I am looking for any easy-going, easy-to-ride, friendly, people-oriented, affectionate breed of horse. I'm not interested in competitive riding, just going out on trail rides and having fun with a gentle horse who will become a good friend.
2007-05-11 09:18:25 · 31 answers · asked by ? 7 in Pets ➔ Horses
Let's just be fair here. We have all owned a horse, whatever breed you are all describing and for some that breed was the best and for other the breed was the worst. I can say that I have been around a lot of different breeds and they all have had very different personalities. I had a Saddlebred that was the best horse ever. I own a Quarter Horse that is now a great horse, but it took a lot of time to get him that way. He didn't just come out perfect. I also, worked with a Quarter Horse that was supposed to be quite charming and he ended up going sour because the person that owned him didn't know what they were doing. The Morgan we are still working on and I think she is just very opinionated.
I agree that you need to find one that is kid safe. This whole bomb proof idea is great, but horses spook. They are flight animals.
I have heard that Fjords are great for first time horse owners. Make sure you find someone reputable. Just remember that the horses that might be tagged as not being the best horse or have that golden retriever attitude, are probably that way because of the person who is working with them or they were just bred that way. Look very closely at the lineage of the horse you are going to buy and do research. There is no one breed out there that is perfect.
2007-05-11 18:16:51 · answer #1 · answered by Weasel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't go wrong with a Quarter Horse. But it is also important to determine your riding ability first and your experience around horses. If you are a beginner you want to look for a horse that has had some time on the trails, doesn't shy at every little thing, loads in the trailer without a problem, socialized with other horses and so on. An age to look at would be 10 or 11. You want a horse you can learn from but won't be kicking the bucket in a couple years.
It's awesome to bond with your horse. I lost my QH mare in 2004 and my POA gelding in 2003. My mare was the best horse I've ever ridden. But don't get me wrong, there are some really good grade horses out there too, so you will want to take your time to look at quite a few horses to determine what meets your needs and your abilities. Can you take along some one with experience in horses? Look for a riding club, maybe, or even the local 4-H may have a horse club that you could volunteer and learn more about horses. Hope this helps!!!
2007-05-11 15:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by Wild Cherry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find yourself a good, middle-aged Quarter horse. Most Quarter horses, Quarter horse crosses, and Paints are good trail horses. They come in a variety of heights, so it's easy to find a size that will work for you. In general, they have good temperaments and an easy going manner. Some can be hot, some can be laid-back. You'll just need to see different ones and decide from that.
Appaloosas are also good, gentle trail horses, and my first lesson horse was a Morgan cross. And you might consider buying an old ranch horse, no matter what the breed. These horses are usually pretty bombproof and make excellent trail horses when they're no longer used for ranch work. You could also look for a horse that is owned by a trail/outfitting business; they may have some of their horses for sale. And the good thing about old ranch/outfitting horses is that you can usually get them for a good price.
Just look around. Some horses are just naturally sweet and affectionate, including "mutts" (called grade horses). Your best bet is to be around a variety of horses before looking into buying your own, so you have a feel for all kinds of different breeds and disciplines, even if you only want to use your horse for trails.
There are some breeds that are pretty hot and aren't very good as a laid-back trail horse. I wouldn't recommend an Arabian. Most of the Arabs I've met are pretty rambunctious and feisty. And ponies can also be a bit on the mean side. Some ponies are wonderful, but they do have a reputation for being a little grouchy sometimes.
Good luck!
2007-05-11 09:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I don't think it is right to discount a breed. Yes, Quarter Horses are nice, but I've known some that were very high strung and hard to handle. Then again, I have known some of the sweetest Arabians who probably wouldn't spook at anything because they were so gentle and laid back.
I think what you really need to look for is a well broke horse, especially one that is used to trail riding. One of my favorite trail horses didn't have a breed attached... she was just a grade horse. Yet, I have ridden Thoroughbreds on trail and had a great time. Just take time to find a good horse that is trained well. Going by breed alone can get you in trouble. I mean, even golden retrievers have their bad apples (had one try to bite me a few weeks ago).
2007-05-11 12:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by sweet_masquerade 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, you're describing a quarter horse. It really matters on the horse - I've seen thoroughbreds calmer than my QH, but she's hyper for her breed (and age) because she has some TB in her (not enough to be an appendix, but enough to give her bloodline a little extra umph for racing). Quarter Horses are sturdy fellows though, wonderful for trail riding. They're fairly laid back and bomb proof (don't scare easily). Every horse has a different personality, so you'll need to see who you mesh with. My mare and I just clicked - we bounce well off of each other. We both kind of have an odd sense of humor, I guess, and like to get into things we're not supposed to and then end up getting caught. Arabians are full of personality and wonderful for long trail rides, but they are typically on the more spirited/excitable side of things (not all though, this is just a generalization). They are incredibly friendly horses with wonderful personalities which can be quite funny and cute, eager to please and very people oriented and loyal. They're rambunctious in their youth, but seem to calm down with age and wisdom. Again, it just depends on the horse, but it wouldn't hurt to look at these three breeds that are also quite popular, so you should be able to easily find them where ever you live and find a good horse for trailing around and loving at a price easy on the pocket.
2007-05-11 09:30:37 · answer #5 · answered by rainy_creek_blazer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should look at the stock breeds: quarter horse, paint or appaloosa. I prefer a quarter horse. What you want is age. Get a well trained older horse, stay clearof 2-4 years old. You may pay more but a good 8-15 year old will take you down many trials with less headaches. Don't buy the 1st horse you see, keep going back and look at many horses. Pay attention to the big kind looking eyes. Usually means less spooky, Good Luck!
2007-05-11 15:53:18 · answer #6 · answered by afancyroz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DON'T discount Arabians! They are, by FAR, the most 'people oriented' horse because of their close association with humans for the past 5000 years. Yes, many of them are quite spirited, but there are many that are QUIET and calm. I know, I owned one. He was perfect, fun and affectionate. He was my best friend AND he lived to be 34 -- many other breeds don't live anywhere near that long. I was able to ride him until he was 31!
Quarter Horses get all the good press, but just like any breed, they aren't ALL perfect. Some can be VERY stubborn. And they can have problems with their feet.
Morgans are also nice.
Basically you have to judge each INDIVIDUAL horse, not go by breeds.
2007-05-11 09:54:09 · answer #7 · answered by luvrats 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest a quarter horse. Or possible a draft or halflingers. Some halflingers are jerks and buck and a difficult but there are some good ones out there like the horse I ride now. He is a 100% halflinger, 15.2 hh, jumps up to 4ft, has auto lead changes, trail rides like a gentle, cross-country machine, and he has one over 50 blue ribbons in dressage. Also good for carting.
2007-05-11 13:10:23 · answer #8 · answered by Player4life 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure how common this breed is around yours but I would think a Haflinger fits that description very well:
Haflinger Characteristics
Haflinger horses soon become a special member of the family. They have a genuine friendliness for people, a willing attitude and a sincere desire to please. Haflingers are strong and sturdy, capable of doing the work of much larger horses, with a lower level of care and maintenance. They are easy keepers, long lived, intelligent and easy to train. Being a quiet steady horse, haflingers are less fearful and especially suited for first-time horse owners as well as children’s mounts. Many times our trainer or farrier has commented on how a haflinger just calmly looks at you when another breed would have bolted.
http://www.hiddentrails.com/general/breeds/haflinger.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haflinger_%28horse%29
http://www.haflingerhorses.com/
The colour fits the golden retriever description as well ;)
2007-05-11 11:56:43 · answer #9 · answered by Cetacea 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The old fashion Morgan , Tennessee Walking Horse or The Fox Trotter for a smooth ride .
Maybe a mixed breed .
It's not the breed , but man that makes the horse what it is .
If it's been handled correctly then almost any breed will do . Good Luck
2007-05-11 09:36:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋