What is an Extreme Curly?

(Information from International Curly Horse Association)

"Some Curly Horses just seem to have more extreme traits than the general population. While other foals seem very curly - these foals seem twice as curly. While other Curly Horses will shed some mane and tail hair in varying degrees, these extreme trait Curly Horses shed out a lot - some nearly all - of their manes and tails. While Curly Horses in general are known for being calm and sensible; the extreme trait Curly Horses are so kind, sweet, loving and calm, they are actually amazing to be around. Owners claim extreme curlies also usually have wonderful extended movement. As they mature, many extreme Curlies lose the intensely curly body coats and their coats become frazzled or furry looking, like an over-processed perm. During summer, but more surprisingly, even during winter, their body coat is no longer as obviously curly as typical Curly Horses. The hair inside their ears however, remains tightly curled year around, and their eyelashes usually curl almost into a circle. (...) Extreme trait Curly Horses are usually the product of 2 dominant gene curly parents, of western bloodlines. In these bloodlines the extreme curly horse is possibly indicative of curl homozygousity. They are not expected to produce any smooth coated foals when bred to straight haired horses. Also when (cross) bred with straight haired horses, both curls and well haired manes and tails are expected, resulting in a fairly reliable, typical (fuller mane & tail), curly foal crop. Many Curly Horses, especially extreme Curlies, seem to go through a temporary unattractive growth stage as yearlings & two-year-olds. But they do grow out of these homely stages, and like any well bred Curly, continue to develop into excellent quality hypoallergenic horses with extra kind dispositions. Many Curly Horse breeders consider an extreme trait Curly Horse to be very valuable, and unlikely to produce smooth coat foals. So far, statistics indicate they are likely to be homozygous for curls. However, not every homozygous Curly Horse is an extreme curly, so the connection is still unproven".