Black horses, with their sleek coats and powerful presence, evoke a sense of mystery and elegance. While black is not the most common coat color in horses, it holds a special allure in equestrian circles and popular culture.
Did you know that the gene responsible for black coat color in horses, called the Extension gene, is dominant over the gene for red coats? This means that a horse only needs one copy of the black gene to display a black coat.1
Black horse breeds come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and history, and here are 13 of them.
1. Friesian
The Friesian, hailing from the Netherlands, is perhaps the most iconic black horse breed.
With its flowing mane, feathered feet, and high-stepping gait, this horse looks like it’s stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Friesians are known for their gentle temperament and versatility, excelling in both dressage and carriage driving.
- Origin: Netherlands
- Height: 15-17 hands
- Weight: 1,300-1,500 pounds
- Lifespan: 16-18 years
- Notable traits: Long, thick mane and tail; feathered legs; graceful movement
2. Percheron
The Percheron is a gentle giant among black horse breeds.
Originally bred as a war horse in France, these powerful draft horses later found their calling in agriculture and logging. Today, they’re admired for their strength, intelligence, and willingness to work.
- Origin: France
- Height: 15-19 hands
- Weight: 1,800-2,600 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Muscular build; intelligent eyes; calm demeanor
3. Murgese
The Murgese, a rare breed from southern Italy, boasts a coat as dark as the volcanic soil of its homeland.
These horses are prized for their endurance and sure-footedness, making them excellent for both riding and light draft work. Their striking appearance and hardy nature have earned them a devoted following.
- Origin: Italy
- Height: 14-16 hands
- Weight: 900-1,100 pounds
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Notable traits: Compact build; crescent-shaped nostrils; adaptable to various terrains
4. Morgan
The Morgan horse, one of America’s oldest breeds, often sports a lustrous black coat.
Known for their versatility and friendly disposition, Morgans excel in various disciplines from dressage to trail riding. Their compact size and sturdy build make them popular among riders of all levels.
- Origin: United States
- Height: 14-15.2 hands
- Weight: 900-1,100 pounds
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
- Notable traits: Expressive eyes; arched neck; strong legs
5. Fell Pony
The Fell Pony, native to northern England, is a hardy breed that often comes in jet black.
These sure-footed ponies are known for their ability to thrive in harsh mountain environments. Despite their small stature, they possess remarkable strength and endurance.
- Origin: England
- Height: 13-14 hands
- Weight: 700-900 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Thick mane and tail; strong hooves; calm temperament
6. Dales Pony
Another British breed, the Dales Pony, is often seen in a striking black coat.
These sturdy ponies were originally bred for pack horse duties in the steep dales of northern England. Today, they’re valued for their versatility and gentle nature, making them excellent family horses.
- Origin: England
- Height: 14-14.2 hands
- Weight: 900-1,000 pounds
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Notable traits: Muscular build; flowing mane and tail; sure-footed
7. Mérens
The Mérens horse, originating from the Pyrenees mountains, is almost exclusively black.
These hardy mountain horses are known for their endurance and adaptability to harsh conditions. Their gentle temperament and versatility make them popular for both riding and driving.
- Origin: France
- Height: 14-14.3 hands
- Weight: 750-900 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Thick winter coat; strong hooves; agile in mountainous terrain
8. Shire
The Shire horse, one of the largest horse breeds, can often be found in a majestic black coat.
These gentle giants were originally bred for farm work and hauling heavy loads. Despite their imposing size, Shires are known for their docile nature and willingness to please.
- Origin: England
- Height: 16-19 hands
- Weight: 1,800-2,400 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Massive size; feathered legs; calm disposition
9. Friesian Sport Horse
The Friesian Sport Horse, a crossbreed between Friesians and warmbloods, often inherits the striking black coat of its Friesian parent.
These horses combine the elegance of the Friesian with the athletic ability of warmbloods, making them excellent performers in various equestrian disciplines.
- Origin: Various countries
- Height: 15-17 hands
- Weight: 1,200-1,500 pounds
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Notable traits: Athletic build; flowing mane and tail; versatile performance abilities
10. Rocky Mountain Horse
The Rocky Mountain Horse, while often seen in chocolate coat with flaxen mane and tail, can also come in a beautiful black.
These gaited horses are prized for their smooth, natural four-beat gait and gentle temperament. They excel as trail and pleasure riding horses.
- Origin: United States
- Height: 14-16 hands
- Weight: 800-1,000 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Smooth gait; kind eyes; versatile riding horse
11. Thoroughbred
While Thoroughbreds come in various colors, black is one of the rarer and more striking coat colors for this breed.
Known for their speed and agility, black Thoroughbreds are a breathtaking sight on the racetrack. These horses are also popular in other equestrian sports due to their athleticism and grace.
- Origin: England
- Height: 15-17 hands
- Weight: 1,000-1,200 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Athletic build; long legs; spirited temperament
12. Andalusian
The Andalusian, while more commonly seen in grey, can also be found in a stunning black coat.
These horses, with their proud carriage and flowing manes, have been prized for centuries for their beauty and athleticism. They excel in dressage and classical riding.
- Origin: Spain
- Height: 15-16.2 hands
- Weight: 900-1,100 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Arched neck; thick mane and tail; elegant movement
13. Canadian Horse
The Canadian Horse, also known as the “Little Iron Horse,” can often be found in a sleek black coat.
These sturdy, all-purpose horses are known for their strength, endurance, and versatility. Despite their relatively small size, they’re capable of both riding and light draft work.
- Origin: Canada
- Height: 14-16 hands
- Weight: 1,000-1,400 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Notable traits: Muscular build; thick mane and tail; hardy constitution
These 15 black horse breeds showcase the diversity and beauty of equine genetics. Each breed brings its own unique characteristics and charm to the world of horses.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.