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 What are Curly Horses?

        The curly-haired horses found in North America were originally thought to be related to a Russian horse called a Bashkir.  Theories were formed of how the Ural horse had made it's way to the western United States and mixed with Mustangs.  When the first registry was formed for curly-coated horses, it took the name American Bashkir Curly Registry. A genetic study has now disproved any link with the Ural Bashkir horse.

        What is known is that curly-coated horses were found in the Mustangs of the west as early as the nineteenth century. Beyond the curly coat, these horses had characteristics that distinguished them from the Mustangs.  Ranchers that captured and 'broke' mustangs noticed that the curlies settled down quicker, were intelligent, and exceptionally hardy.  Even today workers at the BLM Mustang and Burro adoption facilities admit that the Curly horses that are captured respond differently to people than the Mustangs. Recognizing their value, some ranchers began breeding for the Curly attributes.  

        The genetics of the breed is complicated... there is a genetic dominant Curly horse, and a recessive Curly horse.  The recessive Curly is the result of two non-curly parents with no traceable background to Curly horses (often in MFT).  Most Curly horses are the dominant type.  Because of the small numbers of Curlies that were available for breeding early on, and to prevent inbreeding, Curlies were crossed with many breeds.  Many Curly bloodlines include Morgan Horse, Arabian, Quarter Horse, Appaloosa and Paint.  While there is a small percentage of curly horses that are naturally gaited, many breeders have crossed Missouri Fox Trotters with Curlies to produce a gaited curly-coated horse. There are Draft Curlies as well as pony-sized.  All of this out-crossing has produced many different sizes and body types in the curly horse, however, all curly horses share a 'package' of distinguishing characteristics.  They are:

Disposition    As a breed characteristic, Curlies are gentle and calm horses.  They are intelligent and easy to train.  They seem to enjoy the company of people, and are eager to please.

Body Coat   The hair on the body of a curly horse is like that of no other horse.  In fact, Texas A&M analyzed it and reported it to more akin to mohair.  Many people who are allergic to horses can own and enjoy Curly horses without suffering allergic reactions.  There are several different patterns of winter curl on the body, 'straight' or 'bunny fur' to Marcel wave, crushed velvet, ringlets, and micro-curl.  The summer coat is short and sleek, although some Curlies have a short crushed velvet summer coat.

Mane & Tail    The hair in the mane is soft and fine, similar to human hair in thickness.  The mane should be wavy or curly, sometimes forming dreadlocks .  It should split down the middle falling to both sides of the neck. Many Curly horses shed their mane every summer, or every few years...this is normal. The tail should be wavy or have loose ringlets.  Many Curlies shed part of their tail, this is normal.

Ears   The ears are small and broad, the hair inside may be very curly.

Eyes   Curlies have a soft, kind eye with an 'almond' or 'oriental' look.  The eyelashes may be curled.

Hooves   The hooves are round and hard, seldom requiring shoeing.   

Fetlocks  Curlies have varying degrees of curly 'feathers' at the fetlock.

        Today there are two registries issuing certificates to Curly horses.  The American Bashkir Curly Registry has now 'closed' and become a blood registry.  The goal is to preserve curly to curly breeding.  Only foals from two ABCR registered parents may be registered.  They will register 'straight' Curlies if they are from two registered full-blood parents.  The International Curly Horse Organization is a coat registry, and will register any horse meeting the Curly criteria.  Breeders who prefer to cross Curlies with other breeds, combining the attributes of each, register their horses with the ICHO. They will also allow breeding from 'straight' and half-blood stallions.

        Many associations have also been formed to share the interests of specialized breeders, such as; The Early Curly Breeder's Assoc., Curly Sport Horse International, Etc. 

        In short, Curly Horses are a versatile breed... used in many disciplines, yet all sharing the calm, gentle nature that Curly owners know and love.