What breeds of horses have good endurance?

Question

I mean a horse for long trails and be able to put up with lots of exersize

Answer 1

The Tevis Cup ride in California is considered one of the premier competitive endurance rides in the world, and the bulk of the horses that have finished first in that ride are Arabs or Arab crosses, as are winners of the Haggin Cup for the best-conditioned horse in the ride:

http://www.foothill.net/tevis/TEVISWIN.HTM
http://www.foothill.net/tevis/HAGGNWIN.HTM

I think that is about as definitive as it gets in determining what breed has the most endurance.

However, if you want to combine endurance with athleticism, as in 3-day eventing, then I think you'd have to go with a Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred cross. Arabs are great endurance horses but they just are not very good at jumping events. Thoroughbreds have both the endurance and the athleticism to excell at 3-day event competitions.

Answer 2

Arabians are probably the number one endurance competitive horse. Mustangs I would think would also make excellent endurance horse. If you are thinking about looking into a horse for competitive multiple-day or many mile endurance runs, be sure you don't just buy your run of the mill horse -you need one that has the right size and good feet, and bloodlines to boot. A compact horse, with strong feet and a lineage of endurance horses is going to be your best bet. And you will need to train slowly and steadily. You can't just go run 20 miles on your first outing :)
But if you are looking for a horse to long trail rides, try looking into a livery stable's guided trail ride horses - they're almost always for sale, and they've had a ton of trail miles on them and are used to long long long working hours - walking mostly, but still they should suit your needs too.

Answer 3

My breed of choice for endurance riding is 1/2 QH, 1/2 Arab. They usually have the endurance aspects of an Arab, and the mentality of a QH. It's a perfect balance for me, who doesn't really prefer high-strung horses. They also tend to have a more comfortable trot than Arabs. Each horse is an individual of course, but of all the horses I have ridden, this has consistently been my favorite combination for endurance =) Good luck!

Answer 4

I think everyone pretty much nailed it on the head--

Arabians. They can be small and flighty but they are tough and can withstand pretty hot weather.

If you can't afford an arabian or you don't like them (which some people just dont take a liking to them) you can always try a Quarter Horse. They are hardy little fellows and could go for hours if properly conditioned and from my experience they are really sure-footed. A friend of mine used to go hunting with his QH and the 15'1hh QH dragged an entire buck back to their house by himself. The thing was nearly as big as the horse was!

Thoroughbreds are good too. Although I haven't really heard of them being as stong and tough as other horses- i've known some TBs that could trail ride all day. However I know that they tend to get sorer easier just because of all their top weight on their long skinny legs- it's just part of their breed....But they have so much energy it's insane :] My instructor always used to make fun of my horse and say 'He'd drop dead before realzing, oh-- im tired.' They can just go and go!

Either one of these would make a good choice if properly conditioned, as would many other horses :] I'd pick the QH though- they seem to be quieter on the trails too in general (less spooky.)

Answer 5

Arabian as everyone said for sure, other breeds that do well at competitve trail and endurance are Appaloosas if they r the lighter foundation type, Morgan/Arab crosses, standardbreds but they can be a bit uncomfy if they are pacers, Arab/Appy crosses and QH's as long as they are not the halter show type, those tend to be too heavily muscled. Remember that the more muscle mass a horse has, the longer it takes to cool out and the more work it takes for them to go. as others said the gaited breeds seem to be rising in popularity too.

Answer 6

Well Ive endurance raced for around 7 years and the number one endurance breed by far is arabs. Not only do arabs have the stamina but most have a big heart and they only aim to please you, Me and my arab have done about 2000 endurance miles together and several 100 mile races and on our last loop of our 100 mile ride I decided to take his bit out and just clip the reins to the side of his bridle and he rubbed his nose raw because after 90sum miles he was STILL pulling on me(I felt absolutely awful)!!!!!! Arabs win the endurance aspect of it by a long shot. And im not saying that some other few animals in different breeds dont do exceptional because some do but for the majority arabs win. Hope I helped.

GELDINGS RULE!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Although I agree, that Arabians are a top endurance choice, they can sometimes have a real mind for their own adventure, and be difficult to handle. If you're up for that, then get an Arab. If you'd like another great choice that's a little more mannered, consider a Connemara or Connemara cross. They're very hearty, sturdy, sure-footed and willing.

Answer 8

Most gaited breeds have very good endurance. Because of their gait they are able to cover more ground faster than regular horses. Its just something in their genetic make up, but of course, if they are out of condition, then they won’t be able to perform as well. But my Missouri Fox Trotter could go four hours, practically all day, at various speeds throughout. I used to go on half-day long trail rides with him almost everyday, and he was never foaming or terribly sweating when we got home. In fact, the Spanish Conquistadors used gaited horses when they were scouting Mexico and American because of their ability to travel so well and so quickly.

Arabians and Morgan horses too, as everyone has said.

Answer 9

Arabs definitely have the endurance. They can be a little, lets say head-strong for the lack of a better word. I have a Quarter-Arab. He's not as feisty as some other Arabs I've seen but after riding him for a few hours he acts like he is just getting warmed up.

Answer 10

Arabians, Quarter Horses and Mustangs.

I am sure there are many more out there but those are the 3 I think about when it comes to endurance.