Artificial selection is a process where people determine, in advance, the qualities of the animal they want to produce. Then they select the animals that most exhibit these qualities, and allow only those to breed. After many generations, the traits which the breeders desire will be strongly shown by the descendants of the original animal. The hundreds of breeds of dogs that exist were developed this way, from an original single variety. So too has the horse developed over the centuries, branching into a variety of types with a wide range of characteristics. In these pages we would like to show you some of the many breeds of horses that exist today, and tell you a little about each one's history. We also provide links to major horse-related websites, a page where you can provide more information or tell us about your horse, a little fun, and some clipart for you to take away with you. Enjoy! of Oklahoma's Animal Breeds project, and other on-line sources. |