Curlies, also called Bashkir Curlies, American Bashkir Curlies, and North American Curly Horses, come in all sizes, colours and body types but all carry a gene for a unique curly coat of hair.  The hair is generally soft and is hypoallergenic. Most people allergic to horses are not allergic to the Curly.

The coat is the Curly's main "claim to fame."  The Curly horse does have a unique curly coat.  It is most obvious in winter, when its longer coat shows thick dense curls similar to sheep fleece.  In summer, the Curly horse sheds its thick curly body coat for a smoother, sleeker summer coat, which may or may not show evidence of curl.  Its mane and forelock, the hair inside its ears, and often its fetlocks will typically remain conspicuously curly year round.  Some Curlies do not display a curly coat at any time of year but still possess the hypoallergenic properties and all the other outstanding qualities of a Curly Horse.   Click here to visit the Smooth Coated Curly web site to learn more about them!

One of the best traits of the Curly is their personality.  Curlies love people, are intelligent, quick to learn, willing partners with a quiet temperament.  They have tough hooves and exceptional endurance.  The origin of the Curly Horse is controversial and unproven.  It is highly debated in the Curly community but research is still in progress.  Disagreements of the Curly horse’s history result in confusion of what the breed is, and what it should be called.  ABCR members prefer “American Bashkir Curly” while CSI & ICHO members refer to the curly as the “North American Curly”.