How to Draw a Cartoon Horse

Welcome, aspiring artist, to the enchanting world of drawing cartoon horses! In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a journey filled with insights, techniques, and inspiration to help you create captivating equine characters.

Let’s get one thing straight from the beginning, horses are one of the toughest challenges even for experienced artists.

However, with some hints and points, and some practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cartoon horses. On top of that, cartoon horses are a lot simpler than real-life horse paintings.

If you want to draw animals for horse racing events flyers, for example, you can check our tutorial below.

So grab your pencil, prepare your tools, and let’s dive into the wonderful realm of cartoon horse drawing! [ez-toc]

Steps To Draw Cartoon Horses

Grab The Required Tools

Before we begin, let’s ensure you have the necessary tools to bring your creations to life. Gather a selection of pencils (ranging from H to B grades), an eraser, a sharpener, a clean sheet of paper, and optional colored markers or pencils for adding vibrant touches to your artwork.

With these tools at your disposal, you’re ready to embark on your artistic adventure.

Setting the Foundation

Begin by softly drawing a huge oval shape in the center of your page. This will function as the horse’s body.

Remember that the first sketch should be light so that you may make revisions as you polish your drawing.

Defining the Head

To give your cartoon horse character and charm, draw a smaller circle just above the body oval. If you know how to draw a cartoon of yourself, even though you are not a horse, you know how to draw a head! Tilt the circle slightly to one side, as if the horse is curiously looking at something.

Within the head circle, add two large, expressive eyes, which will bring your character to life. Place them on one side of the head for a whimsical touch. Below the eyes, draw a small circle for the nose, and give your horse a playful smile to complete the facial features.

Bringing Life to the Mane and Tail

A horse’s flowing mane and tail add movement and personality to your cartoon creation. Start from the top of the head and sketch a wavy line cascading down towards the body.

Make it as wild or sleek as you desire, allowing your horse’s mane to reflect its unique spirit. For the tail, draw a curvy line extending from the back of the body, and consider adding playful swirls or curls to emphasize its dynamic nature.

Legs and Hooves

Next, it’s time to give your horse sturdy legs to stand on. Draw four elongated, curved lines extending from the bottom of the body oval.

These lines represent the horse’s legs, and you can adjust their length and positioning to achieve your desired stance. Remember to add rounded hooves at the end of each leg, providing stability and balance to your cartoon horse.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different leg positions, as they can convey various moods and actions.

Adding Details and Personality

Now that the basic structure is complete, it’s time to add captivating details to your cartoon horse. Sketch pointy ears on top of the head, positioning them in a way that amplifies your horse’s expression—whether it’s curiosity, excitement, or mischief.

Experiment with different patterns and textures to create a unique coat for your horse. Add spots, stripes, or even polka dots to infuse personality and make your creation truly one-of-a-kind.

Infusing Colors (Optional)

If you desire a burst of vibrancy, grab your colored markers or pencils and add color to your cartoon horse. Carefully select shades that complement your horse’s personality, and begin by coloring the body, mane, and tail.

Consider using shades that evoke the spirit of a playful or majestic horse. Feel free to experiment with gradients, and patterns, or even incorporate some imaginative color schemes to make your cartoon horse truly unique. Remember, this step is optional, and if you prefer a black-and-white illustration, embrace the beauty of monochrome.

Don’t expect to get it perfect on your first try. Remember, practice makes it perfect and you should draw a lot of horses in order to build up your skills.