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Origins
The exact origins of Curly horses are unknown but are the subject of much
speculation. There is evidence the Sioux and Crow natives had these horses
in the early 1800s. Many contemporary Curly horses are the direct
descendants of horses that were found amongst the wild horse herds in
Nevada. The remaining question is whether the curls were introduced
through foreign horses or whether they were the result of a spontaneous genetic
mutation.
Traits
Obviously the Curly horse's trademark is the
curly coat! There is a great range of variation in the degree of
curliness. Curlies with the maximum expression have a very curly mane,
tail and body coat in the winter and a smooth body coat during the summer and
MAY shed the mane and tail hair completely. Occasionally a Curly is born
without the curly coat. These horses still retain many of the same
desirable qualities of their curly coated counterparts but with a more
conventional appearance.
Characteristics
The most treasured characteristic of the Curly
horses is it's hypo-allergenic qualities. This means that people who have
allergic reactions to regular horses have reduced or non-existent reactions to
Curlies. There are also many owners who do not suffer from allergies but
appreciate the Curly for it's other characteristics. Curlies are renowned
for their intelligence, affinity for humans and their gentle temperaments.
A distinct advantage to the Curly is it's functional
and durable physique which has not been "bred out" as it has in many
other breeds. The absence of superficial selection pressures means the
Curly horse has retained many of the practical traits that were furnished
through natural selection. Their thick bone, ample muscle, short backs and
their stout physiques will keep them sound for life even in hard work!
Genetics
There is both a dominant and recessive gene responsible for a curly coat.
For the dominant gene to be expressed, at least one parent must have a curly
coat in order to transmit the trait to the offspring. Some curlies have
two copies of the dominant gene. These horses will produce a curly foal
every time. These horses are referred to as "homozygous" for
curls!
The recessive gene is found in breeds which are not traditionally curly such
as the the Missouri Foxtrotter, Percheron, Quarterhorses and Appaloosa, to name
a few. A copy of the recessive gene must be transmitted by both parents in
order for the foal to be curly. Unlike the dominant gene, a horse carrying
a single copy of the recessive gene will not have a curly coat.
The vast majority of contemporary Curly breeders breed dominant gened
curlies. There are some breeder who mix the dominant gened horses
with the recessive gened ones but this practice is not considered desirable.
Health and Care
Even though Curlies are known for their
rigor and ease of care they are still horses and require the same basic care as
any other horse. Good quality hay, grain, supplements, clean water,
shelter from the elements, regular hoof care, vaccinations and exercise
are all important components to keeping your Curly healthy and happy. Even
though Curlies have tough feet they may still require shoes when ridden often in
tough terrain.
   
       
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