Origin & History
First documented in wild herds in the mountains of Nevada in the early 1900s, the American Bashkir Curly's exact origins remain uncertain, though it may share ancestry with Russia's curly-coated Bashkir horses. A dedicated registry was formed in 1971 to preserve the breed's distinctive traits.
Appearance
The breed's signature trait is a tight, curly coat, mane, and even curled eyelashes in winter, which sheds out to a smoother coat in summer in many individuals. Curlies come in a wide range of sizes and colors.
Temperament
Curlies are known for being calm, intelligent, and unusually people-oriented, making them popular family and therapy horses. Many riders with horse-hair allergies report fewer symptoms around Curlies, though this isn't guaranteed for everyone.
Some allergy sufferers report being able to tolerate Curly horses better than other breeds, though the effect varies by individual and isn't scientifically guaranteed.
Common Uses
Trail riding, therapy and family horse programs, and general pleasure riding.
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