Curly horses are a unique breed that has captured the attention of the equestrian world in recent years. These horses are known for their curly coats, which range from minimally expressed to extremely expressed.
With their hypoallergenic properties and diverse coat colors, they are beloved by many. Although their precise history is uncertain, they are deeply rooted in the culture of the Sioux Tribe.
Coat Expressions
Curly horses have a wide range of coat expressions that make them a noticeable breed. At the minimal end of the spectrum, we have curly-haired fetlocks, ears, and a kinky tail and mane.
Maximally expressed curlies, on the other hand, have a fully covered coat, dreadlocked mane, curly eyelashes, and guard hairs. They can be identified by their extremely expressed coat, tightly packed with no tail or mane hair.
It is also possible for a curly horse to be homozygous for the curly gene.
Shedding
Curly horses shed just like any other horse breed. However, they shed less in the summer and curl more in the winter.
Summer shedding is due to increased growth, while winter curling is due to the need to conserve body heat. Extra care is needed in the winter as tight curls can hide skin diseases and other issues that need attention.
Hypoallergenic
Curly horse lovers who struggle with allergies typically find that curly coats do not trigger their allergies due to their lack of allergic protein. These horses can be a wonderful option for individuals who love horses but have been unable to spend time with them in the past because of their allergies.
Sacred to Sioux Tribe
The sultry curvature of the curly horse dates back to ancient times where it was known to the Sioux Tribe as buffalo ponies. These horses were owned by doctors and chiefs known as the healers for their sacred and soothing properties.
They would use the curly horses for treating diseases and other everyday activities. The people believed that whoever rode their curly horses would have safe passage.
Unfortunately, the breed nearly went extinct before a group of breeders joined forces to keep them alive.
Coat Colors
Curly horses come in a range of colors, including chestnut, black, bay, white, grey, appaloosa markings, pinto patterns, and diluted colors. Some of the less common variations that you might see are champagne, blue eyes, and pink skin.
Uncertain History
There has always been a debate as to how curly horses were first created. The American Bashkir Curly Registry (ABCR) believes that these horses were bred from the curly-coated Bashkir horses brought to North America in the late 1800s.
The Canadian registry (CSI/ICHO) claims that they were indigenous to the continent. The double name of the breed has also caused some confusion.
For instance, the breed is known as both curly-coated horse and American Bashkir Curly. In conclusion, once you see a curly horse, it is difficult not to fall in love with them.
Their coats are a sight to behold, and their hypoallergenic properties make them appropriate for people who have previously shied away from horses. The Sioux Tribe had a deep spiritual connection with the breed, and it is remarkable to see how far they have come in the modern era.
Despite an uncertain and debated history, it is lovely to see these unique horses being appreciated around the world for their stunning beauty. Curly horses are a remarkable breed with a unique coat expression that varies from minimally to extremely expressed.
However, their coat expression is not their only notable feature. Curly horses are also known for their hypoallergenic properties, which make them a suitable option for individuals with allergies.
They also have a specific shedding pattern that aims to regulate their body temperature.
Shedding
Shedding is a natural process in which horses rid themselves of dead hair and fur to prepare for seasonal changes. Curly horses, like other horse breeds, experience shedding due to changes in temperature and sunlight exposure.
Curly horses are known to shed less during summer when their coat density is optimal for avoiding overheating. During winter, curly horses tend to curl up more as their coat gets longer to conserve body heat, which leads to the winter curling characteristic of the breed.
Summer
Shedding
Summer shedding in curly horses is the shedding of curly hair to avoid overheating. Curly horses depend on their curly coats to regulate their body temperature, not only in winter but also in summer.
As temperature rises during summer, curly horses begin to shed their curls to increase air circulation around their bodies and prevent overheating. Although they still shed like other breeds, the curly hair may be more difficult to see as it is often finer and shorter.
Winter Curling
Winter curling, on the other hand, is a characteristic exhibited by curly horses during the cooler months. It is a protective mechanism where long hair coats on curly horses curl up to provide insulation against the cold.
As temperatures drop, curly horses’ coats become more thick and curly, forming a barrier to lock in body heat, keeping the horses warm and cozy.
Hypoallergenic
One of the primary reasons why curly horses are becoming increasingly popular is because they are hypoallergenic. This means that they do not produce enough of the glycoprotein fel d1, which is responsible for triggering allergies in some people.
While this has not yet been confirmed through published research, individuals with allergies have reported that they experience reduced or no allergic reactions to curly horses.
Studies have shown that the curly horses dander contains less to no allergen when compared to other horse-breeds, which makes them safe for people who are usually allergic to horses.
Although exposure to less allergen can reduce the severity of an allergic reaction, care should still be taken around curly horses as some people may still experience allergic responses. Careful, selective breeding methods are used to produce curly horses, and breeders typically avoid breeding horses with known allergen sensitivity to maintain their hypoallergenic properties.
Note of Caution
It is important to note that even if curly horses are hypoallergenic, they are not immune to all allergens. Curly horses still have dander, urine, sweat, and saliva that can still cause an allergic reaction in some people.
It is recommended that people with allergies spend quality time with a curly horse before making the final decision to purchase or interact with one long term. Spending time with a curly horse provides the opportunity to identify any potential allergic reactions beforehand.
In conclusion, curly horses are a unique and fascinating breed that has captured the attention of many people. Their curly coat expression adds to their charm, while their hypoallergenic properties and shedding patterns make them an ideal choice for people with allergies or those looking for an easy-to-maintain horse breed.
Although curly horses are safer for people with allergies, it is essential to take the appropriate steps and precautions before getting up close and personal with any horse to ensure your safety and a comfortable experience. Curly horses have a fascinating history in the Sioux Tribe, where they were considered sacred and valued as “buffalo ponies”.
These horses were owned only by Sioux doctors and chiefs and were primarily used for medicinal purposes and personal transportation. The power of the curly horse was believed to be so strong that anyone who rode one would have a safe passage through their journey and receive protection from harm.
Buffalo Ponies
Curly horses played a crucial role in the Sioux culture, serving as “buffalo ponies” used for hunting buffalo. The hunting of buffalo was an essential part of the Sioux way of life, and curly horses were instrumental in pursuing and tracking these massive beasts.
The curly horse was critical for the tribe’s success in hunting, and the horse’s reliability and frightening presence on the battlefield were invaluable. Curly horses also played a role in Sioux ceremonies, where they were often adorned with jewelry, feathers, and paint in honor of their spirit.
Coat Colors
Curly horses come in a variety of colors that make them unique and beautiful to behold. The most common colors for curly horses are chestnut, a rich reddish-brown color that is a hallmark of the breed.
Other colors that are less common but still occur in the breed include black, bay, white, grey, appaloosa markings, pinto patterns, and diluted colors such as palomino, buckskin, and cremello.
Chestnut
Chestnut is the most common and recognizable color for curly horses. Its deep reddish-brown coat with a distinct shimmer makes it stand out amongst other horse breeds.
This color is dominant in the breed, and many curly horses have this coloration. The chestnut coat can range in shades, from light chestnut to a deep mahogany reddish-brown color.
Other Colors
Curly horses also come in other colors, including black, a rarer but striking coloration, and bay, characterized by its reddish-brown coat with a black mane and tail. Grey is another color that is seen in curly horses, with variations from silver to charcoal grey.
Appaloosa markings also occur in curly horses, with characteristic spots or flecks of color on their fur. Pinto patterns are another beautiful coat type that curly horses exhibit, with a mix of a base color and white patches that often run in a pattern across the body.
Finally, curly horses can also have diluted colors such as palomino, buckskin, and cremello, which result from a dilution gene and are characterized by pale, creamy fur. In conclusion, curly horses are a unique breed that comes in a range of colors, with chestnut being the most common coloration noted in the breed.
Curly horses have an intriguing history with the Sioux Tribe, where they were considered sacred and valuable as buffalo ponies. It’s fascinating to learn how these horses have played an integral role in the history and culture of Native Americans.
The beauty and versatility of the curly horse make them an exciting breed to own and cherish. The history of curly horses is shrouded in mystery and steeped in legend.
Even today, there is debate about the origins of the curly horse breed. While some believe that they are from Bashkir horse ancestry, others believe that they are indigenous to North America.
Ancestor Debate
The ABCR (American Bashkir Curly Registry) believes that curly horses are descended from the Bashkir horses, which originated in the Ural Mountains of Russia. The Bashkir horses are known for their ability to withstand cold temperatures, and their curly coats protect them from the wind and snow.
According to this theory, the curly gene was first identified in the Bashkir horses, and it was brought to North America in the 19th century.
However, the Canadian CSI (Curly Sporthorse International) and ICHO (International Curly Horse Organization) believe that the curly horses are indigenous to North America.
They claim that the Spanish Conquistadors brought over curly horses in the early 16th century, with Christopher Columbus, later discovering the curly horses in Hispaniola in 1493. These horses were already curly coated when they arrived in North America.
The North American Trahant family is also credited with breeding curly horses in the late 1800s. The Trahant family claimed that they discovered the curly horses living wild in Nevada, and they brought the horses back to their ranch in South Dakota to spread the breed.
However, this version of the creation has a clash with the ABCRs story, which does not explain how wild curly horses came to South Dakota.
Double Name
In addition to the sometimes-conflicting stories of its origin, the curly horse breed has a double name that adds to its mystery and confusion. The breed is also known by two names, the Bashkir Curly and the American Curly.
The ABCR is responsible for registering the Bashkir Curly, while other organizations, such as the CSI, register it as an American Curly. These conflicting names add to the confusion around the breed’s origin and exact lineage.
In conclusion, the history and origins of the curly horse breed remain a mystery, and it is a debate that will likely continue for some time. While some believe that curly horses are descended from the Bashkir horses, others argue that they are indigenous to North America.
The double name of the breed adds to the confusion surrounding their origin and lineage. Despite the uncertain nature of their history, curly horses remain a fascinating breed with a unique coat expression that sets them apart from other horse breeds.
In conclusion, curly horses are a unique and fascinating breed with a range of coat expressions, hypoallergenic properties, and a sacred history in the Sioux Tribe. However, their origins remain a mystery, with conflicting stories about whether they are from North America or descended from Bashkir horses.
Regardless of their origin, curly horses are a delightful breed with an intriguing history, and their curly coats make them an appealing option for horse lovers with allergies.
FAQs:
1.
What makes curly horses hypoallergenic? – Curly horses produce less of the glycoprotein fel d1, which can trigger allergies in some people.
2. What is the history of curly horses?
– There are conflicting stories about whether they are from Bashkir horse ancestry or whether they are indigenous to North America. 3.
What are the common coat colors for curly horses? –
Chestnut is the most common coloration, but curly horses can also come in black, bay, white, grey, appaloosa markings, pinto patterns, and diluted colors such as palomino, buckskin, and cremello.
4. What is the significance of curly horses in Sioux Tribe culture?
– The curly horses were considered sacred and were used in hunting and ceremonies. They were only owned by doctors and chiefs and were believed to provide safe passage and protection from harm.
5. What is the shedding pattern of curly horses?
– Curly horses shed less in the summer to avoid overheating and curl up more in the winter to conserve body heat.