Tiger horse

Overall description of the breed

The Tiger Horse is a breed of horses originating from the United States, known for its distinctive spotted coat and its unique gait called the Indian Shuffle. The history of this breed dates back to 1932 when Claude Thompson, a breeder from Oregon, created a registry to preserve the spotted horses he believed to be descendants of the Ni Mee Poo native people. Over time, these horses were crossed with other breeds, leading to the loss of their characteristic gait.

The breed registry, originally named Tigre, was officially established in 1990. Since 1992, the breed has been developed with a sporting objective, aiming to combine comfortable gaits with an attractive coat. The Tiger Horse Association, which represents the breed, works closely with the Ni Mee Poo, geneticists such as Dr. Gus Cothran and Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, as well as historian Dr. Deb Bennet. The original crossings involved Appaloosa horses and other gaited horse breeds, with a preference for an Iberian type.

In 2005, the association had 45 registered horses. The Tiger Horse is distinguished by both its gaits and its colorful coat. The size of these horses generally ranges from 52 inches to 64 inches (132 cm to 162 cm), with most measuring between 56 inches and 61 inches (142 cm to 154 cm). Their head profile is convex, with large eyes, a broad forehead, and a very arched neck. The mane can be more or less fine or thick.

There are two main types of Tiger Horse. The stockier type is called the "heavenly type," while the finer type is known as the "royalty type." The latter is characterized by straighter shoulders and more pronounced gaits. One of the breeding goals is to recreate the type of horses bred during the Tang Dynasty, known as "soulon."

Registering a Tiger Horse requires a DNA analysis to exclude horses carrying the greying gene and those with pinto coat genes. The base coat color can be any color, but registered horses must exhibit an additional gait, called the Indian Shuffle.

The Tiger Horse is known for its robust health and its generally friendly and intelligent character. They are usually easy to educate and train due to their cooperative disposition and gentle nature. These horses are versatile and can be used in various equestrian disciplines, from recreational riding to competitive sports.

In terms of measurements, Tiger Horses generally weigh between 880 lbs and 1,320 lbs (400 kg to 600 kg), depending on their size and body type. Their height, as mentioned earlier, varies between 52 inches and 64 inches (132 cm to 162 cm).

The official equine club representing the breed is the Tiger Horse Association, and the breed is recognized by various worldwide organizations. This recognition is the result of continuous efforts to preserve the distinctive characteristics of the Tiger Horse and to promote its unique qualities within the international equestrian community.