The Tiger Horse, officially recognized with its own registry in the US since 2011, may date back to ancient China genetically.
Tiger horses, like Appaloosas, are known for their distinct, intricate spotted coat patterns and ambling gaits, making them relatively popular within the US market. Tiger horses are highly sought-after because of their vibrant coloring and unique gaits.
Researchers believe the Tiger Horse dates back to ancient China around 618 AD. Since then, European colonizers brought these horses over with them when colonizing America, leading to widespread popularity within America itself and eventually with them into Asia as well.
In 1938, in an attempt to preserve the horses’ authentic coloring, Tiger Horse enthusiasts created an official registry and began breeding programs that produced more Tiger Horses.
Unfortunately, genetic lines were mixed with those from other horse breeds like Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Quarter Horses; this resulted in a dilution of Tiger Horse genetics as dominant genes from other breeds erased its coveted characteristics such as an ambling gait and brilliant coat coloration. Luckily there were still some original Tiger bloodlines left lingering around Canada and North America’s Pacific Northwest regions which allowed these horses to help restore this unique breed.
In 1994, The Tiger Horse Association, or THA, was established in America. Sixteen years later, in 2011, “Soulon Tiger Horse Registry” was created to encourage the continuation of this spotted breed’s development.