Gaited Curly History

The Curly Horse has been noted throughout history, from China, through our Native People to todays gaited curlies.

All North American gaited foxtrotting curly horses trace their roots back to Curly Jim, as registered with the American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry and Walkers Merry Lad, as registered with the Missouri Foxtrotter Horse Breed Association.

Where did the Gaited Curly Originate??        During the 60's some breeders desired to have a super smooth riding Curly horse and they bred their curlies to the gaited Missouri Foxtrotter and Tennesse Walker horses. Only about 8% of all curly horse are gaited. All of our Gaited Curlies here at the stables trace thier roots back to one outstanding Missouri Foxtrotter stallion, Walker's Merry Lad. 90% of todays gaited curlys trace their lineage to his offspring, such as: as Walkers Prince T, Walkers Curly T, Prince Charming T, and Charming Prince. The ABC Registry closed it's books, which was a dissapointment to all breeders of Gaited Curly horses since the gene pool was so limited. Luckily there are a couple of stallions which are registered with the MTHBA which enable breeders, such as ourselves, to register our gaited curly horses with this world renown registry. After the ABC closed it's books, a new, forward thinking registry was born. The International Curly Horse Association. This registry has undertaken numerous studies on the Curly horse and recognizes all Curly horses for each individuals qualities and performance abilities. What is different about a gaited curly?        Gaited Curlys perform various "soft" gaits, including the foxtrot, Indian Shuffle, stepping pace, single foot or running walk. The hard trot of a regular horse is the pace that most people have trouble sitting. With a gaited horse the footfalls are not two-beat, therefore allowing for a comfortable, rocking horse like movement. Most gaited curlies also have unique curls inside the ears, curly eyelashes, dreadlock curly mane (which most shed in the summer), curly fetlock hairs, dense poodle like coat in the winter, typical tough curly hooves, friendly, people oriented personalities and a willingness to learn and please. What is the Curly Horse History??        For information on the Curly Horse History, please see our Sunnybrook Stables Curly Origions page. For information on the Curly Horse Genetics, please see our Sunnybrook Stables Curly Genetics page.