Horse Breeds: Canadian Horse, Carthusian, Caspian, Cayuse Indian Pony

DIAN HORSE*checks, sloped shoulders, a broad and short back,
Originating from Canada, the Canadian horse is widelyarched and appropriately proportioned neck, and a
misunderstood and unknown. The breed began withsloped croup.
horses to Canada from France by King Louis XIV. In*CASPIAN*
the latter part of the 1600's, these horses wereThe Caspian, an ancestor to breeds of light horses
believed to be ancestors of the Barb, Andalusian, andand oriental horses, is a rare, but extremely beautiful
Arab breeds. Even modern day Canadian horses stillhorse. In 1965, the Caspian was extremely close to
display these strong traits.becoming extinct. Still a very rare breed of horse, it
Because these horses are seriously misunderstood,has been linked to horse breeds that existed 1,000
the popularity of the breed has not ever seen its peak.years ago, such as the prehistoric Persian horse.
In fact, today, there are only around 2500 CanadianBreeding for this horse is somewhat difficult, thanks to
horses, which leads the ALC (American Livestockthe ovulation cycle of mares. Though breeding efforts
Conservancy) to list the breeds as critical.still continue and the breed is no longer on the brink of
In most cases, the Canadian horse is used as a utilityextinction, it is still a very rare breed of horse. The
horse. Its limited requirements of food, its willingness toCaspian's are typically found in areas of the United
succeed, and its strength, makes this a valuable horseStates, New Zealand, and Australia.
as a carriage horse, as well as a plowing horse. AdultThe Caspian is often used for show and for harness. It
Canadian horses, typically weigh somewhere betweenhas great driving powers, as well as excellent abilities in
1,000 and 1,400 pounds, standing at 14 to 16 h.h.jumping. The Caspian has many distinct characteristics,
Colors range from chestnut, to bay or dark brown, butsuch as large eyes on a fine, short head. They also
are more commonly colored black. With their mainshave low, large nostrils, and a small muzzle. The
and tails being very long, wavy, and thick, their archedCaspian is a short horse, but well proportioned, with
necks, and their finely chiseled heads, it is easy to spotcoloring that range from the common chestnut, grey,
their Andalusian and Barb ancestry.and bay, to the occasional black colored Caspian.
What makes the Canadian horse such a pleasure to*CAYUSE INDIAN PONY*
own and breed is that they want to please theirThe Cayuse Indian Pony is the direct symbol of the
owners, they are extremely smart, sensible, kind, andOld West. Known as the wild horse, the Cayuse Indian
very social creatures.Pony is best known for it's symbolism of survival,
*CARTHUSIAN*stamina, and freedom. This breed of horse began in
The Carthusian, also referred to as Carthujano orthe 1800's and though many breeds of horses were
Carthusian-Andalusian, originates from Spain. As oneoriginated during this time, such as wild Spanish Barb, or
of the oldest and most prestigious breeds of Spanishthe Wild Mustang, the Cayuse Indian Pony is distinct.
Horses, it is thought to be the purest branch ofThe Cayuse Indian Pony is stocky and quite small, it
Andalusian existing today. There are many differentstands at around fourteen hands, but still quite
distinct characteristics of the Carthusian that peoplepowerful. It has a larger than usual cannon bone, high
often look for when considering this breed of horse.withers, and a pastern with a distinct slope. This makes
For example, in some cases, the Carthusian will havethe Cayuse a popular riding horse for the young or old,
horn like features or tail warts.because it makes for an easy seat and a pleasant
Both of these characteristics are thought to displayride.
their direct line of heritage. The Carthusian is typicallyMost of the Cayuse Indian Pony breed is found within
of a grey color, though black or chestnut coloring is notthe state of California, in the United States. At this time,
out of the question. They carry convex profiles onthe breed is on the verge of extinction with only a
their lighter heads, with very lively, large eyes, smallerhandful of Cayuse Indian Ponies existing.
ears, and a broad forehead. They have a deep, broad