Australian Stock Horses
Horses arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. Only the strongest and most enduring animals survived the harsh climate and difficult working conditions of the early colonies. In early Australia, horses were bred for stamina and ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Bashkir Curly Horse
The breed's rarity means it is outcrossed to other breeds to produce a range of colours and patterns with a curled coat. However in these crosses the coat may only be curled in certain places such as the mane and tail. (See Breeding) The curling ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Friesian Horse
Most Australians know Friesians as those black and white dairy cows, but there is another Friesian being seen in our paddocks - the Friesian Horse. It is a rare breed with only 76 in Australia. The only colouring allowed today is solid black, ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Arabian Horse
Arabians are said to be the oldest breed of horse in the world and are admired universally for their spirit, grace and beauty. They are one of the key ancestors of all modern thoroughbreds. Arabians are compact, muscular horses with slender legs ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Fjord Horses
Curiosity may well be assigned to cats but the Fjord horse appears to have received a good dose! The biggest problem our crew had was shooting around the horses as they investigated the camera and sound equipment. Their placid natures made them a ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Haflinger Horse
A solid, all-round European horse breed seen more frequently in Australia today is the Haflinger, a horse of striking appearance and all-purpose performance. Generally a very sturdy breed Small genetic pool could exaggerate any hereditary faults ... [... more]
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Irish Draught Horses
Ireland's soil, climate and culture makes it one of the most horse friendly places on earth. The Irish Draught Horse benefitted greatly from these conditions and has evolved into a hardy versatile horse with a spirited but gentle ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Caspian Horse
The Caspian is a true miniature horse, usually 10-12hh, with a slim build, small hooves and a short, fine head. Colours include grey, chestnut, bay, black, and cream, and white on the face and legs is allowed. Enthusiasts say the forehead ... [... more]
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Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse is reputed to be the oldest all-American breed. The origins of this breed started as early as the 1600s, soon after settlement of the Americas by the British. In order to produce a horse suitable for both work and ... [... more]
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American Western Horse Breeds
Western breeds are all based on the American Quarter Horse and are all judged to the same standard of perfection and all compete in the same type of events. In principle Western Breeds fall into three different groups, based on colour, these are ... [... more]
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Shire Horse
The exact history of the Shire horse is sketchy. Names associated with the breed include the Great Horse, English War Horse, English Cart Horse and Large Black English Horse. Its ancestors wore armour and carried heavily armoured soldiers into ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Cleveland Bay Horses
Cleveland Bay horses are large, handsome horses, standing between 16-17 hands (a hand is equivalent to 10cm or 4"). They have large convex heads and a deep girth and their quarters are strong with good bones and feet. They are bay (a reddish ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
