31 Uniquely Adorable Curly-Haired Horses to Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor

Feb 18, 2026 12:00 PM EST

Believe the hype: Curly-haired horses are out there, and they're the new mane attraction on the farm.

When people think of horses, they imagine sleek, sturdy, powerful creatures who rival dogs for the title of "Man's best friend." Although dog lovers and horse girls will forever argue that point, there's one thing that everyone can agree on: Unusual breeds of horses hold a special place in our hearts. Arguably the cutest, sweetest horses on the ranch, Bashkir Curly Horses, are a rare breed of horse that sprouts Jheri curls instead of the usual straight locks. No, it's not AI, and it's not a labradoodle/horse crossover episode! These hypoallergenic North American horses are a real thing, and they're the talk of the farm this Lunar New Year.

Celebrating the Year of the Horse, let's salute the lesser-known whinnys, finnies, and foals, for these horses are the hooved hooplah you didn't know you needed today.

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Curly like Paddington Bear and spirited like a stallion, curly-haired horses are much like regular horses, except they're far cuter, they don't shed, and they catch the eye of every passerby. Everyone has seen the unique and beautiful coats of palominos and horse lovers ogle at the rare enormity of clydesdales. We sheepishly sigh at the petite size of sheltand ponies and marvel at the strength and ornery personality of big ol' mules. However, there's something extra special about the curly-coated cuties. Firstly, you've never seen one, so they're rightfully at the forefront of dazzlement, but curly horses trigger an adorable receptor in our brains. Like Shirley Temple, these cutie-pie horses hypnotize their riders and coax them out in the open. Melting hearts and swooning crowds, the Bashkir curly is a horse breed to behold.
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The curly-haired horses, more officially known as the “Bashkir Curly,” are a rare North American breed famous for their goofy curly coat. Forming in tight ringlets or soft waves across its body, mane, and even eyelashes, Bashkirs can have a strikingly unique appearance. Though its exact origins remain uncertain, they are admired not only for their strange appearance but also for their gentle temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic qualities. This makes them especially popular with riders who have allergies, as well as beginner horse lovers and therapeutic riding programs.
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