Stunning Black Horse Breeds You Have to See to Believe
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There are horses at the country fair, and then there are horses that are so majestic you can't look away.
Black horse breeds tend to have that effect, particularly large ones with fur so lustrous you can practically use it as a mirror.
Of all the black horse breeds, these 10 are the most mesmerizing.
Friesian Horse
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Height: 14.2-17 hands
Weight: 1,200-1,400 pounds
Lifespan: Around 16-20 years
Temperament: Loving, playful, stubborn
Bottom line: As big as the Friesian is, this black horse walks with pure, undiluted elegance.
Their graceful gait and strength are assets to any competition scene, and their affectionate, warm personality makes them a great family pet.
Frieisian Horse in Real Life
Lusitano Horse
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Height: 15-16 hands
Weight: 1,800-2,600 pounds
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Temperament: Calm, stable, affectionate
Bottom line: The Portuguese Lusitano horse is often seen in chestnut, but black looks even cooler.
The muscular yet lean Lusitano is excellent in the dressage ring, and they love to please their owners.
Lusitano Horse in Real Life
Percheron Horse
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Height: 16-17 hands
Weight: 1,900-2,100 pounds
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Temperament: Intelligent, proud, alert
Bottom Line: A French draft horse, the Percheron is stocky and strong. The hefty black horse breed excels at pulling carts and carriages, and their coat glistens when it's well cared for.
They're popular on farms in the United Kingdom and France for use in wineries.
Percheron Horse in Real Life
Thoroughbred Horse
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Height: About 16 hands
Weight: About 1,000 pounds
Lifespan: 25-28 years
Temperament: Smart, hardworking, sensitive
Bottom line: The thoroughbred is the most common choice in the racing industry due to the breed's sleek figure and unmatched speed. They have a regal look to them, particularly when their coat is as black as coals and shiny enough to appear in a shampoo ad.
Thoroughbred Horse in Real Life
Mustang Horse
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Height: 14-15 hands
Weight: About 800 pounds
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Temperament: Smart, headstrong, curious
Bottom line: Mustangs are undoubtedly the most unique and misunderstood of all black horse breeds. They were brought to North America by the Spanish in the 15th century, and many of them still roam free in the United States.
Not all of them are feral, however, and some people love to keep these spirited creatures.
Mustang Horse in Real Life
Morgan Horse
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Height: 14.1-15.2 hands
Weight: 900-1,100 pounds
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Temperament: Gentle, calm, alert
Bottom line: The Morgan horse is about as American as a horse can get. It was used all the way back in the Civil War, with a well-muscled physique suited to hard work on the farm or on the battlefield.
Today, Morgans are also used in shows and at sporting events, especially in harness racing.
Morgan Horse in Real Life
Murgese Horse
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Height: 14.3-16.2 hands
Weight: 770-880 pounds
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Temperament: Cooperative, easy to train, cheerful
Bottom line: The Murgese horse breed hails from Italy. While they have frequently been used by the Italian military, they're quite versatile and are commonly kept as pets due to their docile, friendly personality and good looks.
Murgese Horse in Real Life
Arabian Horse
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Height: About 15 hands
Weight: 800-1,000 pounds
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Temperament: Loyal, good with kids, friendly
Bottom line: The Arabian horse stands out from the crowd. They come in numerous colors, but a regal, jet black Arabian is hard not to notice.
Arabians are known for their almost endless endurance and remarkable agility. They also form close bonds with their owners, making them a pleasure to ride.
Arabian Horse in Real Life
Fell Pony
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Height: 13-14 hands
Weight: 700-900 pounds
Lifespan: 30-40 years
Temperament: Curious, mischievous, bright
Bottom line: Contrary to popular belief, ponies aren't baby horses. Fell ponies, native to northern England, are a horse breed in their own right. Black is one of their most common phenotypes, but they also come in brown, gray and bay.
They've gradually gotten taller over the years, and today, the medium-sized ponies are often used for trekking and competitive driving.
Kladruber Horse
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Height: 15.3-16.3 hands
Weight: Around 1,300 pounds
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Temperament: Graceful, strong, even-tempered
Bottom line: The Kladruber is one of the oldest black horse breeds in existence. The breed is native to Europe, and in the Czech Republic, they're the horses of royalty.
Boasting a stately, arched nose, the Kladruber only comes in solid gray and solid black. They can often be seen pulling carriages down city streets, especially around the holidays.
Kladruber Horse in Real Life