Horses are mammals that are known for their endurance and ability to run at high speeds, as well as having flowing manes. They’re majestic animals that appear in a variety of folklore and mythology around the world, most famously as unicorns.
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HorsePokemonrepresent different facets of the animal - some lean into the mythological aspect through appearance and Pokedex entries, with Ponyta and Rapidash referencing Helios’ fiery steeds, whereas othersclosely resemble real-world horses, such as Mudsdale, which is based on a specific horse breed. Whatever they’re based on, each horse Pokemon brings something unique to the table through its concept and design.
11The Horse Of Time: Origin Forme Dialga
Revered as a deity in Sinnoh mythology, Dialga isa legendary Pokemonknown to rule the dominion of time - according to its Pokedex entries, “time flows when Dialga’s heart beats.”Pokemon Legends: Arceusexpanded on Dialga and Palkia and their relationship with Arceus, with both Pokemon obtaining a form that more closely resembles Arceus.
By using the Adamant Crystal on Dialga, it becomes Origin Forme Dialga. Although its horse-like qualities are more subtle when compared to Origin Forme Palkia, Dialga adopts Arceus’ equine elements in its lower half.
10Space Centaur: Origin Forme Palkia
In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Palkia can revert to its Origin Forme when given a Lustrous Globe. This design is a departure from the original form, taking on Arceus’ horse-like qualities. Although not a typical horse Pokemon by any means, Origin Forme Palkia’s appearance heavily resembles this animal.
Its appearance is similar to a centaur, as the bottom part of its body is horse shaped, while the top half is that of a torso. Like Pegasus from Greek myth, Origin Forme Palkia also has wings on its back - using these wings, it “soars across the sky.”
9The Horse God: Arceus
According to Sinnoh mythology,Arceus is the god of the Pokemon universebecause it created all things. Arceus is befitting of its status as the first Pokemon thanks to its otherworldly appearance that highlights its immeasurable power.
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While you might not expect the god of Pokemon to be a horse, Arceus’ design does have equine qualities. It’s quadrupedal, and in its official artwork, it’s rearing on its hind legs. Its hooves are golden to match the adornments protruding from its abdomen, and its head extends and looks similar to a mane; however, unlike regular horse manes, it flows in a way that defies gravity. Arceus’ importance in the Pokemon universe can’t be understated, and its horse-like appearance only adds to its appeal.
8Ice Cold: Glastrier
The Wild Horse Pokemon Glastrier is a legendary Ice type with a fittingly frozen appearance. Glastrier’s body is snow white, and its hooves, mane, and tail look exactly like icicles. Its head is encased in ice, making it seem as though it’s wearing a helmet - a strong one at that, as it’s apparently “100 times harder than diamond” according to Shield.
Glastrier is a malevolent Pokemon that’s said to take anything it wants “by force” in Galar’s mythology. When fused with Calyrex, it’s known as Ice Rider Calyrex, gaining the Psychic type and combining their powers to gallop across Galar.
7Equine Power: Galarian Rapidash
Galarian Rapidash adopts Kantonian Rapidash’s unicorn design but takes it to another level. It has a flowing mane, with alternating waves of purple and blue. Unlike its counterpart, Galarian Rapidash’s horn is a prominent part of its appearance, making it seem like it stepped right out of a fairy story and fitting right in with Galar’s ties to Arthurian and Celtic mythology.
Galarian Rapidash also has strong psychic abilities, as it can release the move Psycho Cut from its horn and store power “in the fur on its fetlocks,” according to Sword and Shield’s Pokedex.
6Hard Working: Mudsdale
Although its previous evolution Mudbray is the Donkey Pokemon, Mudsdale is known as the Draft Horse Pokemon. This goes hand in hand with Mudsdale’s appearance and strength, as draft horses are often big horses used to help with labor.
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The “dale” part of Mudsdale’s name is most likely a reference to Clydesdale horses, a type of draft horse that has a similar physique to Mudsdale. As its name implies, Mudsdale also has an association with mud, as it is capable of producing mud, which it uses to coat its legs to make them “harder than stone” according to Violet. Its mud is even used to make pottery.
5A Haunting Horse: Spectrier
A legendary Ghost-type Pokemon, Spectrier, alongside Glastrier, debuted in The Crown Tundra DLC. Similar to Glastrier, it can become Shadow Rider Calyrex when combined with Calyrex. Spectrier has an opposite color scheme to Glastrier, with a black coat and a purple gradient in its mane.
Reflecting its Ghost typing, its hooves are disconnected from the rest of its body, with its hind legs emitting ghoulish wisps. Its appearance isn’t the only ghostly thing about it, though - in its Shield Pokedex entry, it says that it “absorbs the life force of sleeping creatures.” Spooky.
4Grown Into Its Power: Keldeo
The mythical horse Pokemon Keldeo ispart of the Swords of Justice, alongside Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion. In Pokemon Sword, it says that the other members of the Swords of Justice mentored Keldeo, teaching it how to fight. Keldeo travels far and wide, hoping to strengthen the power in its horn.
By learning the move Secret Sword, Keldeo can change into its Resolute Form - its horn goes from white to blue and grows in size, and it gains three colored streaks on its head, each representing a member of the Swords of Justice.
3The OG: Ponyta
Ponyta is the first horse Pokemon in the series and is known for its fiery mane. In fact, it might be referencing Helios’ steeds in mythology, which were described as “fire-darting steeds” by the ancient Greek poet Pindar.
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Shiny Ponyta’s mane is blue - not only is this a smart design, but it also represents how blue flames are the hottest. What you might not know about Ponyta is that it can jump to great heights, being able to clear both the Eiffel Tower and Ayers Rock in a single leap, according to its Pokedex entries. Pretty impressive, considering its small size.
2Pastel Unicorn: Galarian Ponyta
Galarian Ponyta’s roots to its Kantonian counterpart are instantly recognizable while still offering a different interpretation. Where Kantonian Ponyta’s mane is made of fire, Galarian Ponyta’s looks soft to the touch and resembles cotton candy. It has a pastel purple and blue color scheme that emphasizes its fairytale theme, alongside its short unicorn horn.
In its Sword Pokedex entry, it says that rubbing Galarian Ponyta’s horn will cause “any slight wound” to be healed, which is a common theme in unicorn myths. Galarian Ponyta is also able to “read the contents of your heart,” fleeing if it detects evil within you, according to Shield.
