The origins of the American Curly Horse are still a mystery. The historical records of both the Sioux and Crow Indians from the early 1800's describe curly-coated horses. Among the Sioux, curly horses (or "Buffalo Horses") were highly prized and achieved almost a sacred status. In their winter counts the year 1801 - 1802 was remembered as the year Sioux stole curly horses from the Crow.

In 1971 the American Bashkir Curly registry was started with just 21 horses. At that time it was believed that these horses were descendants of a curly breed of horse from the Bashkiri region of Russia, and the registry was named "The American Bashkir Curly Horse Registry". In 1989 a research study was done to genetically type the breed and discover it's true origins. No positive conclusion was reached about where the Curlies came from. The horses may be a genetic adaptation to the harsh mountain climate.

The American Curly Horse is best known for, and most identified with, it’s unique curly winter coat.   In the winter, a Curly horse’s coat should show curl from it’s nose to it’s tail. The curls on each Curly are different, ranging from shiny waves to tight corkscrew curls. Some Curlies actually show different types of curls from year to year when they grow their winter coat.

Most people are surprised to learn that in the summer, most Curlies shed their curls to look very much like other horses, except for tight curls inside the ears, curly eyelashes, and curly mane and tail.

The origins of our wonderful American Curlies are still a mystery. We have evidence that curly coated horses were owned by the Sioux and Crow Indians around the year 1800. Curlies were sighted in 1898 among wild mustangs in Nevada. There is evidence of curly coated horses in the St Louis, Missouri area around 1890, and there are reports of curly horses in South America at this time as well.

Wherever the Curly Horse came from, their wonderful characteristics continue to delight today’s American Curly owners.

The modern Curly stands between 14 and 16 hands and sorrel is the most common color. However all colors, including pinto and appaloosa spotted, are produced. With an exceptional desire to please and more than their share of common sense, Curlies are remarkably versatile and easy to train. There are just over 2000 registered, but they are beginning to establish an impressive record competing in a number of disciplines including English and Western Pleasure, Dressage, Jumping, and Endurance. Curlies are willing, intelligent, people-oriented creatures that thrive on affection. They make particularly good pleasure and trail horses and are ideal as an all-around family horse.

Curlies seem to delight in and seek out human company. They display an affinity for people almost from the moment of birth. The Curly's most visible characteristic is their curly coat, but the gentle disposition and desire to please are also believed to be genetically passed along. One of the first priorities for breeders is to maintain the Curly's naturally docile disposition. Another unusual breed characteristic is that rather than spooking and running away, a Curly will often turn to face whatever is new or scary, as though it wants to get a good look.

Curlies are truly unique. Not only are they known for their friendly, calm, even temperament, but they are so easy to care for they take much of the strain out of owning a horse. Most Curlies have very hard hooves that require shoes only under extreme circumstances. Curlies are hardy horses and are very easy keepers. They do well, and seem to prefer, being outside rather than being in a stall. What they need more than a stall is adequate shade and a windbreak. Little grain is generally needed and owners insist that one grass fed Curly can out work several grain fed horses of other breeds. Stories are told about the Damele family members taking only one Curly to ride all day at roundups or brandings when their neighbors would bring two (non Curly) horses to have a fresh mount when the first horse got tired.

The curls on each curly are different and are present at birth. They range from waves to tight spiral ringlets. In the summer they shed much of the curl and some shed their manes as well, a very few shed tail hair too. The coat of the Curly horse is physically different than that of other breeds, and the hair shafts are structurally different when viewed under a microscope. People who are allergic to horses are generally NOT allergic to Curly horses. Several Curly breeders started their involvement with the breed to escape allergy symptoms, then became impressed with other qualities of the breed and began to raise them. Although the numbers of registered Curly horses is still low, there are now breeders in all parts of the United States, and also in Canada, Sweden, Germany, and Australia.

It's the Personality!

Ask a Curly owner what sets a Curly Horse apart from other horses and they’will most likely tell you it’s “their personality”. Curlies seem to delight in, and seek out human company. The Curly’s most visible characteristic is it’s curly coat, but their gentle disposition and desire to please are also believed to be genetically passed along. This wonderful Curly disposition is a common trait whether a Curly has one Curly parent, both Curly parents, or is a “crop out” curly from two straight haired parents.

Curlies can be found in all sizes from pony to draft, but most are 14.2 to 16 hands tall. Sorrel is the most common color, but all colors including pinto and appaloosa spotted are produced. There are both gaited and non gaited Curlies.

With their exceptional desire to please and more than their share of common sense, Curlies are remarkably versatile and easy to train. American Curly horses are extremely intelligent, and have the heart and stamina to attempt any task asked of them. There are Curly horses being used in all disciplines from Dressage to Endurance, Western Pleasure to Driving. But by far the most common use for Curlies are as all around pleasure and family horses.

You bet they are! Imagine the thrill when a lifelong horse lover, allergic to horses, discovers that they are not allergic to Curly horses. Many Curly breeders started their involvement with American Curly Horses to escape allergy symptoms, then became impressed with the Curly’s other wonderful qualities.

It has been said Curlies may be hypoallergenic, but they are addictive!” Most often people start out owning just one Curly horse, soon every horse in their barn has curls!