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There is no definitive ranking of the smartest horse breeds, but there are about 20 breeds that are widely regarded as the most intelligent because they meet the previously mentioned criteria and benchmarks. If your horse isn’t on that list, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not smart. It simply means that they are not among the top 20. Among the top 20, certain breeds stand out, such as Thoroughbreds and Arabians.
Below them are Dutch Warmbloods, Hanoverians, American Quarter Horses, Andalusians, Friesians, Akhal-Tekes, Morgan Horses, and Paint Horses. These are highly energetic, driven horses with a clear sense of purpose and alertness, much like elite working or sport breeds.
For the following category, we can include horses like the Saddlebred, Lusitano, Connemara Pony, Trakehner, and Appaloosa. These are smart, trainable horses that are affectionate and responsive but with a more relaxed or versatile energy compared to the upper tier.
Below the upper echelon (left vague since the topic is focused on the top breeds), we could place horses like the Irish Draught, Welsh Cob, Marwari, Tennessee Walking Horse, and Norwegian Fjord.
Next are the Mustang, Peruvian Paso, and Rocky Mountain Horse. These are somewhat rare, intelligent in bursts, but often more independent or subtle in how they engage.
Then come the Shetland Pony, Icelandic Horse, Paso Fino, Cleveland Bay, and Canadian Horse. These horses may not stand out as cognitively exceptional but are clever and adaptive in quiet, understated ways.
Here are several breeds that are leftover. They’re not dumb; they just aren’t at the top of equine intelligence: Clydesdale, Shire, Gypsy Vanner, and the Miniature Horse.
