What kind of horse is best for a beginner trail rider (breed, age, etc)?

Answer 1

The breed of the horse is much less important than it's tempermant.
I would be looking for a horse that was advertised as safe for a beginner or one that had tons of trail experience and time on trails.
While no horse is truely "bombproof" you need to ride a few and see how well you get along with the horse. It is about the horse learning to trust you and being willing to do what you ask of him.
Once you gain the trust the horse knows taht you will not hurt them and they are more willing to do things you ask of them.
Search and try out a few before you buy one to make you you get a horse that can and is willing to do what you want.

Answer 2

Age: Anything 12 and older is usually good. Some horses can trail ride into their late 20s and 30s! Though sometimes by 12 they can be set in their ways. There are also a lot of good younger trail horses. Each horse varies.

Breeds: Quarter Horse, Paint Horse, Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse (non-performance), Missouri Foxtroter, Spotted Saddle Horse, Kentucky (and Rocky) Mountain Horses/Ponies, Racking Horses, Mules, Appaloosas, Mountain Pleasure Horses, Pasos, Walkaloosas, Morabs, Arabs.

But, temper is the key. A particular Thoroughbred may be a better trail horse than a Missouri Foxtrotter is.

Good luck in your search.

Answer 3

Any breed can make a good first horse but some breeds tend to be more willing to please then others.. Tennessee Walking horses, Racking Horses and the Rocky or Kentucky mountain gaited are all great choices.. Also an older (8 to 12 yr old) more experienced gelding would be your best bet.. A gelding doesn't have the fluctuating hormones that mares and studs have so the temperment is likely to be more even. Make sure you choose your horse carefully and get a contract that allows you to return the horse within 3 days to a week if you aren't happy with it.. This also gives you time to have it examined by your vet..

Answer 4

Quarter Horses, Paints, and morgans are nice because they are bred to be calmer and more versatile. Older horses (12-18 years) are good for beginners, but really any horse that is mellow and well trained is good. My best trail horse ever was a 3 year old green broke Thoroughbred mare straight off the track. She is just that kind of horse you can do anything on. You just have to look around for a horse that fits you and that you get along with. Best of luck.

Answer 5

most horses that are breed for "ranch work" or western pleasure riding make excellent trail horses. i prefer quarter horses because they are breed for strong legs, heart, lungs and calm temperament. you'll want to look for a horse at least 8 years old and is recommended for kids or beginners, horses use for western style riding lessons would be a good option. horses from trail riding stables are good as well just make sure the one you pick isn't "stuck in follower mode" a good trail horse should be able to move independently of the herd as well as with it.

Answer 6

quarter horses are calm and laid back which makes them excellent for beginners. they are also quite muscular. an older quarter horse would be great but not so(10-15 would be great) old that he/she just kind of do a sunday morning stroll down the trails. but when you get more experianced don't plan on galloping a quarter horse for a long time in the open fields becuase they lack stamina on sprinting. when you get more experianced you may want to turn to a younger arabian, they make great endurance horses but arabians can be quite highstrung. good luck! hope i helped:)

Answer 7

depending on wether you chose to ride western or english. for western try:
~quater horses- older years, 8 - 20
~paints- older years, most tend to be kinda fiesty 12-18
english:
~tennesee walking horse- very good for trail riding the have the smoothest and straightest walk. - i'd say 5 to and older age.
~ thoroughbreds van be great trail horses - but this is for some trails with jumps because they are excited by new places and these horses are very eager to please their riders - definitlely buy one in its older years. 14 and up

Answer 8

I would say a quarter horse would be great!!:) I would think that you would want one that's older than 5!! good luck on the trails!!!:)

Answer 9

any kind of horse really. it doesnt really matter that much. as long as its well trained. i like qh for trail rides because they r usally very well behaved on trails. older horses r sometimes better for beginners.

Answer 10

probably an older, 17 or 18 year old quarter horse, that knows it all, is gentle and sweet, and is easy to ride.


www.aqha.com


there is some info on their breed.