10 Countries that Have the Most Horses in the World

One of the most harnessed animals through the history are horses, and if you are hunting to see what are the countries that have the most horses in the world, you are in the right place.

Horses have been used since the beginning of time because of their speed and power. They were the first thing that allowed a man to travel faster than his two legs. Horses used to boost the man’s ability to transport goods from point A to point B, and in some rural areas, they are still used for transportation. While a person can carry only 50 pounds, a horse can carry and transport about 200 pounds. Despite for transportation, throughout history horses were used for different purposes like field work and war as well.

Today they are still being used for field work but also in the active military, ceremonial and educational purposes and in equestrian sport. These days, there are still countries that have a police unit with horses. But, compared to a few decades back, the technology is advancing very fast meaning the developed countries are avoiding the use of horses for physical work. Instead, horses found their place in the sport like horse racing, horse jumping, and therapeutic horseback riding.

A few decades ago, almost every man knew how to ride a horse, but, because we are living in the urban society, and it is pretty expensive to buy a horse, today, not many people is personally familiar with the beauty and excitement of horseback riding. A healthy trail horse costs around $5,000, but the price for a horse can go up to $100,000 or even more at some elite shows. The price of a horse depends on many factors like age, breed, health, competition experience as well as the reason for sale. Not every person has the privileges to learn how to ride a horse. However, people who want to learn are often visiting riding classes. If you are one of those people who want to learn how to ride a horse and you happen to live in NYC, today is your lucky day because we also have a list of 9 Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids and Adults in NYC.

While creating our list of countries that have the most horses in the world, we used Horse Talk as our source. We collected the data for those countries with most horses. After we finished this step, we had our list, and it was left to sort it, which we did in ascending order. Keep in mind that the statistics from our source are from 2011. We tried to find newer data about the number of horses each country has, but there wasn’t any accurate information.

10. Sudan

Number of horses: 785,363

Sudan is one of the countries that have the most horses. There are many horse breeds from this country that are beautiful and unique each in its way. Among the most famous horse breeds that are native to Sudan are Western Sudan Pony, Tawleed Horse, Sudan Country-Bred Horse, Gharbaui Horse and Dongola Horse.

9. Russia

Number of horses: 1,340,601

We are continuing our list of countries that have the most horses in the world with Russia that is home to many horses, and there are also some beautiful horse breeds that are native to this country. Some of the most beautiful native horse breeds in Russia are The Orlov Trotter, Russian Don, the Vyatka horse; one of the oldest breeds in Russia, Russian Saddle horse, Budyonny Horse, Soviet Heavy Draft; in 1972 set a record by pulling 23 tons for even 35 meters, the Yakutian horse and the Bashkir horse. All of these horses are famous for something unique and are beautiful in their way.

8. Kazakhstan

Number of horses: 1,528,300

For thousands and thousands of years, the horses in Kazakhstan were bred by local people. Many horse breeds are native to Kazakhstan, and most of them have ancient origins. Among some of the most famous horse breeds that are native to this country are the Adaev; it dates back from 5th century BC, Jabe, Kushum Horse, and Kustanai.

7. Ethiopia

Number of horses: 2,028233

Horses in Ethiopia, next on the list of countries that have the most horses in the world were known as Abyssinia, and they have been characterized into eight breeds or types. The eight types or breeds of Ethiopian horses are Abyssinian, Bale, Borana, Horro Kafa, Kundudo, Ogaden, and Selale. Since Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world, here, horses are used for transport and agricultural work like ploughing. There are also some breeds in specific areas where they are used mainly for riding.

6. Mongolia

Number of horses: 2,112,927

Did you know that Mongolia, next on the list of countries that have the most horses in the world, has a high number of horses in their country nearly as the total population number; the total population in Mongolia is 2.959 million people. One traditional saying says: “A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without the wings,” so as you already noticed, horses play an enormous role in the daily life of the Mongols. It is also interesting to know that Mongols do not give their horses names. Instead, they are identifying them by their physical characteristics like scars, color, and markings.

5. Argentina

Number of horses: 3,590,000

Argentina is one of the countries that have the most horses in the world because they have a significant part in their working life as well as culture. Maybe you already know, but for those who don’t, the most famous and used horse breed in Argentina is the Argentine Criollo. This horse is considered to be the national horse of Argentina, and it is known for its stamina, endurance, and sure-footedness. Among other popular horse breeds in Argentina are Falabella and Petiso Argentino.

4. Brazil

Number of horses: 5,510,601

Among the most beautiful and interesting horse breeds of Brazil is the Campolina. They are larger breeds and most notable for their unique convex profile. What is interesting about this breed is the fact that it was developed by a farmer and his black mare. Since Brazil is home to many breeds, it is only fair to mention some of them. Baixadeiro Horse, Brazilian Pony, Crioulo, Pampas Horse, Piquira Pony and Pantaneiro Horse are among the most famous horse breeds in Brazil.

3. Mexico

Number of horses: 6,533,000

People in Mexico, that ranked 3rd on the list of countries that have the most horses in the world, are heavily relying on their horses, especially in rural areas. Many horse breeds are native to this country. Some of the most famous and beautiful horse breeds that are native to Mexico are Azteca horse; known for its athleticism and Galiceno. People in Mexico are using horses for all kinds of different purposes starting from transporting goods all the way to sports which is why they are appreciating and loving horses very much.

2. China

Number of horses: 6,773,245

China, next on the list of countries that have the most horses in the world has a total population of 1.371 billion people, but the number of horses in this country is pretty enormous as well. Different horse breeds are native to this vast country. Some of the most popular and beautiful horse breeds that are native to China are Baise Horse, Balikun horse, Ferghana Horse, Guizhou Pony, Guoxia, Heihe Horse, Lijiang Pony, Nangchen Horse, Riwoche Horse, Tibetan Pony, Xilingol Horse and Yili Horse.

1. USA

Number of horses: 10,150,000

Back in 2011, there were 10.150 million horses in the United States, and around 4.6 million citizens were involved in the horse business. There are many Native American horse breeds that you can still see in America today, and some of them are American Quarter Horse; known for its ability to easily win a quarter-mile race, Southeastern and Appaloosa Horse. Today, The United States is still on top of the list of countries that have the most horses in the world.