Username: HeroHorse
Barn: Sionnach Stables
Show name: Call name:Gender: Stallion
Age: 3 years old
Height: 14.3 hands high
Breed: Florida Cracker Horse
Discipline: Dressage
Stud fee: None yet.
At first I was considering that the possibility that he could be a Campolina, specifically a 'pampa', due to his colour. Many skewbald and piebald Campolinas displayed similiar markings. However, the thing that threw me off from this judgement was his rating in the 'head' area; Campolinas are well known for their beautiful heads, it is one of the breed's defining features. For me, this totally ruled out the potential for him to be a Campolina. After that, I toyed around with the idea of him being an Irish Sport horse or a Marwari, but neither breed seemed to suit him. I even thought about making him a Karabair, however his stats did not suit that either.
Finally, while flicking through a different horse book, I came across a really interesting horse breed by the name of the Florida Cracker. It is usually solid-coloured, but the official website of the breed states, in relation to the colours of these horses that "Colors are any of those known to the horse..". Florida Cracker horses were traditionally used as mounts for Florida cowboys. This horse breed evolved from Spanish steeds brought to America during the 1500s. Over time, a certain type was produced; a horse of small to medium stature with stamina, spirit and lightening speed. However, a change in the style of cattle herding in Florida during the 20th century. Hence the more powerful Quarter Horse became favoured for cow herding and the Florida Cracker fell into demise. However, all hope was not lost for the Florida Cracker, thanks to the committed breeding of the breed by several families.
The breed's future is currently looking quite hopeful. It is quite popular for certain types of Western riding and endurance in particular, although it has yet to carve a large name for itself in either discipline. It has become the official horse of the State of Florida, U.S.A..
For more information on this fascinating breed, check out the
Florida Cracker Horse Association's website.