According to scientists in recognition of race, the North American Curly is not a real race. However, the goal of many Curly breeders is to develop a real horse race with the curly coat and allergy free qualities. Many Curly breeders are also committed to the preservation of old lines of the Curly North Americans that still exist. ICHO's goal is to support all these different types of breeding programs "... ICHO
There is no precise standard for Curly, these variations are the sections where fall herders ICHO, in clubs and associations. Every type of Curly is destineded to a different kind of diciplines. The most frequently used is the saddle, with the curly height of 145 to 155cm. Every time there is a recommended maximum size of 168cm for 615Kg. Our standard is, in 2009, the highest French curly was, 160 cm.
Whether in draft breeds, ponies or in one or more types of saddle horses, the North American Curly is a horse appreciated very naturally. It is a horse with a curly, robust, balanced, well proportioned, good character and having an ideal general conformation. He will be kind, calm and docile while always being on the alert. He is friendly, intelligent and likes to work.
The muscular volume will depend on the types of horses, but will be in agreement with the type of disciplines for which they will be best suited. The domestic Curly that exists today is still a horse shaped more by nature than by man, who has preserved in his genetic heritage many primitive characteristics and his instinct for survival. In many ways, it is not a stable breed of horses.
The dress is THE hallmark of the Curly. The Curly horse has a unique hypoallergenic hair.
It is usually very obvious in winter when the hair is longer. The dress is composed of dense curly hairs, sometimes similar to the fleece of a sheep.
In the summer, the Curly loses its curly winter dress for a softer, smoother dress that can show the crinkle, or not.
His mane, his forelock, the fur in the ears and the balls keep their curls summer and winter. The Curlies dress is hypoallergenic for many people who are allergic to other horses.
The saddle Curly is the most frequently encountered Curly, with a size of about 1m45 to 1m55.
However the exceptional Curly exists in all sizes, ranging from the large draft horse to the small miniature Curly.
Although all sizes exist and are accepted for the Curly Saddle (not for the draft horse), the maximum recommended size, in order to preserve their natural durability, is 1m68 and 615 Kg.
With an infinity of variation in a single "breed" of horse, there is actually a Curly for each equestrian discipline and for each use. Size classification of ponies: In the horse industry, a saddle Curly will be considered a pony when it is less than 1m47.
However, among lovers of the Curly, as it is common to meet models from 1m42 to 1m47, the designation "pony" will refer to curlies of 1m42 and below.
There are no color restrictions.
All the genetic colors of the dresses, all the dilutions, the colors of eyes, the marks and the pigments are authorized and probably existing at the Curlies. None color is discriminatory.
Dark or striated hooves (ermine wreaths with white balzanes) are appreciated.
Most breeders state that the most intelligent and well-bred models are representative of their farms.
The Curly is reputed to be docile. Their owners usually love their calm temperament, but also their ability and willingness to use their reason in the face of a difficulty or an element that could be a problem.
It is a hardy breed, which has exceptional resistance to cold temperatures and would be able to tolerate - 40 °C.
The curly is a naturally rather confident. He is easy to train, and deserves a rider capable of respecting and caring for him. His temperament makes him the perfect companion for hikers.
In exhibition (according to the disciplines), the Curlies are not shorn like the other races of horses. The Curly must look good and it is in his natural state that he is most in his element.
The presence of loops (in the ears, etc..) must be regarded as characteristics of the race and must not be penalized.
The Curly breed can also be defined by the head, neck, shoulders, bones, legs and feet, body, mane, tail or movements.
Paces
The Curly has a medium or long stride, straight, athletic and efficient, easy movement.
The trot must be naturally elongated and flexible, and for some Curly more or less raised and aerial: the Gaited. Some specific breeds have been crossed with Curly, and about 10% of today's Curly naturally adopt either foxtrot, running walk or Curly shuffle.
- STOCK, for an authentic workhorse, the Quarter Horse is heavier, cut to endure, very solid with bone, beautiful feet and a nice panties.
- SPORT, for disciplines such as CSO, dressage and endurance. Inclined shoulder, mixed balance, correct bones, neck long enough, muscular, short kidney, power behind but remaining elegant.
- DRAFT, is the heavy horse. American percheron style. The Curly DRAFT comes either from a mustang or recessive percheron.
- GAITED, is a Curly looking up, airy, very comfortable for the rider. These gaited descend from Curlies crossed with Missouri Foxtrotter.
- PONEY, which toises, in the world of Curly, below 142cm. One can also find miniature Curlies, but they are very rare.