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Horses are majestic animals that make excellent human companions. They come in various sizes and colors, though each horse is unique and has their own personality.
A popular type of horse that stands out for their memorable beauty is the Cremello horse. They have a divine appearance due to their coat skin that lacks any markings and their blue eyes.
Breed Overview
Care Level | Moderate (varies per breed) |
Temperature | Adaptable to most climates (varies per breed) |
Temperament | Gentle, friendly, easy-going, docile (varies per breed) |
Colors | Cream, without any markings/blue eyes |
Lifespan | 25–35 years (varies per breed) |
Weight | 1,200 lbs. (stallions), 900 lbs. (mares) |
Height | 12–18 hands (varies per breed) |
Cremello horses are the result of a unique genetic color combination, so they are quite rare. That affects various things, from their breeding and distribution to their price. Therefore, Cremello horses can often be hard to find, and when you do, you should be aware that they won’t be a cheap investment.
But what makes Cremello horses so intriguing? Read on to find out!
Cremello Horse Characteristics
What Are Cremello Horses Used For?
Most of these horses are kept as family pets, riding horses, working horses, or horses that do sports; their usage varies depending on their family. Here is a list of a few of the most popular Cremello horse breeds, along with their advantages:
Where Did These Horses Originate From?
There’s a common misconception that the Cremello horse is a specific breed, but the term is actually used to describe a particular color. Cremello horses can be just about any breed, so there’s no precise information about where they come from.
Cremello horses have two rare cream-colored genes that result in their stunning coat color. The base color of these horses is either chestnut or red, and mixed with the dilution genes, it creates a unique cream color.
While any breed can be Cremello, certain breeds are more susceptible to these genetics, including Shetland Ponies, Quarter Horses, and Saddlebreds.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Cremello Horse
Many people believe that horses with blue eyes tend to be feistier and more temperamental than other horses. But the truth is that the eye color of a horse doesn’t influence their personality or character.
Since a Cremello horse is not a separate breed, but rather a particular color morph, they will have the main characteristics of their breed. That means it’s beneficial to know more about various horses and their characteristics in general.
Common horse breeds that can be Cremello are:
The temperament of your Cremello horse will be based on their breed. Most horse breeds are friendly and affectionate, but it all comes down to how they are treated.
If you have never had a horse before but want a friendly and reliable Cremello horse that likes socializing, try to look for an American Quarter Horse, American Saddlebred horse, or Lusitano. More experienced owners can consider getting a Cremello horse of a high-maintenance breed, such as a Thoroughbred.
Appearance & Varieties
What makes Cremello horses so unique and rare is their appearance. They are known for having pale pink skin, blue eyes, and pink noses. Their coats are cream colored and lack markings, and their tails and manes are white.
Due to their appearance, many people confuse Cremello horses with Perlino and dominant white horses, but while they have a few similarities, these horse types also have many differences.
Things to Know When Owning a Cremello Horse
Habitat & Stable Requirements 🌾
Cremello horses can live in any environment that most other horses live in, from wide-open prairies and grasslands to enclosed stalls. They can easily adapt to various habitats as long as they have enough food and water.
Food & Diet Requirements 🥕
Proper nutrition is essential for having a healthy horse. All horses, including Cremellos, are herbivorous animals, meaning they require a plant-based diet. The main ingredient in their food should be hay or grass, as well as occasional grains.
When it comes to their dietary requirements, every horse should have daily access to:
Although large, horses have small stomachs, so they need to eat less frequently, which is something to keep in mind if a Cremello is your first horse.
Exercise 🐎
Cremello horses require daily exercise because these animals are designed to be athletes. If you have a horse that lives in a pasture, there’s no need to do anything on your end when it comes to exercise, as they will move and play freely outside, expending their gathered energy.
However, Cremello horses living in stables or yards will need you to provide them with a free, large space where they can roam and explore their surroundings. It would be nice if there were other horses around too!
Training 🐴
Cremello horses are extremely intelligent and can be taught all kinds of tricks. That said, it can be tricky to train a horse if you’ve never done it before.
When training horses, you’ll need to be gentle yet firm, showing your new companion that you’re the dominant person in the relationship. Cremello horses of most breeds are usually great at reading human body language, so you need to be relaxed and not afraid.
Basic skills that you should teach your horse through training include:
Grooming 🧽
Since Cremello horses can be of any horse breed, their grooming needs can vary. That said, there are general grooming tips that every Cremello will need:
Lifespan & Health Conditions 🏥
Cremello horses of most breeds have lifespans of 25–30 years, though some can live to be 50 or even 60 years old. These horses are generally healthy, but they can experience several different health conditions that could be minor or serious.
Male vs. Female
When it comes to Cremello stallions and mares, there are few differences besides size. Stallions are typically larger and heavier than mares. But both sexes have the same stunning cream coats.
3 Little-Known Facts About Cremello Horses
1. Cremello Horses Can Come From Any Horse Breed
Many people believe that the Cremello horse is a horse breed, but that’s not actually the case. They are a representation of a particular genetic mutation of two rare cream-colored genes that result in their stunning coat.
Since Cremello is simply a rare color in these majestic animals, they can be any horse breed.
2. Several Horse Breeds Are More Prone to the Cremello Genetics Than Others
Cremello horses can occur in any horse breed if the unusual genetic mutation occurs. However, certain horse breeds are more susceptible to the anomaly than others:
3. Cremello Horses Are Similar to Perlino Horses
Many people tend to mix up Cremello horses with Perlino horses because they share many similarities. Both have pink skin, blue eyes, and cream-colored coats.
However, Perlino horses have a reddish hue in their mane and tail, and Cremello horses have entirely white tails and manes.
Final Thoughts
Cremello horses are fascinating horses that can appear in any horse breed. They are extremely rare, though, as they represent a genetic mutation of two cream genes that create their unique appearance.
When it comes to their care and temperament, the way that your Cremello horse will act will mainly depend on the breed. If this is your first horse, you might want to look for friendly breeds that are social and relaxed around humans. Another thing to keep in mind is that due to their rarity, these horses can often be expensive or hard to find.
Featured Image Credit: arthorse, Shutterstock