What breed of horse would be good for a beginner?

Question

I would like to know what gender, breed and personality would be good for a beginners first horse.

Answer 1

You would probably want to go with a much older horse, 6-10 years of age that has been well taken care of and good with its riders. Appaloosas are good horses, but it is your decision to make when getting your own horse. Also, do not get a stallion, one that has not been neutered, because they are very temperamental and when a mare, female, horse goes into heat, they are almost impossible to handle. A gelded, or neutered, horse or a mare would be your best choice.

Answer 2

As someone already mentioned, it's not necessarily the BREED of horse, so much as how much the horse has done, and how well it's been taken care of.
Here's my advice:

1. A gelding is best because it doesn't have the same hormonal problems as a mare or stallion. They tend to be much more even tempered, and easier to handle, both in the stable/field, and under saddle.
2. You want a horse that's coming from a reputable stable. When buying a horse of your own, always make sure the stable/seller has traceable references.
3. A horse that is physically sound is a necessity. always have any potential horses vetted by YOUR vet. A horse that is sore in anyway, or has a soundness problem will only give you grief. Even if the horse appears sound, there could be something worrying him, and if ths problem is left untreated could lead to behavioural problems later down the road.
4. Always request a vet history on the horse. this way you know if the horse has been treated by a vet, and what it was treated for.
5. An older horse is usually better, because it's generally done more, and learnt more.

Breeds to stay away from: Thoroughbreds and Arabs...I love both breeds, but they do tend to be "hotter" than others.

I've been told that quarterhorses and paints have wonderful temperaments on the whole. Also Crossbreeds.

Hope this helps you!

Answer 3

A gelding is probably going to be your best bet for a gender, even though I have a mare you would swear was one. There are so many breeds out there it is hard to focus on just one. One of the best all around breeds is going to be the Quarter Horse. Usually gaited horses are hotter, or more high strung. The best thing to do is research. I have a Morgan, quarter horse, 2 paso finos and ponys. My Morgan was a very kid safe horse with a great personality, one of my pasos acts like a gelding, the other is a very hot show horse, and my quarter horse is just a sweet heart. Somehow I have ended up with mostly mares, but have never had a problem with any of them. When shopping for for a horse, check for kid safe, bomb proof, spookiness and temperament. Also go for a horse that is past it's prime, at least 12 years old. My daughter is a beginner/intermediate and we found a wonderful tall pony, almost horse, gelding, that has become her best friend.

Answer 4

I do not think you should worry about the breed as much as you should about the training of the horse. An older horse with a lot of experience is best for a beginner. They will "teach" a beginner more than you will ever know. Make sure that the people you get a horse from are concerned about the rider as well as the horse.

Answer 5

I would go with a seasoned gelding. Seasoned means he is a little older, has been ridden alot and been through most everything. He might be for sale because he isn't as fast as he once was, and would be perfect for you. He should load in a trailer, be good with the farrier, no bad habits, and have patience for you. Take your time to find the right one.
A new rider, and older horse. An experienced rider, a young horse. That way they can teach each other.
As far as the breed, there are good ones and bad ones in each breed. Arabians are a little high strung for a beginner. Quarter horses are usually calmer, or a Welsh cross.

Answer 6

There's no good answer for that, really. It all depends on your personality. Generally it's best to find a trainer in your area and start by taking some lessons. This will allow you a chance to try different horses and see: one, if you really want to get a horse, and two, what kind of horse you are looking for. Also, if you have a good trainer they usually help you find different prospective horses and help you find a match.
Most of the time, people recommend an older well trained gelding for your first horse. Young horses aren't a good idea because they can spook and still need some "polish". Geldings are nice because you don't have to worry about hormones and fun behavior. But neither of these are always true. Each horse has it's own personality and you just have to look around to find what you're looking for in a "partner".
Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 7

The breed is not important as much as the temperament. Look for a horse that suits the rider. Is well trained and quite to handle. I would also suggest a gelding. They are usually the most even tempered. Mares and stallions have hormones that really effect their temperaments. Breed will come more into play depending on the type of riding. If you are looking for a western horse, paints and quarter horses are great. I would also look for something atleast 10 years old and something with experience in what you want to do (ie showing, trail riding, jumping, etc).

Answer 8

It depends on what kind of horse you are looking for. Western? English? Also for a beginner you would want a calm, usually a bit older horse. Older horses are usually less hyper, though that is not always the case. I have a 13 year old QH/Welsh cross and she is INSANE sometimes. We do hunter/jumpers and she is great, but I have also been riding for years and know how to handle her. The best bet is to look around, see a lot of different horses. Sometimes though, the seller might have the horse on drugs to calm him/her down. I would suggest a lease to buy option over the course of two weeks to a month. This gives you time to learn the horse and how their temperament is. ALSO, a gelding is usually the preferred sex as mares go into season and are just like women... :] haha very moody. But to each horse their own. Good luck!

Answer 9

you got lots of great answers so i'll keep this short. how much of a beginer are you? are you so green you've just barely started taking lessons or have you been riding for a year or two? if you just started taking lessons, talk to your instructor. Now might not be a good time to think about buying. The best way to learn s by riding lots of diferent horses. if you learn to ride only one horse it'll be harder to move onto soemthing more challenging in the future. if you've been riding for a few years then you probly already kinda know what your looking for.

the best advice I can give is dont let yourself get caught up in looking for a specific color or breed. choosing a horse like this will probably ( not always ) end you up with a horse that you can't handle, or that is not challenging you or is unsound.

find someone you can trust who know your ability who can come with you to look at horses. but trust your own judgment also, inly you know how much of a challenge you want and how much time and money you want to put in. a less experienced rider canget away with buying a greener horse if she's dedicated and has time and money to spend with a trusted instructor. if your looking for more of a backyard ride with less comitement, buy somethign quieter, not necesarily older. ( i've know lots of 2 to 3 yrd olds that are as safe as old 15yrd olds)
anyways, good luck :)

Answer 10

Breed is not as important as the general tempermant of the horse.
You should look for one that is well broke and one whose tempermant matches yours. Test ride a few and see how they handle and if they do as you ask or if you have to get tought for them to do as you ask.
I have a great well broke mare and she is wonderful but if you are not experienced rider she will take advantage of the person. She makes them work harder to get her to stop or to chage direction. But if you get on her and let her know you are in charge for the start she is great.
Look first at how well the horses and your personality get along then at color and breed.