All horses are unique and beautiful—and make great companions. With so many breeds, colors, and sizes of horses, some are rarer than others. A horse becomes rare when endangered, not bred often, or has a unique coat color or trait that rarely occurs. It can be considered rare when a particular horse breed has a lower population than others. Some owners prefer rarer breeds, while others prefer typical ones for a more accessible purchase. Whatever type of horse you like, learn some of the rarest and most unique breeds in this list.
The Falabella is a miniature horse that is beloved for that reason—their short and stubby statures are very cute to most people. However, they’re also quite a rare breed—only a few thousand are left, and fewer than 2,000 are officially registered. In America, you’ll only find a few small herds of them. The breed originated in Argentina, and like many miniature horses, they are prone to dental issues due to their small skull size. They are beautiful and known for their docile nature.
With less than 600 known Dales ponies worldwide, this rare pony or miniature horse breed originated in England. They are well known for their stamina and strength despite their size. They can carry up to 240 pounds and are excellent companions on hiking treks. Due to their low populations, they are considered both rare and endangered.
The Akhal-Teke, a Turkmen horse breed, is among the most popular ‘rare’ horse breeds. They’re also called ‘golden horses’ due to their lustrous, shiny, metallic coats. They are fast, intelligent horses with high stamina, bred for their ability to traverse sandy deserts with elegance. Some of these horses even have blue eyes! Due to their rarity and popularity, owning an average horse of this breed can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but some have asked for $100,000 for a well-trained, high-quality Akhal-Teke.
One of the oldest horse breeds is the Caspian, originating in Ancient Persia. Similar to the Akhal-Teke, it is a graceful, fast, and slender horse. It was previously endangered due to its dwindling population, but now it is only a rare breed. Caspians are beloved for their connection and bond with humans. They’re also very keen jumpers!
Have you ever seen a horse with a curly coat? Only a few have. The Curly Horse is one of the only breeds that has distinct curls in its mane. The Curly Horse was believed to have originated in Russia, but since there are no Russian horse breeds with curls, the first known instance of the breed was found in America. This horse breed has a unique and rare genetic structure that enables the curl of their hair. They’ve also developed a trademark type of gait, known as the ‘curly shuffle,’ which is distinctive and charming. They’re typically an intelligent and friendly breed in addition to their unique coat.
The Suffolk Punch is a heavy, dense breed of horse—the oldest that originated in England. Due to wars and the decline in horse use, this breed, in particular, went into quite a population slump. However, they’ve made a comeback and are beloved for their large size and strength while remaining calm and intelligent. These horses are great if you need large workers.
The Gypsy Vanner was named after the nomadic Romani culture, as they were an essential part of their lives. Due to the privacy of Romani cultures, not much is known about this breed’s ancestry, but they are known for their beautiful features like flowing manes and sizeable appearance at 13 to 16 ‘hands’ high. Their coat colors can also be unique, with many patterns and colors like piebald.
This rare Indian breed became famous in folklore, drawing from Mongolian and Arabian ancestry. Over the centuries, however, the breed has become increasingly rare. They’re very distinguishable due to their inward-facing ear shape. Initially war horses, they can be pretty temperamental, though many are generally calm.
The Newfoundland pony is critically endangered, with less than 500 in existence. Due to their rarity, the Newfoundland government protects them. Despite their name, they’re European horses transported overseas by settlers. They’re also versatile—great for families, shows, or work.
The uniquely colored coats are what makes this breed so beloved. Their primitive markings feature color-contrasting manes (black in the center and white on the edges, for example). They feature a particularly unique dun color that can come in a variety of shades, and yellow is the rarest. These strong and sturdy horses were known for being war horses for the Vikings, and they’re one of the oldest pure breeds. Some even consider them to resemble ancient cave drawings!
Regardless of the breed’s rarity, horses require much time, space, and money to provide adequate care. You’ll need to research the perfect stable or horse barn for sale, buy land for a pasture, and fence where the horse will roam. You must learn to train, interact with, and ride a horse. You’ll also need to provide proper healthcare, food, and water. Getting equipment for and buying a horse can cost thousands of dollars. Rarer breeds will cost a lot more and can cost upwards of $10,000!
Horses have been bred and cherished since humanity came into existence. With so many flourishing breeds, some have lower population levels, rarer genetic traits, or unique features that set them apart from the rest. Some have declined due to war, and others are simply rarer genetically, but breeds like the Akhal-Teke and Curly Horse are beloved and treasured for their unique looks.