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When the Spanish brought the horses to the Americas, some of these horses were two-toned. Years past and some of these horses escaped and formed wild horse herds. Later, cowboys and indians began to tame these horses. Now they are found all over America. They are also America's third favorite horse breed too.

I thought I should share some of this. Hopefully you found this interesting if you don't know any horse history about the Paint.

HB

Here is some info

The Canadian breed may well be one of the best kept secrets of the twentieth century - not because breeders of the Canadian have tried to hide the animals, but because writers of books on horse breeds apparently have not contacted Canadian authorities to inquire. The Canadian horse is an unsung hero in formation of United States (and Central American) horse breeds. The Canadian Horse was well known to the American colonists. Today, however, even many Canadians are unaware of the breed, probably because of its present rarity.

  The Canadian Horse traces its ancestry to the foundation stock brought to Acadia and New France in the 17th century. The first horses were ultimately caught and carried off in 1616 by Samuel Argall's marauding expedition from Virginia. This was the first introduction of French Canadian blood to America's eastern shores. The effective introduction of French horses in to New France came in 1665 when Louis XIV sent two stallions and twenty mares from the royal stables to the colony. On the voyage eight of the mares were lost, but the King sent additional shipments; in 1667 fourteen or fifteen horses, and in 1670 a stallion and eleven mares. These horses formed the basis of the French Canadian horse of the Old Regime. The horses from the Royal stables came from Normandy and Brittany, at that time the two most renowned horse breeding provinces of France. The Breton horse, although small, was noted for its soundness and vigor. The Norman horse closely resembled the Breton, but gave more evidence of infusion of oriental blood. This strain came from Andalusian sires brought in to Normandy and La Perch (habitat of the Percheron breed) for breeding purposes, some direct from Spain and others, between the latter part of the 16th century and the end of the War of Spanish Succession,  from the Spanish Netherlands. Influence of the Dutch Friesian is apparent in the notable trotting ability of the Canadian, the feathered legs, abundance of mane and tail, and general appearance.

  In the 17th and 18th centuries there was no standard type in either the Norman or Breton breeds but rather several types in each, being bred with one another in their home province according to the features popular at the moment. Among the horses brought from France in to Canada there were various types; some were distinctively draft in type; others were just as distinctively trotters, a type of horse for which France had enjoyed a reputation for generations.  Still others were pacers, not descending from the Narragansett Pacers as is often implied, but coming from France with that talent. A gross error is made by those who attribute all of the credit for the American trotters to the horses of England.

  Although the Canadian horse exhibited several types due to varied breeding practices of the time, there was no other blood infused in to the breed for nearly 150 years. Many owners bred for the lighter, more refined type,  and it is said that the pure breed as it existed in 1850 was scarcely altered from its prototype of a hundred years before.

  The Canadian, although usually small, was known to have the quality of breeding up in size when crossed with loftier mares, also giving the foals their pluck, vigor, and iron constitution.

  Very little care was given to the early Canadian breed, and it is a testimony to their hardiness that they survived. In summer, when the horses were little used, they ran loose in the woods, where they were tormented by flies against which they had no defense due to the French practice of docking the tails. In the winter they were usually given no shelter at all, especially the young stock which were not in use. The inhabitants cured no hay so their horses existed mostly on straw. They seldom received enough grain but were required to work hard. When the owners took to the road they thought nothing of driving the horses as fast as they would go for a dozen miles or more, then leaving them to stand uncovered for hours in blizzard conditions.  It was their opinion that harsh exposure was an excellent way to toughen an animal.

  New France furnished the horses taken to the western settlements at Detroit and in the Illinois area. Many of these horses were allowed to run loose in large herds and were only brought in when needed for work. Great numbers are known to have escaped to run with the mustangs of the American plains - an ancestor never mentioned in writings of the American Mustang.

  Canadian horses found a ready market in the United States and were also shipped in great quantities to the West Indies, a fact overlooked by enthusiasts of the paso-gaited horses.

  After the war of 1812, the trade in French Canadian horses grew rapidly. Droves were collected by American dealers each year, mostly at Montreal and Quebec City. In 1830 it was reported that most of the trotters then in the northern United States were of French Canadian origin. Beneficial result of crossing the Canadian on the ordinary stock of the adjacent states was universally admitted.
  The popularity of the cross bred horses of northern New England among the stage coach drivers of Boston is legend.  The stallions brought from lower Canada were not entirely responsible, however, for the infusion of Canadian blood in to the horses of the United States. Part of it came from both purebred and part bred Canadian mares which were mated to American horses.  The Canadian Pacer was a horse bred from the Narragansett Pacer and the old strains of French-Canadian. This breed then returned to the United States and contributed greatly to development of the famous American Standardbred.

  Many purebred French Canadian horses were entered in to the early stud books of the Morgan, Standardbred, and American Saddlebred. Foundation sires of these breeds were often pure Canadian or were mated to Canadian mares. The Tennessee Walking Horse and Missouri Foxtrotter can also claim Canadian ancestry.

  So great was the drain in to the United States of  the pure Canadian horse, particularly during the Civil War, that numbers at home were reduced alarmingly. Another factor involved in the demise of the breed was the importation of heavy draft horses for farm work. The Canadian was never considered a work horse although it was worked hard, and it also never qualified as a light breed, being a more medium type ( a description also given of the Morgan). By the end of the nineteenth century the breed was in extreme danger of extinction. Under the leadership of Dr. J.A. Couture, DVM, a few concerned admirers of the "little iron horse" banded together to try and preserve what remained of the breed. Their efforts produced a first stud book in 1886. Progress was slow however, and it was not until 1895 when the Canadian Horse Breeders Association was formed that any real expansion took place. In 1907 under the leadership of Dr. J.G. Rutherford, the federal government livestock commissioner, a new stud book was started with improved standards.  In 1913 the Federal Ministry of Agriculture set up a breeding program at Cap Rouge, Quebec, where Albert de Cap Rouge, one of the foundation studs was bred. The operation was later moved east of Quebec City at St. Joachim. During this period the Canadian was bred into a taller more refined animal, suitable as a hunter or jumper. When the federal government,  occupied with the war, closed down the operation in 1940 and sold off the breeding stock, the Quebec government reestablished the stud under the provincial department of agriculture at Deschambault, Quebec. The balance of the St. Joachim horses were sold to private breeders. In 1979 the Deschambault herd was sold at auction and the Canadian was once again threatened with extinction numbering less than 400 registered horses.  However,  thanks to the efforts of committed breeders all across Canada, the breed struggles on and at present (1997) numbers approximately 2500 registered horses.

  The Canadian Horse can be called a general utility animal. The mares are extraordinarily fertile and reproduce regularly until the age of 20 or older. Generally the Canadian Horse is black, but colors also range from bay to light chestnut. Stallions should weigh from 1050 to 1350 pounds and mares 1000 to 1250. Desired height is 14 to 16 hands. As a general purpose animal, the Canadian shows a well proportioned body, good setting of limbs, high quality of bones, and good feet.  The forearm and gaskin are especially well muscled. The mane and tail are thick, long and usually wavy. The head shows intelligence, spirit, and no excess of nervousness. The animal is generally very easy to handle. The Canadian's strength and docility make it ideal for farm work, ranch work, driving, hunter/jumping, packing and endurance riding. True to its heritage the Canadian demonstrates its versatility by performing superbly in all equestrian disciplines. Willingness, adaptability, and an even temperament make the Canadian ideal for use in competition, for working, or as a family horse. Truly a proud part of  Canada's national heritage!


The Canadian Breed "the little iron horse"

For generations the Canadian Horse played a vital role in the lives of the early settlers, not only in Canada, but in the United States as well. Today, however, few North Americans are aware of its existence and very little information can be found on this once extremely popular breed. Listed as "critical" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy the Canadian Horse numbers approximately 2500 head, the majority of these being in eastern Canada. Recently there has been a resurgence in the breed's popularity and more horse enthusiasts are becoming aware of the special qualities of "the little iron horse" as it was affectionately nicknamed by the early inhabitants.

ORIGIN : The Canadian Horse had very royal beginnings. Its ancestors were sent to the inhabitants of "New France" direct from the stables of King Louis XIV. These horses were of  Breton and Norman descent - the Norman carrying the Andalusian blood. Influence of the Dutch Friesian may be noticed in the trotting ability of the Canadian, the feathered legs, abundance of mane and tail, and general appearance. The Arab and Barb breeds may also be included as probable influences.

    King Louis sent three shipments of horses to the New World: the first in 1665 consisted of 2 stallions and 20 mares, however, 8 mares were lost on the voyage; in 1667 fourteen or fifteen horses were sent and in 1670 a stallion and 11 mares made the voyage. Thereafter, the king sent no more horses, as the colonial governor, Intendant Talon, considered there were now enough in the colony to furnish a dependable supply of colts to all in need of them. The breeding program that followed was so successful that in 1679 there were 145 horses in the colony; in 1688, 218; and by 1698 there were 684.

HISTORY: Canadian Horses cleared and worked the land, carried children to school, pulled the cutters and carriages and provided great entertainment  for their masters in the form of racing. They endured many hardships - from brutally cold winters to hoards of mosquitos and flies during the summer, poor feed and long hours of work with little rest. They survived it all, but became smaller in size - thus the title: Little Iron Horse.  They gained quite a reputation for their hardiness and stamina and many stories were told of their courage and ability. One such story was told in the Breeders Gazette of Chicago in 1914: A wood merchant, owner of a Canadian Horse weighing approximately 1050 pounds harnessed it on the same pole beside another horse, two hundred pounds heavier. The Canadian Horse has always kept his harness traces well stretched and never showed as much fatigue as his heavier mate. After two years of common work, the heavy horse died. Questioned on the cause of death, the driver answered, "It is the Canadian Horse that made him die of overwork"! Another heavy horse teamed with the same Canadian Horse died after a year and the Canadian was still in perfect condition.

    Little wonder that with such a reputation the British settlers would start to demand the Canadian for use in cross breeding with their own horses. Canadians had the quality of breeding up in size as well as giving the foals their pluck, vigor and iron constitution. They were described as being long-lived, easily kept, and capable of great endurance - heavy enough for the purposes of the farmer or as a roadster while also being a good riding horse. The breed produced both trotters and pacers. Thus Canadian Horses found a ready market in the United States and were also shipped in great quantities to the West Indies. They contributed greatly to the foundation stock of many of today's popular breeds such as the  Standardbred,Tenneesee Walking Horse, Saddlebred and the Morgan. Soon Canadians were found on fine carriages, on stagecoaches and unfortunately as recruits in the Civil War as mounts and as pack and draft animals.

    So great was the drain in to the United States of the pure Canadian Horse that numbers at home were reduced alarmingly. By the end of the 19th century the breed was in extreme danger of extinction. In 1886 a stud book was established to record the best of the remaining animals, and the Canadian Horse Breeders Association was formed in 1895. The breed struggled, but continued to be in danger, even with the help of government run stud farms. In 1976 there were only 383 registered Canadians. It was only through the efforts of a handful of private breeders that the Canadian started the slow climb back from the brink of extinction. Today there are associations in the Maritimes and Western Canada  with several members scattered throughout the U.S. It is their hope that the Canadian is once again safely established on North American soil.

DESCRIPTION: The historian, Faillon, described the horses as "small but robust, hocks of steel, thick mane floating in the wind, bright and lively eyes, pricking sensitive ears at the least noise, going along day or night with the same courage, wide awake beneath its harness, spirited, good, gentle, affectionate, following his road with finest instinct to come surely to his own stable."  That description holds true today.

On average Canadians stand from 14 to 16 hands, weighing from 1000 to 1350 pounds. They are well proportioned horses, solidly built and well muscled especially in the forearm and gaskin. The neck is strong and arched, mounted high on a long, well sloped shoulder. The body is long and deep, the barrel rounded. The tail is set high into a heavily muscled rump. The mane and tail are long, thick and usually wavy. Small ears and widely spaced eyes with a bold expression - the head shows intelligence and spirit, but no excess nervousness. One of the greatest characteristics is their extremely hardy feet and legs. The majority of Canadians are black, but brown, bay and chestnut are also common.

   Intelligent, spirited, yet gentle. The disposition of the Canadian Horse is another truly outstanding characteristic. Simply put, they are kind and generally easy to train. They especially take to the harness, but quickly learn all other disciplines.  Still very much a "family" horse.

THE CANADIAN HORSE TODAY : It's funny how "old fashioned" has a way of coming back in to style! Perhaps that is the reason the Canadian is gaining in popularity - or perhaps it is simply that horse lovers are rediscovering the wonderful versatility of the breed. Their willingness, adaptability and even temperament make them ideal for use as a competition horse, workhorse, or children's mount.  For the "driving" enthusiast ( from carriage to combined) the Canadian proves to be an exceptional partner - after all - that's what they have done best for over 300 years! Today they can also be found in the jumping and dressage rings, on the endurance trails, western trail classes, performing everyday ranch tasks, and taking the family out for a buggy or sleigh ride! As pleasure horses or tough competitors, today's Canadian will put his heart in to the task set before him - just as his forefathers did - and require very little in return. Hats off to those who did so much to preserve the Canadian Horse - truly a national treasure!

The Canadian Breed "the little iron horse"

About Curlies

Origin of the Breed

The exact origin of the Bashkir Curly Horse is one of the greatest mysteries of the horse world.

Horses with curly coats are most certainly an ancient breed. They have been depicted in art and statuary in early China as far back as 161 AD. There has been evidence of their presence in South America and Europe. A photo of a curly coated Bashkir horse from Russia was printed in the 1938 March issue of the Nature magazine entitled "The Evolution of the Horses". The horse's picture was later drawn by John Hix and featured in a cartoon called "Strange as it Seems". The clipping had been saved in a scrapbook by the Damele (Duh-mel'ly) family (early day curly horse breeders in Nevada). This information was one of the factors that helped in determining the name of this unique breed, the American Bashkir Curly Horse.

It is still a mystery how the Curlies came to the US. Many theories have been advanced on the subject, but no factual proof has yet been found. But there is evidence that Curlies have been in North America since the early 1800's. Many Indian pictographs illustrating the "Winter Counts" have noted that in the winter of 1801-1802 the Sioux had stolen some curly horses from the Crow. This incident placed the tribes at the Standing Rock/Cheyenne River Reservation at the mouth of the Grand River. A significant location of the Curlies today has been traced to Indian Reservations in North and South Dakota. Many Curlies then and now have been acquired from the wild horses that roam the lands of the United States. They have been domesticated, bred and raised by ranchers throughout the United States and Canada.

One theory why curly coated horses ended up roaming with the wild mustangs of the West, was that the Russian Bashkir Curly horses, that were originally shipped with the Russian colonist who tried to settle America’s Northwest territory during the 1700’s, had set their remaining horses free after abandoning their westward expansion. Unfortunately, through further research including consultations with Russian scientists, the Moscow Zoo and the Ministry of Agriculture, it was determined that there are no curly haired horses from the Bashkir region.

Another theory is that the ancestor of the Bashkir Curly Horse might have crossed the land bridge during the last Ice Age. But there is no fossil evidence to support the existence of horses in the America's from the last Ice Age until the reintroduction of horses to this hemisphere by the Spanish.

Formation of the American Bashkir Curly Horse Breed

Fortunately, more is known about the development of the modern Bashkir Curly Horse.

The modern day history of American Bashkir Curly dates to 1898, when young Peter Damele and his father were riding the Peter Hanson Mountains in the remote high country of Central Nevada, near Austin.  Peter recalled seeing three horses with tight curly ringlets over their entire bodies.  It was intriguing to both father and son as to where these horses had come from and just why they were there, questions that as you can see are still not answered. However, from that day to this, there have always been curly-coated horses on the Damele range.  Many of the Bashkir Curly Horses in the U.S. can be traced back to the Damele herd.

Establishing The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry in 1971, the founders set out to save these animals from extinction in the U.S., as it was found that too many of them, through ignorance, were being slaughtered. They then began the process of establishing breeding traits. To accomplish this, owners were asked to list the characteristics unique to the Bashkir Curly Horse. When compiled these brought out several interesting features of the breed.

Curly Conformation

Bashkir Curly Horse's appear in all common horse colors including Appaloosa and Pinto. Curlies somewhat resemble the early day Morgan in conformation and a number of traits have been found in this unique breed that link them to the primitive horse. Curlies are of
medium size. Their soft, calm looking eyes have an unusual Oriental slant to them, which gives them a sort of sleepy look, but which also tends to give them a larger range of vision to the rear. The sleepy look is very deceiving, as they have a proud carriage, are very alert and not lazy and most move at a running walk.

Their unusually tough black hoofs are almost perfectly round in shape. Many Curlies with white legs will still have four black hoofs. They also have stout roundbone cannons; straight legs that also move straight; flat knees; strong hocks; short back which indicates five lumbar vertebrae; round rump without crease or dimple; powerful rounded shoulders; V'd chest and round barrel, all of which contribute to their strength and endurance.

The foals arrive with thick, crinkly coats almost resembling astrakhan (‘as-tra-kan) wool, even inside their short broad ears,
and also have beautiful curly eyelashes. They are born with an unusually affectionate disposition and insist on being friendly.
When excited or at play, the foals move at a bold trot with their tails absolutely straight in the air.

They have a double mane which splits down the middle leaving curly ringlets hanging on both sides of the neck. Their body coat sheds out in the summer and they become wavy or fairly straight on their body, with their beautiful coat returning in the late fall. Several winter coat patterns have been observed, from a crushed velvet effect, to a perfect marcel (mar-‘sel) wave, to extremely tight curls over the entire body. It has been tested and proven that flat hair is curly, yet when the hair of the Curlies was tested it was found to be round. One other thing about their hair that should be mentioned is that a number of owners who are allergic to horses find that they are not allergic to their Curlies.
 

The Bashkir Curly Horse is a hardy breed and able to survive severe winter conditions. In the winter of 1951-52, the Curly horses were the only ones to survive on the open ranges of Nevada without supplemental feeding.

Their most cherished quality is their calmness and extremely gentle disposition. We do feel that this is one of their finest features. Many have been taken off the open range, even full grown animals, and in a day or two, they are gentler than horses that have been handled for years. Nothing seems to ruffle them. They do not tend to resort too flight when frightened, which has been claimed the horse's greatest means of survival. Curlies, with their naturally curious nature, prefer to face the unknown rather than run from it. If they feel something is a real danger to them, they prefer to kick rather than run. Although they will struggle frantically when first roped or haltered, they soon respond to kindness and affection because of their inherent gentle nature. They seem unable to cope with or tolerate abuse. They will tend to freeze in a tight spot so seldom get themselves hurt, even if caught in barbed wire. They will delight in human companionship and love to be talked to.

Performance wise, Curlies are a no-nonsense horse and have an uncanny ability to do all that is asked of them since they are usually intelligent, learn quickly and a remarkable memory (for either good or bad experiences) They have won trophies in arena events such as: Western Riding, Reining, Gymkhana Events, Hunter, Jumper, Roping, English Equitation, Western Pleasure, Gaited Pleasure, Dressage and Driving. They have won in Competitive and Endurance Trail Riding and are excellent mounts in the mountains, ranch work and all round pleasure horse

The Canadian Breed "the little iron horse"