Tiger Horse: Breed Profile

horses excel at casual riding. However if you are looking for a horse to perform certain tasks such as highlevel jumping cross country cattle work or other work this may not be an appropriate breed for you.
The tiger horse is a breed of American horse that has only been officially recognized with its own registry in the United States since 2011. However genetically the tiger horse is said to date back to ancient China.
Tiger horses are known for their elaborate spotted coat patterns much like the Appaloosa and for their ambling gait. These horses are moderately popular in the US and are specifically sought for their coloration and special gait.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT 700 to 1500 pounds
HEIGHT 13 to 16 hands 52 to 64 inches
BEST FOR Pets trail riding beginner riders
BODY TYPE Convex facial profile curved ears and a lean head large eyes arched highset neck sloping shoulders and sturdy legs
LIFE EXPECTANCY approximately 20 years
Tiger Horse History and Origins
Researchers theorize that the tiger horse may date back to ancient China around 618 AD. Many years later these horses were imported into Europe and rose in popularity during the time Europeans were colonizing America. This resulted in Tiger Horses becoming known in America as well.
In 1938 in an effort to preserve the horses authentic coloration connoisseurs of the breed established an official registry. This led to the beginning of breeding programs aimed at producing more Tiger Horses.
Unfortunately the genetic lines were mixed with other horse breeds such as the Thoroughbred Arabian and Quarter Horse. This mixing resulted in a dilution of the Tiger Horses genetics and allowed the dominant genes of the other breeds to erase the coveted characteristics that this breed is known for such as an ambling gait and brilliant coat coloration. Luckily there were a few horses from the original bloodlines of the Tigers remaining in parts of Canada and North America especially in the Pacific Northwest regions. These horses were used to reestablish the Tiger Horse breed1.
In 1994 The Tiger Horse Association or THA was established in America. In 2011 the Soulon Tiger Horse Registry was founded to encourage the continued growth of this spotted breed 2
Tiger Horse Size
On average the typical Tiger Horse will weigh 700 to 1500 pounds in weight and stand 13 to 16 hands or 52 to 64 inches tall. Some horses may be taller or heavier than this as well.
Breeding and Uses
The tiger horse