Cream horse

Overall description of the breed

The cremello or cream horse is a breed of riding horses known for its unique coat color due to a double dilution of the cream gene. This genetic trait gives the horse a coat color that ranges from white to dark cream, often described as cremello, perlino, or smoky cream. This particular color is one of the most distinctive features of this breed, attracting the attention of many horse enthusiasts around the world.

The history of the cream horse begins in the United States, where a registry for these colored horses was created as early as 1937. Initially, these horses were mistakenly called Albino, but in 1980, a separate section for cream horses was established to better distinguish them. In France, this breed has been recognized since 2005 among the foreign saddle horse breeds, even though it does not strictly meet the zootechnical definition of a distinct breed.

The cream horse is characterized by its specific coat, which requires a riding horse model. Their coat and mane vary from white to dark cream. This color, although beautiful, makes their pink skin more sensitive to sunburn, requiring special care to prevent burns. Despite this sensitivity, the color does not affect their life expectancy, and these horses can live as long as other saddle horse breeds.

Physically, cream horses can present a great variety of models due to the different breeds that constitute them. Generally, the French registry favors the selection of a sport horse, often of large size, suitable for various equestrian disciplines. These horses stand out for their elegance and appearance, making them popular in the field of equestrian shows. They are also well-suited for activities such as dressage, show jumping, and leisure riding.

In terms of health, cream horses are generally robust and healthy. However, their pink skin requires special attention to protect them from sunburn. It is essential to shelter them from intense sun and use sunscreens suitable for horses to prevent burns. Apart from this precaution, they are not more prone to diseases than other horses and can lead a long and healthy life.

The temperament of the cream horse is generally gentle and docile. They are known for their intelligence and willingness to work, which makes them easy to train and educate. They respond well to gentle and progressive training methods and often form strong bonds with their owners and riders. Their calm and friendly nature makes them ideal companions for riders of all levels, including beginners.

The official studbook representing the cream horse breed is the "American Cream Draft Horse Association" in the United States. This organization ensures the preservation and promotion of the breed, ensuring that standards are met and that registered horses meet the specific criteria of the breed. In France, although the breed is recognized, it is registered among the foreign saddle horse breeds, and the selection efforts aim to develop a high-quality sport horse.

Finally, the cream horse is officially recognized by various global equine breeding organizations. In 2016, there were about 8,000 registered cream horses worldwide, the majority in the United States, with breeding also in France and Belgium. This worldwide recognition guarantees the place of the cream horse in the equestrian heritage and ensures its preservation for future generations. Despite the challenges related to their skin color, these horses continue to be admired and appreciated for their unique beauty and numerous qualities.

The average height of a cream horse ranges from 13.3 to 16 hands (approximately 55 to 64 inches or 140 to 163 cm) at the withers, and they typically weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds (about 410 to 545 kilograms). These measurements make them strong enough to perform various tasks while remaining agile and manageable.