What breed / type of horse is good for a 10 yr old girl to have?

Question

My daughter wants a horse and is taking lessons. What type of horses are good for young girls to ride and take care of?

Answer 1

What's more important than breed is the horse's personality and the bond the horse has with your daughter. If you're not experienced with horses, I would seek out a children's riding instructor to help you find the right horse. That horse might be any breed :-)

Consider leasing a horse. That way, if things don't work out, you aren't "bound" to that animal, and in the mean time, you can learn more about horses and what to look for!

You also might want to look into Pony Clubs or 4-H clubs in your area. I started out with my first "horse ownership" by leasing a horse and joining Pony Club. Eventually, as I improved, my instructors and parents realized that I "needed" a horse with more potential for my riding career to grow. That was when we began looking for horses to buy. By that point, my mother and I KNEW EXACTLY what we were looking for!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Well, as far as breeds I wouldn't be too picky. I personally am a Quarter Horse freak, but that's just me :-) The more important things to look for are- Age, I really would strongly recomend getting a horse around the age of 15, while younger horses can be, and often are, calm as well, I'm a sucker for the old guys, and have no complaints about my first horse, an 18 year old Quarter Pony. Easy Keeper- This is another BIG thing to look for, especially if you get an old horse! The horse I talked about previously, is now 22, and has weight issues. Try to look for horses with good teeth, healthy digestive systoms, etc. Feet and joints are also a big issue. Most of all, make sure the horse you get isn't JUST love at first sight, make sure it's love forever and ever and ever... Just like Redman and the 9 year old me, were, coming on 6 years ago :o)

Answer 3

I have a 11 year old daughter and she has ridden since ...for ever but she is a little nervous . She still rides but has grown out of our little shetland mare who taught all my six children to ride . None of them ever hurt themselves as it is not far to fall and when she has gone out with my older boys I have never had a single moment of anxiety. My son is about to out grow his welsh cross 12 2 hh and I will have to sell him as my daughter is not strong enough . . I have lived in France for many years and they often put children on horses in the manege but of course if they go out for a ride no way could they actually manage the horses if they were in the least bit naughty. The same goes for a lot of ponies which are like clockwork in an arena but on a ride a different matter . Go to your local pony club and try and find a pony that has done lots of work and is out grown . . A ten year old is in the class for under 12.2 h so don't over horse her . And don't give yourself worries. An old slightly lazy pony is much the best and then when she does a spurt of growing in 3 years you can get her something that excatly what she needs as she might be wanting to show jump or pony games or etc . Also if you are keeping a pony at a stables it is much cheaper than a horse and can be tuned out and left over the colder spells and will not need lots of work.
Some people have advised a welsh cob which is reallly not at all a good idea !!

Answer 4

The best type of horse for a 10 yr old is one that:
1. is safe
2. is well matched with the child's experience level
3. is reviewed by an EXPERIENCED rider (perhaps the person with whom your daughter is taking lessons) or two for qualities a less experienced person may not notice
4. is suitable for the riding discipline(s) in which your daughter will be participating
5. is sound (does not have health problems leading to inability to be ridden)

The breed is probably not as relevant as the particular characteristics of a given horse. The characteristics of the riding style and particular discipline your daughter wants to ride will better define the particular characteristics of a suitable horse. A horse for barrel racing is typically not suitable for show jumping. A horse for dressage is typically not suitable for roping, etc.

Answer 5

I am a Highland pony person. These ponies can be friendly and forgiving. They can live out or in and are generally good doers. I have had several over the years and many have been riden by very young children and have kept them safe. l recently sold one to the RDA and at the moment my young neice who has severe learning difficulties rides both my ponies on a regular basis. These are gentle ponies which can be riden by children and adults alike. But like all breeds of horses and ponies how they are handled can make or break them. Good luck, think hard before making any decisions about owning a pony as this is a life changing act.

Answer 6

What kind of horse is best for your daughter is not based on age but rather skill. Assuming she has little experience id say to get a quarter horse... they are very quiet animals and tend to be less highstrung.... they are ready and willing and are very good family horses. Id say about a ten to twelve year old gelding. Why dont you try leasing a horse first though, you should make sure you and your daughter are ready for a horse slowly and surely... after you have made sure its not just a phase and that you both know enough about horses then you should buy one, but remeber taking care of horses isnt cheap or easy!

Answer 7

Like alot of people are saying personality and temper is the most important. Until she gets to be an experianced rider this is the choice I would choose. I just went through the samething with my 7 years daughter. Ended up with a POA which I never would have bought. I am a pure Quarter horse person myself. So take your time ride alot of horse's and have fun. It dosn'rt matter how pretty it is just how it acts. GOOD LUCK
Lora :)

Answer 8

It does not matter what breed just that it is a very well broke kid tested horse. You should get an older very broke to ride horse for first horse for kids. They learn from that one.As her knowledge grows so can a new horse.Don't let anyone talk you into something that may hurt or scare her off them for the rest of her life.

Answer 9

I think a quarter horse. Their nice and friendly. Not one have I met is evil. They are gentle and have a very kind soul. That is just their nature. So a quarter horse is a perfect first horse for a child that age! He/she will take good care of your daughter!

Answer 10

New Forest ponies have a good temprament and are very popular, although she will grow out of it and need something bigger within a few years as she gets bigger.

It might be worth biting the bullet now and getting a Welsh cob. Most of these are good humoured but with a bit of character - good, solid, dependable horses......but nothing falsh.