Horses are some of nature’s most majestic creatures, so, naturally, Pokémon based on horses are some of the coolest. Here’s my ranking of every horse-like Pokémon through Generation IX.
Rapidash
It’s hard to beat the Generation I classics. Rapidash has flames instead of a mane and tail, which is such an incredibly cool aesthetic that I have no choice but to rank it first. Even better is its shiny version, which has silvery-purple flames instead of orange! Galarian Rapidash looks incredible, too, with flowing pastel locks that belong in a shampoo ad. The cherry on top is that both appear to be unicorns, with a singular horn gracing their foreheads. Truly a horse lover’s dream.
Ponyta
As the pre-evolved form of Rapidash, Ponyta has a similar fiery mane but no horn and a cuter design overall. It perfectly toes the line between cool and cute, which is why I have to say it’s my second favorite. Galarian Ponyta is more on the cute side of the scale, with floofy cotton candy hair that looks like it belongs in the My Little Pony franchise. Galarian Ponyta also retains a tiny little unicorn horn, unlike its Kantonian form.
Spectrier
Spectrier is a legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII. It’s a Ghost-type and definitely looks the part! The dark color scheme, wispy mane and tail, and detached hooves really give it an otherworldly appearance. I’m a bit jealous that only Calyrex gets to ride this Pokémon. Come on, give us a turn!
Zebstrika
Yes, yes, I know that zebras are technically not horses. But as equines, I feel they definitely fall into the category of “horse-like.” Zebstrika has zig-zagging white stripes on a black base — a design that perfectly suits its Electric typing. I’m just a bit sad that Zebstrika has been one of the worst victims of Dexit, rendered unobtainable in both Generations VIII and IX. For now, my Zebstrika lives in Pokémon Home, and I can only dream of bringing it into a future generation at some point.
Glastrier
Glastrier is the Ice-type counterpart to Spectrier. Unlike Spectrier, Glastrier looks to be more solidly built, with big, heavy hooves that appear encased in ice. Its head is also adorned by a helmet of solid ice, making me wonder if Ice-types are immune to brainfreeze. I prefer Spectrier between the two, but Galastrier still looks worthy of a king.
Keldeo
Something about Keldeo doesn’t sit right with me. Maybe it’s the cartoony colors or the big round nose. It’s small and cutesy, featuring a small unicorn horn on its forehead. It also has two additional horns on either side of its head that fuse into one when in Resolute Form, which I guess is kind of neat. It’s very cute, but I’m not sure if it looks like a legendary Pokémon.
Mudbray
Mudbray is a donkey. It’s literally classified as the Donkey Pokémon. If you showed Mudbray to someone who doesn’t know Pokémon, they might not even identify it as a Pokémon. Despite it all, the poor little guy just does its best. There are no thoughts behind those eyes. Mudbray is happy just eating dirt. I can’t help but root for it. You go, little dude.
Mudsdale
Mudsdale is the evolved form of Mudbray, having been promoted from donkey to draft horse. It’s lost most of its cute factor in the transition, though, and now it just looks like an old man wearing slouchy orange socks. I still do appreciate the bulky draft horse aesthetic, though. He’s the reliable uncle who’s always there for you, even if his fashion sense needs work.
Blitzle
Blitzle is the pre-evolved form of Zebstrika. It’s at the bottom of this list because it somehow looks more like a dog to me than a horse or zebra. I think it’s the big, round muzzle combined with the chibi-fied proportions of the rest of its body. Maybe this design appeals more to other people, but I’m not feeling it.
Those are all of the horse-like Pokémon from Generations I through IX, ranked by which ones I feel look the best. As a long-time horse lover, every Pokémon in this list automatically has a place in my heart. Of course, my opinions are my own, so you might rank them differently! Or maybe you like all cute Pokémon regardless of what animal they’re based on. Regardless, I look forward to all the cool Pokémon designs we might get in the future.
