What is a NAERIC Horse?

Horses found on NAERIC-member equine ranches fall under three distinct types:

• NAERIC Light Horses include popular breeds such as Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas.
  
  
• NAERIC Sport Horses are produced by breeding draft horses such as Percherons with other breeds like Friesians or Thoroughbreds. Sport horses are known for their exceptional dispositions, athleticism and versatility. Quieter sport horses are drafts crossed with light horses such as Quarter Horses or Paints.
  
  
• NAERIC Draft Horses include Percherons and Belgians.
  

Since equine ranchers are primarily horse breeders that are also involved in the collection of pregnant mares' urine (PMU), the type and breed of horses found on equine ranches will vary depending on each rancher's preference and breeding program. These horses are registered with NAERIC and eligible for NAERIC Advantage^® added dollars.

The entire population of horses found on equine ranches is very small. As of 2020, there were approximately 1300 mares divided among the 18 equine ranches compared to the estimated 4.7 million total horse population of North America in 2020

The most prevalent breeds of horses found on equine ranches are registered Quarter Horses, followed by registered Percherons, Belgians, Appaloosas, and Paints.

Because of the limited number of horses bred by these reputable equine ranchers and breeders, the foals are in high demand by horsemen of all disciplines throughout North America and some foreign countries.