WorldAnimalFoundation.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
White horses, with their ethereal beauty and grace, naturally draw attention. Though true white horses are rare, many breeds have predominantly white or light-colored coats, from stunning creams to light gray horses.
True white horses are born with pink skin and white hair and lack pigment due to genetics. Other horses may look white but aren’t genetically true white horses.
Let’s embark on a journey through the captivating world of white horse breeds, each with its own unique allure and snowy coat.
Types of White Horses
Here, we present eight beautiful horse breeds known for their stunning white coat colors.
1. American Cream Draft
The American Cream Draft horse, a cherished white horse breed, is known for its calm nature and cream-colored coat with pink skin, amber eyes, and white mane and tail.
Standing 15 to 16.3 hands tall and muscular, it’s one of the strongest breeds. Unique as the only draft horse breed originating in the U.S., its history traces back to Old Granny from Iowa in the early 1900s.
While their traditional role has diminished, American draft horse breeds now shine as carriage horses in shows and parades. Once near extinction, their numbers are growing thanks to dedicated breeding efforts.
2. American Quarter Horse
Originally used by cowboys for ranch work and informal races, American Quarter Horses, named for their prowess in quarter-mile sprints, are small, fast, and agile.
With speeds up to 88 kilometers per hour, they excel in racing and show events and are versatile in both English and Western riding disciplines.
These horses display various colors, with sorrel being the most common, along with black, bay, and brown. Quarter Horses are known for their compact build and typically stand between 56 inches and 64 inches tall.
True white is rare but possible, often due to the sabino 1 gene, a type of dominant white gene. When only one copy of this gene is present, it creates a unique spotted pattern instead of a completely white coat.
3. Boulonnais Horse
The Boulonnais horse, a rare breed from France, is known as the “White Marble Horse” due to its distinctive marble white fur coat.
Often used in crossbreeding to produce larger, stronger horses, they are valued for their adaptability, well-sprung ribs, broad chest, and straight back.
These horses typically feature bright white colors, sometimes with grey spots. Weighing between 1,400 and 1,650 pounds, their size varies based on nutrition and activity. In height, they range from 56 to 67 inches.
Boulonnais horses have gained popularity globally, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom.
4. Camarillo White Horse
The Camarillo White Horse, the only true white horse breed, is both unique and rare. Born white with pink skin and dark eyes, they maintain this color for life. These horses are refined in build, with strong limbs and expressive eyes.
Camarillo White horses typically stand between 56 and 68 inches in height.
The breed dates back just 100 years, originating from a Mustang stallion named Sultan, purchased by Adolfo Camarillo in California in 1921. The Camarillo family exclusively owned all horses of this breed until 1987.
Breeding Camarillo White Horses is a careful genetic consideration, as mating two white horses has a 25% chance of no live foal. To mitigate this, breeders often cross white with non-white horses, ensuring about half the foals are born white.
5. Camargue Horse
The Camargue horse, native to Southern France’s marshlands, is a unique white breed often featured in films and photographs.
Known for their exclusive gray color that lightens with age, these hardy and agile horses have compact bodies and stand between 53 and 59 inches tall.
They are considered one of the oldest horse breeds, having influenced several Spanish breeds. Historically linked with the region’s cattle herders, known as “gardians,” they are used for managing cattle and semi-feral horses.
Camargue horses are renowned for their stamina and intelligence, excelling in endurance riding and dressage. This gray horse is also a staple in traditional Camargue events like the cattle-herding game “abrivado.”
6. Lipizzaner
The Lipizzan, known for its performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, is a breed often associated with white horses. While variations in bay, grey, and black exist, many Lipizzan foals are born black and gradually turn white over 6 to 10 years.
Fully grown, they stand about 60 to 64 inches tall.
Originating from the Lipizza Stud in present-day Slovenia, the breed dates back to the 18th century and was favored by the Habsburg royal family.
With a baroque physique, Lipizzans excel in complex classical dressage, making them highly regarded by equestrians globally. Their beauty, particularly the white-coated ones, makes them popular in Middle and Eastern Europe.
7. Percheron
The Percheron, a prominent French draft horse, is elegant and agile, used in harness racing and under saddle; they are among the largest horse breeds. Standing 64 to 68 inches tall, they come mainly in gray and black.
Originating in 17th century France, Percherons were initially war horses, later transitioning to coach pulling and draft work. In the early 19th century, they were refined with Arabian blood, enhancing their endurance.
Today, Percherons are prevalent in France and the United States, and they are also found in Britain and Australia. They continue to serve in agriculture, forestry, and advertising.
8. Shagya Arabian Horse
The Shagya Arabian, originating from 19th-century Hungary, is known for its friendliness, alertness, and intelligence. With strong, dense bones and remarkable endurance, these horses are sought after for riding, competition, breeding, and shows.
They possess extraordinary stamina and typically weigh between 800-1,000 pounds, making them more manageable than some larger breeds. Standing about 62.5 inches tall, they are suitably sized for beginners in competitive riding or as pets.
Recognizable by their high stance and large-boned bodies, Shagya Arabian horses are found worldwide, from the United States to Australia and the UK. While commonly bred in white, their color can vary based on breeding.
FAQs
Are White Horse Breeds More Prone to Health Issues?
White horse breeds aren’t necessarily more prone to health issues than other horses. Health concerns can arise in any horse, regardless of hair coat color.
The primary concern for white horses is sunburn, which can lead to melanoma, so applying sunscreen to their nose and tail area is important for protection.
Are White Horse Breeds Rare?
True white horse breeds with unpigmented pink skin and white hair coats are rare, making them highly valued by enthusiasts. However, mostly white or grey horse breeds are more common.
The rarity of white-producing breeds depends on factors like breed popularity, breeding programs, and geographic location.
Why Are White Horses Special?
White horses symbolize purity, heroism, and good triumph over evil across many cultures. They’re seen as holy in Christian symbolism, representing purity and innocence.
In various stories and mythologies, heroes often ride white horses, linking them to enlightenment and spirituality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with their rare and majestic beauty, common white horse breeds hold a special place in the equestrian world. They are visually striking and carry rich symbolic meanings across cultures.
These breeds are treasured for more than their physical appearance. Whether in mythology, history, or modern-day equestrian pursuits, white horses continue to captivate and inspire horse enthusiasts around the globe.