Curly horses have a certain gene which causes their hair to curl. In addition to curls in their coat, they may have curls in any or all other hair (such as the tail, mane, or even eyelashes). The growing popularity of this group of horses is due to:
1) Hypoallergenic. Most people who have an allergy to horses find that they have no allergy to curly horses or have a reduced allergic reaction.
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 curls of these horses have a wonderful feel to them, making petting and grooming of the horse a tactile pleasure.
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.
The nature of the curl also varies from horse to horse. In some cases it consists of large, heavy curls but in others it is smaller curls or even fine pin curls. It may even be waves. In some cases, the hair is straight as in a normal horse (no sign of curl), but the horse is still considered a 'curly horse' because it is descended from curly horse parents and retains other characteristics such as being hypoallergenic even though it does not display the characteristic curly coat.
One can therefore see great variety in curlies. At the moment, the curly breed standard is under development and breeders are working towards this evolving standard to create a set of uniform characteristics. However, in the meantime, if you are thinking of buying a curly horse you should keep in mind that there is no standard appearance so you should look around to find one that meets your preferences (e.g. size, color and curl).
The coat changes with both age and season. The winter coat shows the greatest curl, while in many horses (depending on the bloodline and individual) the summer coat is straighter, often with thinner and shorter hair in the mane and tail. Consequently, a given horse may look completely different at a different time of year. Before buying a curly horse, if appearance is important, ask to see the horse (or photos thereof) in winter and summer. Also check horses of the same bloodline but different ages to determine the expected changes as the horse gets older.
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. - 29953
1) Hypoallergenic. Most people who have an allergy to horses find that they have no allergy to curly horses or have a reduced allergic reaction.
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 curls of these horses have a wonderful feel to them, making petting and grooming of the horse a tactile pleasure.
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.
The nature of the curl also varies from horse to horse. In some cases it consists of large, heavy curls but in others it is smaller curls or even fine pin curls. It may even be waves. In some cases, the hair is straight as in a normal horse (no sign of curl), but the horse is still considered a 'curly horse' because it is descended from curly horse parents and retains other characteristics such as being hypoallergenic even though it does not display the characteristic curly coat.
One can therefore see great variety in curlies. At the moment, the curly breed standard is under development and breeders are working towards this evolving standard to create a set of uniform characteristics. However, in the meantime, if you are thinking of buying a curly horse you should keep in mind that there is no standard appearance so you should look around to find one that meets your preferences (e.g. size, color and curl).
The coat changes with both age and season. The winter coat shows the greatest curl, while in many horses (depending on the bloodline and individual) the summer coat is straighter, often with thinner and shorter hair in the mane and tail. Consequently, a given horse may look completely different at a different time of year. Before buying a curly horse, if appearance is important, ask to see the horse (or photos thereof) in winter and summer. Also check horses of the same bloodline but different ages to determine the expected changes as the horse gets older.
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. - 29953
About the Author:
This Curly Horse article was written by Duber Stewart, owner of Curly Horses for Sale
