Although it’s considered a coarse trait and is widely undesirable, I like a horse with a Roman nose.
It’s often said that imperfections are what make individuals beautiful. If everyone and everything boasted perfect, symmetrical features, things would be fairly boring. Well, looking around, I suppose I feel that way about my horses. I love a strong hip, balanced topline and elegant, refined neck and throatlatch just as much as the next guy. Color is always a bonus, and something with a kind eye and strong, straight legs always wins in my book. And yes, a baby-doll head is desirable as well. But if a horse has ears that slightly wing out, a marking that splashes a little wildly out of the lines, or a nose that has a bit of a bump in the middle of it, I secretly love that, too.
Yes, it’s true, I kind of like a Roman-nosed horse.
Photo by Kelli Neubert
A Roman nose on a horse is when there’s a bump or a rise somewhere on the part that falls between his forehead and his nostrils. Basically, it’s a convex profile—the opposite of a refined, dished head. Sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes, it’s extremely pronounced. Some breeds, such as draft horses, Lusitanos, Andalusians and certain gaited horses have a tendency to flaunt Roman noses.
It seems that in cowboy culture, the Roman-nosed horse has a bit of a reputation that makes him less attractive than his refined equine peers. There are songs, stories and poems that talk about a horse with a coarse head who has tendencies to be tough, ranchy, powerful and maybe even a little broncy. I suppose this stems from the types of genetics that come with that trait. I’ve noticed a lot of Mustangs have that type of a nose and some of them are the toughest horses I’ve ever met. But that’s just a personal speculation, nothing more.
The Roman-nosed horse is sometime bypassed by those who desire a prettier, more delicate look on their riding partners. And I can understand why. The ones who are extremely bowed out in the face don’t seem very approachable and it’s not a trait that is super marketable. In some breeds, it’s even considered a flaw to have a rounded nose. But shoot, it doesn’t affect his speed, the way he travels, his personality, work ethic or the rest of his conformation.
For me, a horse with a bit of a bump on the bridge between his eyes and his nostrils comes across to me as distinguished, noble and interesting. As long as he has big, liquid eyes to flank that bump on either side, I’m all about it and wouldn’t turn a nice-moving horse down just because he doesn’t have a picture-perfect face. When I see a horse with a Roman nose, I can’t help but think of something that’s hardy and strong. He boasts character and I would like to think there’s plenty of intelligence and personality under that unusual profile.
Sure, if it’s extreme, it’s too much for me. And a Roman-nosed horse with big ears, small eyes and an ill-build is something I will pass on every time. But if a mare or a gelding hits all the buttons and happens to have a bit of a convex profile, he can jump in my trailer and come home with me any day.
And while we’re at it, go ahead and load the ones with the big ears, too.
6 Comments
Thank you so much for your comments on a Roman nosed horse. My horse has a slight Roman nose and I keep his rope halter under the headstall, while we ride, (to “hide” his bump). My gelding is willing and smart and has a big hip and straight strong legs and will do anything for me and I absolutely love him. He’s the BEST horse I’ve had in my life so far. Your article of a Roman nosed horse gives me confidence to not hide my buddy’s bump any longer and love him more than ever.
Mrs. Neubert, loved your article. I have a ex-bucking horse gelding with a pronounced roman nose, and it’s part of what drew me to him in the first place. So I agree with your view wholeheartedly. It does seem to give a horse a uniquely noble look. I’d love to know where you acquired the bit pictured in the article; it’s beautiful.
Sara, don’t hide his nose. I have an Australian stock horse grey mare and her filly, and a ASH chestnut mare with the Roman nose and I wouldn’t have it any other way.. I’m proud to have them like they are..🤠🐎
Thank you! I love a roman nose for pretty much the reasons you stated.
In my life time my 2 best horses have had slightly roman noses. One I have now and the other stayed with me for over 30 years.
Guess the horse doesn’t give a rats about its look, and neither do his peers. All they care about is acting, be smart, be a peer 🥰