The origins of our wonderful American Curlies are still a mystery. We have evidence that curly coated horses were owned by the Sioux and Crow Indians around the year 1800. Curlies were sighted in 1898 among wild mustangs in Nevada. There is evidence of curly coated horses in the St Louis, Missouri area around 1890, and there are reports of curly horses in South America at this time as well. Wherever the Curly Horse came from, their wonderful characteristics continue to delight today's American Curly owners.
Curlies seem to delight in, and seek out human company.
The Curly's most visible characteristic is it's curly coat, but their gentle disposition and desire to please are also believed to be genetically passed along. Curlies can be found in all sizes from pony to draft, but most are 14.2 to 16 hands tall. Sorrel is the most common color, but all colors including pinto and appaloosa spotted are produced. There are both gaited and non gaited Curlies. With their exceptional desire to please and more than their share of common sense, Curlies are remarkably versatile and easy to train.