A horse's ability is determined by its stats. There are 10 stats distributed in 3 categories: general, dressage and jumping.
The horse's willingness to work with their rider. Determines how easily it gets spooked or frustrated, among other things.
Determines how quickly the horse will respond to the rider’s requests of going forward or sideways. A responsive horse can quickly adjust its stride.
The ability to jump high jumps, or to energetically perform physically demanding dressage moves.
Determines how easily the horse will get tired from performing demanding dressage moves or jump obstacles, as well as how quickly it will recover Stamina.
The quality of the Walk gait. Will affect dressage score in Walk.
The quality of the Trot gait. Will affect dressage score in Trot.
The quality of the Canter gait. Will affect dressage score in Canter.
Determines the horse’s max speed in canter.
Determines how well the horse can turn at high speed.
The horse's jump technique, and its ability to clear jumps.
Potential is the max value in a certain stat that determines how good the horse can become in that specific stat. Potential is the inborn limit to the horse and can never be changed.
The horse's skill is its current level in each stat. The horse develops skills through training until it has reached its potential. Once the skill has reached the potential, the horse will no longer gain XP through training.
There are 7 horse qualities, each represented by different colors. The quality is determined by the potential. The highest quality level (orange) can not be obtained via the Market or Create a Horse, only through breeding.
The quality colors are (from worst to best):
Dark Grey → Grey → Pink → Green → Blue → Purple → Orange