The Connemara grew up on the rocky west coast of Ireland, doing farm work that left it tough, sure-footed and sensible. Here is how it came to be recognised as a breed, and what became of it.

The Clydesdale began as a Lanarkshire farm and cart horse and grew into one of the best known draught breeds in the world. Here is where it came from, the work that shaped it and where it stands today.

The Cleveland Bay is often called England’s oldest established horse breed. We trace it from the packhorses of North Yorkshire to the carriage yard and the edge of extinction, and ask what it means today.

The white horse of the Rhône delta is one of Europe’s oldest-looking breeds, but much of what is said about its origins is myth. Here is what the work, the marsh and the herdsmen actually tell us.

The Arab is one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world. We trace where it came from, the work it was bred for, and how the Bedouin, the Blunts and the Thoroughbred shaped it.

The spotted horse is far older than the breed that carries its name. Here is where the Appaloosa came from, the work that shaped it, and how it was nearly lost.

The Andalusian is one of the oldest cavalry and riding horses in Europe. We trace where it came from, the work that shaped it, and how the monks, the army and a stud book brought it through.