Horses found on NAERIC-member equine ranches are not a single, unique type of horse. These horses are all distinct types or breeds and fall under three distinct categories listed below.

• NAERIC Light Horses include popular breeds such as Quarter Horses, Paints, Appaloosas and Standardbreds
  
  
• NAERIC CanAm Sport Horses are produced by breeding a Thoroughbred stallion to a draft-cross mare and are known for their exceptional dispositions, athleticism and versatility
  
  
• NAERIC Draft Horses include Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons, Spotted Drafts and Suffolk Punches.

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.

The entire population of horses found on equine ranches is very small, approximately 5,600, compared to the total horse population of North America, estimated to be 10 million.

The most prevalent types of horses found on equine ranches are registered Quarter Horses, followed by registered draft horses and CanAm Sport Horses.

Although the overall population of equine ranching horses is small, because they are high-quality, bred by reputable equine ranchers and breeders, they are in high demand by horsemen of all disciplines throughout North America and some foreign countries.

Horse Population Totals
Equine Ranching Horse Types
Equine Ranching Breed Breakdown