Best Horse for Beginners?

Question

Heyz :)
I was wondering what kind of a horse would be good for beginners? I have ridden several horses before but I don't know which one is best. Here are more details: Maybe a good working-farm horse (like a drum horse) but one that can be easily ridden and later on good for breeding. I hope the horse breed will be a warm hearted one (I know all horses are and it depends on how they have been treated). Thx everyone :) Have fun answering :P

Answer 1

Every breed has it's goobers. I would look for an older horse, 8 years or older, as they have already gotten through their silly years and are less likely to use a passing butterfly as an excuse to spook right out fron under you. I always liked my Quarter Horses but had a great Tennessee Walker and a nice Morgan too.

My old riding instructor told me something, no idea if it is true or not but it seems to be consistant and I've heard others say it. If the horse's cowlick on it's forehead is between it's eyes, it will be a calm, sensible horse. Above the eyes tended to be flighty, below the eyes tended to be stupid and dull witted. A double cowlick indicated an intelligent but moody horse. A roman nosed horse would be slow to learn but usually good natured, a dish faced horse would be very intelligent but also quick and sometimes flighty. So, there's some old timer's advice that may or may not be worth the price of a cup of coffee, lol!

Answer 2

As other people have said, there's no breed that is absolutely known for their good beginners horses. It comes through good handling and training. Beginners horses are generally older(about 15+) because they have been around the block a time or two and are not as spooky as a green broke young horse. Arabians ideally would have a "live in your tent" disposition but are known for being high-spirited and spooky/flighty. Definately never want to get a thoroughbred as a beginners horse. They have too much "get up and go" for a beginner. Ponies are known for being stubborn.

Obviously, never get a stallion as a beginners horse. People have said get a gelding, geldings can be just as ornery as mares so don't limit your search with just geldings!!

Other than that pretty much any breed can have good beginners horses, although when looking for a horse make sure you bring a vet or other knowledgable horseperson with you before you buy a horse. Since some older horses can have problems, arthritis or they're hard to keep weight on, be sure you find out about any problems like that from the owner. Another thing to be careful of is if people drug the horse to make it appear more docile to get it sold.

Just a few things to think about

Answer 3

Obviously, you are right. You should get a heavier breed, as they are not as flighty. DO NOT get an arabian, a thoroughbred, or anything with those crosses. They are very unpredictable and no matter how old, or how many miles they get under their girth, they will always be very jumpy, spooky, horses. I'd suggest some kind of draft mix, but they are very wide and some people find them uncomfortable to ride. Appaloosas, quarter horses, and paint horses are all very good calm breeds, right from the start. You should get horse that was ridden often and is older than 8 years old. Preferably it would be a gelding, altho mares are ok. They just have more mood swings because they go through that time of the month too. They are just a little more moody during those times. I have a mare and she is the most sweetest girl ever, but during those times she just likes to take it easy on the riding, and wants a little more TLC, reassurance, and treats

Answer 4

I think you should start off with a nice good quarter horse. They are very calm and relaxed. Quarter horses are very sweet and forgiving if you do something wrong not meaning to. You would need to get a mare if you wanted to breed it later on because some stallions are to hard to handle and are not good for beginners. Make sure that the mare you get is not very "mareish" as some are. And make sure the horse has nice, big clear eyes and a calm disposition. Before you buy the horse ride it or get someone you trust to ride it. You also need to get a vet check and a trial of the horse to make sure you are good with one another and suite each other's needs. I would recomend looking at horsecity.com, dreamhorse.com, or equine.com if you need help finding one. They have a big selection and most of the adds are detailed about the horse.
I hope I helped you out!!
paintedfilly93

Answer 5

The best horse for a beginner isn't a particular breed but a horse that has been well raised and trained.

Don't get a "green broke" horse for a first horse. No horse is truely "bombproof," but a horse that has a lot of miles on it and that has been exposed to a variety of situations is usually a good bet.

If you plan to breed, I would look for a mare from good bloodlines in good condition and that has good structure. I'd look for one that is between 6 and 12 years old that has foaled at least once and produced a good healthy foal/foals. Choose the breed of horse by what you plan to use the horse for. If it's for trail/pleasure riding, many light horse breeds are suitable.

Answer 6

The first step in getting a horse is learning how to care for one. I would recommend taking lessons at a local barn. Offer to work there on the weekends/evenings. If you still want a horse after a few months of working and riding ask your trainer to help you find a horse that will fit your needs. Your trainer will know your needs, and will be able to find you perfect first horse.

In general, you want an older horse who has lots of training. Just remember even horse 8-9 years old can still be very spirited. Mine is.. and she's 9. Asking a professional for help is your best option!

Answer 7

I would say the best horse for a beginner is not found in a particular breed but in a well trained,gentle,gelding.. mares can be moody and no one without experience should handle a stallion....so,I know you mentioned breeding but before you go down that road please get some good knowledge and find some other experienced horse people to teach you ......good luck and happy riding!!!!

Answer 8

The Welsh Mountain Pony and Welsh Pony

The original home of the Welsh Mountain pony was in the hills and valleys of Wales. He was there before the Romans. His lot was not an easy one. Winters were severe. Vegetation was sparse. Shelter, most often, was an isolated valley or a clump of bare trees. Yet the Welsh pony managed not only to survive, but also to flourish.The purebred Welsh pony of today is an animal of great beauty and refinement. He has a proud, aristocratic bearing. Yet he has the substance, the stamina, and the soundness of body and wind which are characteristic of animals that long have lived close to nature.

The purebred Welsh of today has a friendly personality and an even temper, intelligent and constantly alert. He has spirit, but this spirit is combined with gentleness and a willingness to obey. He does not resent discipline and shows respect for the master, young or old, who shows respect for him.

Although essential points of conformation can be listed and should be considered, it is the combination of desirable physical characteristics, plus a pony's highly individual personality, plus one's own preference for colour, which makes a pony exactly the right pony for any one person.

One of the great thrills of breeding Welsh ponies is the chance or calculated mating of two animals, so compatible and complementary, that they produce a near-perfect specimen. This is the challenge. And the goal, with carefully chosen Welsh stock, is not unattainable.
Today's Welsh pony is a quality animal of unusual versatility and wide use. To see him is to admire him and love him. To own him and enjoy his companionship is a privilege that certainly will be enjoyed by more and more people over the years ahead.

Answer 9

if your just learning to ride, get a 13 yr old gelding. male horses aren't as tempermantal as females. mares have cycles just like weman do. older means usually their more experianced in what ever you want to. even for small children geldings are the top choice. as far as breed, quater horses is what i prefer. thourghbreds are way to much trouble. arabs are really flighty. when you take them out on a trail ride they usually spook over everything. appaloosas are pretty good to own. just please never get a pony. they are the meanest, nastiest, of all breeds. i have never met one that didn't bite me. so good luck with your hunting.

Answer 10

Whatever the breed you choose-make sure it's a "bomb" proof older animal.I prefer geldings but some mares work out ok.