What is a Curly Horse?

The Curly personality

Curlies are noted for their intelligence and calm, friendly dispositions; they are rarely spooky and often mischievous. Many Curly owners swear that their horses have a sense of humor and like to play jokes on them. But they are also gentle, good-natured, and easy to train. They make excellent family horses because of this kind, unflappable nature.

Types of Curly horses

• Saddle horse
  
  
• Pony
  
  
• Draft horse

There are three general types: regular (saddle horse), pony, and draft. The regular type averages about 14.2 to 15 hands high and about 1,000 pounds; it has a compact, muscular build and excellent bone.

The Curly coat

Although modern Curlies have been extensively cross-bred and now come in every size and color, they retain a unique common trait: a curly winter coat that resembles a poodle's. They also have curly mane and tail hair that looks "permed" as well as curly eyelashes and "ear fuzz" year-round. A study at Texas A&M showed that Curly horse hair is hollow and felted (feathered) like a sheep's, providing excellent insulation. And when a Curly sheds in the spring, you can take advantage of the "wool" -- a unique benefit of owning a Curly. Many Curly owners found it to be non-allergenic.

A hardy breed, easy to care for

The Curly coat does not present any special needs or problems and in fact has several advantages. Because it is so dense, Curlies are well suited to cold weather --even extremes like Alaska-- and never need blankets as long as they have a windbreak. They thrive on life outdoors with sufficient feed and clean water.

Curlies tend to be easy keepers and many go barefoot because they are not prone to hoof or leg problems. In fact, there are no known hereditary health problems in the breed (such as navicular, CID, or HYPP). Their grooming and health care needs are similar to other horses'.

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