The Gypsy Vanner (also Galineers Cob or Irish Cob) is a horse breed of Irish and British origin. True to their pedigree, the traditional role of this breed was transporting wagons. But then, Gypsy Vanners are smaller than typical draft horses. It’s no wonder people sometimes refer to them as people-sized draft horses.

These days, the purpose of Gypsy Vanners has evolved beyond pulling wagons. Thanks to their stunning appearance, strength, and colorfulness, people now use them for shows, riding, and driving.

Gypsy Vanners did not get the height of their ancestors. However, they inherited their super long manes. Their manes are so long that it can take hours to groom them properly.

Haflinger

The Haflinger horse breed has its origins in the mountains of Austria. Traditionally, it was a draft animal, and today, it still serves similar purposes.

Haflinger horses are generally not tall. On average, they are 13 hands tall, and they rarely ever grow taller than 15 hands.

Haflinger horses are super beautiful. Their chestnut coat combines well with their flaxen manes and tails to create the perfect contrast.

Beyond being beautiful, Haflinger horses have one of the thickest and longest manes of any horse breed. Of course, because of this, their grooming sessions are typically long.

Black Forest Horse

The Black Forest Horse breed originated from a cold region – the Black Forest region of southwestern Germany. So, unsurprisingly, it has long, thick hair.

Best known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in cold climates, Black Forest horses have long manes to keep their necks warm.

Beyond having a long mane, they have long tails. Their coats are chestnut or sorrel, and their manes and tails are flaxen. So, overall, Black Forest horses are an elegant breed.

Black Forest horses are usually around 14.2 to 15.3 hands tall. But their ancestors were larger. Those ancestors crossbred with a smaller modern breed, hence, the height difference.

There aren’t many Black Forest horses left in the world today and most of those that are still alive live in southwestern Germany.

Friesian

One look at the Friesian horses, and you can already tell how stunning they are. You may not know it, but you’ve most probably seen a Friesian horse in many places before now. In most cases, the dazzling horses you see in movies or on the front cover of romance novels are Friesians.

The Friesian horse breed originated from Friesland in the Netherlands. Like most horse breeds with long manes, Friesian horses came from a cold region. So, their thick, long hair is not too surprising. They were originally bred to be sufficiently heavy to carry fully-dressed knights while remaining nimble.

Friesian horses are jet black with manes, tails, and feathers of similar color. Their manes and tails are thick and long, thanks to their pedigree of draft and riding horses.

Friesian horses are intelligent, athletic, calm, and versatile. Unfortunately, they are more likely to die at a younger age than most horse breeds.

Andalusian

The Andalusian horse breed is another elegant breed with super long manes. It doesn’t take much to see how beautiful Andalusian horses are.

Andalusian horses are of Spanish origins. In Spain, their native name is Pura Raza Espanola, meaning Pure Spanish Horse. Back then, Andalusian horses were warhorses. But these days, people use them for shows, pleasure riding, and driving.

Beyond their good looks, horse lovers revere the graceful movement, flowing tails, and long manes of Andalusian horses. Their manes are wavy and thick more times than not. In fact, at some shows, they braid the manes.

The average Andalusian horses are bay at birth. However, as they grow, they may become gray. While Andalusian horses are usually bay or gray, they may also be chestnut, black, dun, or palomino.

Andalusian horses may have been warhorses, but the Spanish people revered them. This reverence was so intense that the horses remained in Spain until the 1960s.

The export of Andalusian horses to various countries led to the creation of many other breeds with similar exquisite looks and locks. Horse breeds like the Mustang are some of those with pedigree traceable to Andalusian horses.

Icelandic Horse

Icelandic horses came into Iceland around 900 AD with the Vikings. Like the other horse breeds from cold regions, they have thick, flowing manes and tails. In fact, when winter comes, their coat becomes thicker to insulate their bodies.

Icelandic horses have a signature gait – the tolt and flying pace. When they get in this posture, their mane and tail soar around them rhythmically, throwing even more elegance in their path.

Icelandic horses in Iceland might be the purest horse breed in the world. Here’s why: once an Icelandic horse leaves Iceland, the country does not allow it to return. Also, the country does not allow horse imports.

Paso Fino

Paso Fino is a Puerto Rican horse breed. The breed has traces of Andalusian, Barb, and Jennet breed in its bloodline. So, all in all, it has Spanish ancestry.

Beyond the traditional walk, canter, and trot gaits, Paso Fino horses have some unique movements. They include paso carto, paso fino, and paso largo.

Like Andalusian horses, Paso Fino horses have long, full manes and tails. These long hairs highlight their unique movements. Unlike Andalusian horses, the hair of Paso Fino horses remains unbraided in most shows.

Paso Fino horses come in almost any equine coat color. However, bay, brown, chestnut, and sorrel are the most common colors.

Video: