A white horse conveys purity, nobility, beauty and majesty. In fact, in many cultures, these specimens attract good luck and are considered sacred animals.
These equines captivate everyone, not only for their beauty, but also for their intelligence, elegance and poise. That’s why, at Equspaddock, as lovers of this animal and manufacturers of equestrian equipment, we tell you in detail about these specimens. Discover which breeds exist, what their characteristics are and why they are so impressive when galloping.
Beauty and elegance in equal measure!
White horse breeds
Although not all breeds have specimens of this color, white horses can be found in different lineages, each with its specific characteristics and specific origin. But, undoubtedly, it is genetics that allows the appearance of these striking and different specimens.
White Friesian horse
Although the Friesian normally tends to have a jet black coat, there are also examples of white Friesian horses thanks to a genetic mutation that gives them an elegant bearing and an uncommon color for this breed.
Andalusian white horse
A Pura Raza Española is also one of the most outstanding Spanish white horses. They are very elegant and stand out in high performance competitions, being docile specimens with arched necks and a firm, elegant gait
White Arabian Horse
These are one of the most well-known and outstanding white horse breeds. They have a concave head, very expressive eyes and a high tail that provide beauty and discipline. They are very noble and hardy.
White Percheron horse
There are also white draft horses, attracting a lot of attention from amateurs and lovers of horseback riding. For in addition to its strength, it also has a very elegant and powerful appearance. It is a very docile and noble horse, despite its large size.
Lipizzaner horse
This is one of the best known white horse breeds. Many specimens are born with dark almost black coats and, as they grow, this lightens to a striking, brilliant white tone.
Special characteristics of the white horse
A white horse not only stands out for its beauty and stunning appearance, but also because it has characteristics that make it a special and very important animal in certain cultures. In addition, due to its light coat color, it requires more intensive care to avoid sunburn.
In terms of its behavior, it is an example with a noble, calm temperament, ideal for competitions with precision such as dressage or jumping, among others.
Color variations and markings
The white pigmentation of the coat of equines of this type can come in different shapes and shades. One can find specimens of pure white color, to others with spots or small whitish markings. In addition, in turn, it is necessary to differentiate between pure white horses from birth (due to the dominant gene of this color) and others that develop a white coat throughout their growth thanks to the process of “greying”.
Symbolism and Mythology
Equines of this color have always been present in the mythology and legends of many cultures. For example, in Greek mythology they were associated with the gods and the sky. In fact, Pegasus is white, symbol of immortality and freedom.
In other cultures, such as the Celtic, the specimens of this color are considered a sacred animal, guides of the warriors of the afterlife, transmitters of peace. In Christianity, for example, they are synonymous with power and purity, their color is related to victory, purity and justice.
Care and maintenance of white horses
Due to their very specific and unique properties, the care of beautiful white horses is essential to ensure their health and well-being. Therefore, on the one hand, their coat is delicate, can become discolored and stains can appear very easily. Therefore, it is important to use specific products for white coats.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to take great care of the feeding of these animals. Their diet should be balanced and rich in nutrients that help maintain their white coat and health. It is important to avoid continuous exposure to UV rays. In some cases, it is even advisable to use sunscreen.
It is also important to brush them often, control any stain or mark on their skin and perform periodic check-ups for parasites.
An elegant white horse reflects beauty, strength and nobility. It is an animal very present in all kinds of cultures and mythologies, and can even be found in paintings by Velázquez. A specimen that does not go unnoticed by any lover of the equine world.
