European breeds

Today’s European breeds are the evolutionary result of a long equestrian tradition. In antiquity, European horses were used for farming, transportation, and warfare, and the conformation and disposition of modern European breeds often reflects this heritage. Many gaited horses, for example, are descended from the palfrey, a generic term used to describe a smooth-gaited horse that was suitable for traveling long distances. High school dressage horses like the Friesian and the Andalusian can trace their ancestry back to destriers and coursers, horses that were bred and trained specifically for warfare. Modern European disciplines still reflect much of this heritage; the descendants of these horses can still be seen today performing many of the same tasks their ancestors were bred for.