White horses have captured the human imagination as something beautiful, graceful, and even a bit magical. With their depiction through mythology, literature, and art, such elegant steeds are symbolic of purity and nobility. Whether you are a fancier of equestrianism, a horse lover, or simply somebody who enjoys their otherworldly aura, you will no doubt be enchanted by their elegance and magnificence
The article presents the top 9 white horse breeds that, without a doubt, will capture our hearts with their elegant appearance and proud carriage. From the noble Camarillo to the mystic Lipizzaner, let’s see which is your favorite.
The Truth About White Horses
The fact is that not all white horses are actually born with a truly white coat. Pure white horse breeds are considered to be special and super rare with 100% no pigment. You will find white horses with their coat varying in color shades, from grey, off-white, and cream to pure white.
The interesting thing you may want to know is that most of the white horses had gray coats when they were young, and then they lightened gradually to white with time.
Myths & Legends About White Horses
There are many different myths and legends about white horses that come from various cultures. Pegasus was the winged horse born from the blood of Medusa in Greek mythology. The White Horse of Uffington is a hill figure that holds so much local legend. According to the Book of Revelation, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse rides a white horse. Such stories suggest a universal persistence of mystique and meaning associated with white horses across global folklore.
9 Wonderful White Horse Breeds Around The World
While black horses exude strength and mystery, white horses are loved for their divine and pure beauty. Below are the 9 best picks of white horse breeds, from pure white to other shades. Each breed has its own characteristics that attract horse lovers. Let’s start the list of the most beautiful white horse – Camarillo White Horse.
Camarillo White Horse
The Camarillo White Horse originated in California and dates back to the early 1920s. It is a one-of-a-kind breed that Adolfo Camarillo has created from a stallion named Sultan. Being of a specific genetic makeup, these horses have a pure white coat color since birth. This breed was bred mainly for parades and shows. It is famous for its outstanding white color and graceful movements.
With fewer than 20 purebred Camarillo White Horses in existence, it is easy to realize why these horses are in high demand and fetch a premium price. Their coats have been termed “brilliant” or “gleaming,” which makes them perfect for public appearances.
Unlike gray horses, which gray out to white over time, Camarillo Whites are born white and remain white all their lives. The skin is pink, the eyes are dark, the build refined, and the limbs strong—all typical features of a true white horse.
American Cream Draft Horse
The American Cream Draft is the only draft horse breed originating from the United States. The mare that founded the breed was an Old Granny, foaled in Lowa early in the 1900s.
If you would like to go hunting for a kind horse, this American Cream Draft would be a good choice. The American Cream Draft Horse is a distinctive and highly valued breed known for its gentle nature and high strength. The horses come in a coat range of light cream to deep cream, pink skin, accompanied by amber eyes with white manes and tails. They bear muscular physiques that render them one of the strongest horse breeds.
Traditionally used for draught purposes, American Cream Drafts are now more usually seen in shows and parades. It is their gentle nature, combined with this eye-catching appearance, that makes them a favorite for public events. While the breed is still rather rare, its numbers are gradually rising thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.
Lipizzaner Horse
The Lipizzaner breed derives its name from the Lipizza Stud, located in present-day Slovenia. The stud was established in the 18th century when grey-colored horses were the favorite of the Habsburg royal family. Lipizzaners are famous due to their performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria.
While there are variations in bay, grey, and black, many Lipizzaner foals actually start black and slowly turn white over 6 to 10 years. Such coat change takes off a gorgeous and glimmering white that exudes class and power. That’s why the price of a Lipizzaner is quite high, more so for those trained in dressage. With great looks and capabilities, the Lipizzaner indeed is something worthy of enthusiasm amongst equestrians worldwide.
American Quarter Horse
American Quarter Horses are not typically white, they can display a range of colors, also including brown and black. The genetics of some individuals will sometimes give the appearance of being white, although one of the most common coat colors is still sorrel. So, if you have a white horse of this breed, you are so lucky.
With well over 2 million registered horses in the world, the American Quarters are undoubtedly America’s most famous race horses. These horses are known for speed, dexterity, and small size. They are the favorite choice of cowboys for a combination of work on the ranches and short-track races on the weekend. They can reach the astonishing speed of 88 kilometers/hour.
Camargue Horse
The Camargue steeds, also known as the “horses from the ocean,” are from the region of Camargue in southern France. These wild and solid steeds are dull at birth and turn white with time.
The Camargue horse is famous for its hardiness. It is intelligent with a good temperament. So they can adapt to a wide range of activities, from dressage through riding to livestock management.
While their prices are relatively more affordable compared to those of other breeds because of their wild nature, the indomitable spirit of the Camargue horses is priceless. Their matured white coats blend fittingly with the marshy landscape of their homeland.
Boulonnais Horse
The Boulonnais horse is often nicknamed the “White Marble horse”. It is a very famous French draught breed due to its greyish-white coat color, although it also comes in chestnut and black colors. It is characterized by a stocky build with short legs and a long and elegant head, being one of the popular breeds. This is due to crossbreeding in the 17th century among Bard, Andalusian, and Arabian horses.
The beauty of Boulonnais horses is legendary, for it was initially considered one of the finest white horse breeds, being both elegant and refined, much like their rich heritage from France.
Percheron Horse
The Percheron is a draft horse breed beginning in France. It is very agile and elegant, hence useful for riding as well as harness racing. Originating from the Perche province of Normandy, the breed was developed from crosses between Flemish draft, Barb, and Arabian horses.
These horses range in color from whites and creams to very deep blacks, and some have striking white markings on the head and feet. The mature Percheron develops a strong, muscular body with sturdy, well-shaped legs, which give an impression of strength and elegance. They are renowned for their calm disposition. So these friendly giants are particularly impressive when they display a stunning and pure white coat.
Cheval Crème Horse
The Cheval Crème isn’t a widely recognized breed but rather refers to horses with a cream coat, often seen in breeds like the Crème Draft. The horses bear some genes that dilute their base coat color into a distinct cream color. Their prices vary greatly according to breed and purpose of purchase.
Their creamy white coat has a soft, warming effect to it, standing apart from the stark whites in other breeds. Combined with their gentle nature, this peculiar coloration puts them in high demand for various equestrian activities and shows.
Connemara Pony Horse
The Connemara Pony, originating from Ireland, is among the very beautiful horse breeds that very much speak to versatility and character. Though available in many colors, the white coats, if in the shades considered grey, are more dazzling.
These ponies are compact and athletic in their structure, having soft and flowing manes and tails of the same texture that match their white coat. Their white coats are so untainted and luxurious when thrown together with those expressive eyes and gentle demeanor.
Bottom Line
White horse breeds are very alluring with their surreal beauty and gracious self. From the magnificent Camarillo White Horse, boasting a very rare, true white coat color, to the elegant Lipizzaner with its highly refined performances, each breed has its own beauty. If you are an equine lover, don’t let a chance slip away to pass by one as majestic as this one.
