curls or waves in the coat of these horses gives them a unique appearance, which many people find attractive.
3) Feel. The soft feel of the coats make petting these horses especially enjoyable for both children and adults.
4) Temperament. These horses are reputed to be particularly calm, sensible and intelligent. As such they are especially suited to children and for therapy.
The curly hair genes are found in all sizes of horses, from draft horses and standard horses, down to miniatures. They occur with all colors of horses and all builds.
There are many different types of curls, depending on the horse: fine pin curls up to large, heavy curls or simple waves. Some curlies are born with normal straight hair, in which case on only knows that they are curlies because their parents were and because they show other curly characteristics such as being hypoallergenic.
Consequently, there is tremendous variety in this group of horses. Curly breeders and associations are still working on defining the breed standard and implementing a breeding program based on this standard, in order that curly horses can be bred towards a standard type (one of the requirements for being recognized as an official breed). Therefore, if you thinking of buying a curly horse, the first thing to keep in mind is that there is no standard appearance for curly horses, so you need to look around to determine the type (size, color and amount of curl) which most appeals to you.
When choosing a curly, also keep in mind that the extent of the curl changes with age and also with season (it is most pronounced in winter). In summer, the hair is not only less curled, but is also shorter and thinner; in some cases the manes and tail hair are extremely short. If appearance is very important, before making your final decision you should see what the horse looks like (even if just from photos) in both winter and summer. You should also check the bloodline which the horse is from as an indication of how the coat will change as it ages (the nature of the changes vary from bloodline to bloodline).
If buying a curly because of the hypoallergenic qualities of these horses, remember that this varies from person to person and from horse to horse. Most people benefit with most curlies, but this is not universal. Consequently, before committing to a purchase, one should test the specific person with the specific horse. Take medical advice on how to test, especially if you have had strong allergic reactions before.
Other names for the curly horse include: North American Curly Horses, American Bashkir Curlies, and Bashkir Curlies. There are also a number of named bloodlines, each with their individual characteristics. - 32378
1) Hypoallergenic. People who suffer from horse allergies generally have a reduced reaction to curlies and many of them have no reaction at all, making this group of horses unique.
2) Appearance. The curls or waves in the coat of these horses gives them a unique appearance, which many people find attractive.
3) Feel. The soft feel of the coats make petting these horses especially enjoyable for both children and adults.
4) Temperament. These horses are reputed to be particularly calm, sensible and intelligent. As such they are especially suited to children and for therapy.
The curly hair genes are found in all sizes of horses, from draft horses and standard horses, down to miniatures. They occur with all colors of horses and all builds.
There are many different types of curls, depending on the horse: fine pin curls up to large, heavy curls or simple waves. Some curlies are born with normal straight hair, in which case on only knows that they are curlies because their parents were and because they show other curly characteristics such as being hypoallergenic.
Consequently, there is tremendous variety in this group of horses. Curly breeders and associations are still working on defining the breed standard and implementing a breeding program based on this standard, in order that curly horses can be bred towards a standard type (one of the requirements for being recognized as an official breed). Therefore, if you thinking of buying a curly horse, the first thing to keep in mind is that there is no standard appearance for curly horses, so you need to look around to determine the type (size, color and amount of curl) which most appeals to you.
When choosing a curly, also keep in mind that the extent of the curl changes with age and also with season (it is most pronounced in winter). In summer, the hair is not only less curled, but is also shorter and thinner; in some cases the manes and tail hair are extremely short. If appearance is very important, before making your final decision you should see what the horse looks like (even if just from photos) in both winter and summer. You should also check the bloodline which the horse is from as an indication of how the coat will change as it ages (the nature of the changes vary from bloodline to bloodline).
If buying a curly because of the hypoallergenic qualities of these horses, remember that this varies from person to person and from horse to horse. Most people benefit with most curlies, but this is not universal. Consequently, before committing to a purchase, one should test the specific person with the specific horse. Take medical advice on how to test, especially if you have had strong allergic reactions before.
Other names for the curly horse include: North American Curly Horses, American Bashkir Curlies, and Bashkir Curlies. There are also a number of named bloodlines, each with their individual characteristics. - 32378
About the Author:
Duber Stewart writes on Horse Care and has a special interest in Curly Horses as an emerging breed.
