... getting a horse one of these days so i could take him out on the trails whenever I wanted. Nothing special, no jumping, racing, just a good horse that I could enjoy time with, maybe even take him into my yard for an afternoon and groom. Is there a breed that would be best for this?
2007-08-30 07:45:46 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Horses
any breed can make a good pleasure horse.
I personally like Paints and Morgans just my own belief that they are in general horses with good dispositions and have alot of strength and flexability.
Might consider a mule I had never really like them until on a camping trip my big horse got in a bad mood and was acting up. borrowed a gaited mule from a friend and it was like riding in a cadilac and the 4 year old mule was more sure of herself than my 9 year old regular trail horse with 1000s of hours under saddle. I am actually thinking of getting a long ear for myself.
2007-08-30 08:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by mike093068 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the draft breeds and the draft crosses!
In my experience they make awesome trail mounts. I am biased to the Clydesdales. (I have ridden a Clyde for the last ten years.) Don't let their size intimidate you. There are some wonderful Clyde/Quarter Horse and Clyde/Thoroughbred crosses that are about the size of a big QH. Clydes also tend to be very smooth under saddle compared to some of the other draft breeds.
Most drafts have laid back personalities. They are generally healthy as a horse! (I've never had to shoe any drafts. They all had great hooves.)
I also ride a Thercheron (Thoroughbred/Percheron cross) that is very peppy and a lot of fun.
Haflingers are great too. All the benefits of a draft in a smaller package.
Belgiums can be great trail horses, but the 2500lb sweetheart I rode was a bit much to mount out on the trail.
In my experience with boarding drafts, you will want to make sure the facility doesn't over grain them. Many people tend to think "big horse equals more grain!" Not so! Just give'em more hay. Also, my drafts tend to prosper with more turn out in a dry lot than being locked in a stall.
Good luck and I hope you find a great horse!
2007-08-30 08:29:12 · answer #2 · answered by HW 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any breed will work, it is the temperament you need to consider. No matter what breed, age or sex, you will have hot horses and calm horses. Look for one who is consistently calm and willing. Ride a horse for sale 4-5 times, show up unannounced the 2 and 3 time so that you can be sure that there is no "calming" medication happening....saddle and bridle yourself and ask to ride on the trail a few times.
Don't narrow your search to a breed...there are many lovely horses in any breed.
2007-08-30 10:58:30 · answer #3 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to think about your level of experience with horses.
A gaited horse is wonderful for trail riding. An older horse who is calm and has miles under the saddle would be great.
I've owned horses for years and there is no "best" breed for me. I had an incredible loving Morgan; an Arab stallion who was the gentlest kindest creature I've ever owned; a paint Quarter Horse filly who was the epitome of love; and now an Arab gelding who would go anywhere for me. When I was young I rode Saddlebreds, and found them wonderfully kind and willing animals - pity how they are abused in the show ring. I've exercised Thoroughbreds on the tracks, and loved them too - pity how many of them are abused too.
Anyway, if you buy a horse, make sure he's vet checked for soundness. Make sure he's not spooky, hard mouthed or barn sour, and if you treat him with kindness, you'll have a faithful friend for life, and years of fun riding. Good luck!.
2007-08-30 10:28:59 · answer #4 · answered by ava 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FIRST - take several courses of lessons so you can learn to ride properly with supervision. AND then you'll be better able to judge whether riding is really the sport for you. I'm not saying don't get a horse - But First, make sure you're a competent rider before owning a horse.
See, there's a LOT to owning a horse. Expenses, time, vet care, equipment, etc.etc. It adds up quickly.
2007-08-30 08:40:35 · answer #5 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with HappyHan but also think an older horse would suit you better and one that already does what you are looking for... don't get a show that's never been on a trail if you want to trail ride. going to the stable and talking with the trainer would be a big help, they might know of horses that would be good for you. good luck!
2007-08-30 07:58:21 · answer #6 · answered by Lizzy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Breeding isnt really what you need to be looking at. The horse needs to be calm, trustworthy and something you can have a good time on. Don't look for a specific breed just find one that you click with and that ticks all the boxes! good luck!
2007-08-30 07:53:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Norwegion Fjords are the best trail horses i have ever seen. I have one and she isn't afraid of anything she will go through streams with running water, deep mud, over logs, she doesn't spook it branches come back and hit her when she she steps on them. she could work out there all day. she loves to work. '
they are a like mini draft horses in their build so they can go through rough terrain and not hurt their feet they have hard hooves. they are a little expensive though. they are rare in the US i think there are only something like 5,000 of them in the US but if you can get one they are the best horses i've seen.
www.franciscreekfjords.com thats where i got my horse from. its in WI.
2007-08-30 08:28:13 · answer #8 · answered by CJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say an arab, i have one and he is very good with trail riding. I heard an arab has the best endurance and i also think so!
2007-08-31 02:07:40 · answer #9 · answered by mustang guy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quarter horse
appaloosa
paint
arabian..........
any horse is great just do your reasearch!
before owning take some lessons but if you feel comfertable with your handling skills go for it!
2007-08-30 09:44:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋