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They look like horses with a perm. But in fact they are one of the hardiest natural breeds: American Curly Horses, the only horses with a curly coat. It has survival traits resulting from centuries of natural selection, including efficient size, strength and stamina.
The Curly Horse is well documented among wild horses of the North American west, since the 1700's. Indian pictographs indicate that warriors of the Sioux and Crow tribes esteemed the unusual horses because of their courage, stamina and soundness.
Ranchers discovered Curly Horses among the wild mustang herds, broke them and used them for cattle work. Curly Horses proved themselves as smart, gentle and willing to work.
Hypoallergenic
The special look of the Curlys has an amazing side effect: People who are allergic to horses are not or are remarkably less allergic to Curly horses.
The allergy causing proteins in the dandruff of the Curlys are different from those of other breeds.
People allergic to other horses can own and ride Curly Horses with amazing success.
Smooth coated Curly Horses
It sounds absurd, but there are Curly Horses without curls. The recessive gene for smooth hair can appear in pure Curly Horses.
Size:
it typically ranges from 14.2 to 15.1 hh (1,45 to 1,55 m) but occurs in all sizes and types.
Color:
all colors occur
Character:
its temperament is peaceful, quiet and calm. When frightened it often stops to watch and think before resorting to panic. It learns easily and quickly.
Traits:
durable, sturdy, intelligent
Mane and tail:
it has a curly coat of hair, very noticeable in winter, less apparent when short in summer. Some have very sparse mane and tail.
Use:
depending on type and conformation, they can be used for any discipline under saddle or in harness, they make excellent trail horses.
Keeping:
easy keepers. As a natural breed of horse Curly Horses prefer a year round life outside to being kept in stalls and boxes.
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