| Curly horses are horses which have a certain gene, | | | | towards a standard type (one of the requirements for |
| inherited from their parents, which makes their hair | | | | being recognized as an official breed). Therefore, if |
| curly. Not only their coat, but also other hair (mane, tail, | | | | you thinking of buying a curly horse, the first thing to |
| fetlocks, even eyelashes) can be curled. They are | | | | keep in mind is that there is no standard appearance |
| becoming increasingly popular for three reasons: | | | | for curly horses, so you need to look around to |
| - Hypoallergenic. Most people who have an allergy to | | | | determine the type (size, color and amount of curl) |
| horses find that they have no allergy to curly horses or | | | | which most appeals to you. |
| have a reduced allergic reaction. | | | | When choosing a curly, also keep in mind that the |
| - Appearance. The appearance of these horses, due | | | | extent of the curl changes with age and also with |
| to the curls or waves in their coat, is not only unusual | | | | season (it is most pronounced in winter). In summer, the |
| but many people find it exceptionally attractive. | | | | hair is not only less curled, but is also shorter and |
| - Temperament. These horses are reputed to be | | | | thinner; in some cases the manes and tail hair are |
| particularly calm, sensible and intelligent. As such they | | | | extremely short. If appearance is very important, |
| are especially suited to children and for therapy. | | | | before making your final decision you should see what |
| Although the genes which produce curly hair are | | | | the horse looks like (even if just from photos) in both |
| relatively uncommon among horses, they are found in | | | | winter and summer. You should also check the |
| many different types of horse, from miniatures to | | | | bloodline which the horse is from as an indication of |
| standard sized to draft horses. These horses also | | | | how the coat will change as it ages (the nature of the |
| vary in color and build. | | | | changes vary from bloodline to bloodline). |
| The nature of the curl also varies from horse to horse. | | | | If you are choosing a curly because these horses are |
| In some cases it consists of large, heavy curls but in | | | | hypoallergenic, be aware that the extent of this quality |
| others it is smaller curls or even fine pin curls. It may | | | | varies from horse to horse and that the benefit varies |
| even be waves. In some cases, the hair is straight as | | | | from person to person. Consequently, any combination |
| in a normal horse (no sign of curl), but the horse is still | | | | of horse and person may exhibit no allergy, a reduced |
| considered a 'curly horse' because it is descended | | | | allergy, or the usual horse allergy. Therefore, one |
| from curly horse parents and retains other | | | | should test the person with the horse to determine the |
| characteristics such as being hypoallergenic even | | | | extent of the benefit. If one has extreme allergic |
| though it does not display the characteristic curly coat. | | | | reactions, take medical advice on how to do this test |
| Consequently, there is tremendous variety in this group | | | | safely. |
| of horses. Curly breeders and associations are still | | | | Unlike other horses, these horses are normally not |
| working on defining the breed standard and | | | | clipped for show purposes. This is because, unlike |
| implementing a breeding program based on this | | | | most breeds, its winter coat is considered particularly |
| standard, in order that curly horses can be bred | | | | attractive and its distinguishing characteristic. |