Whether you are a first-time rider or looking to be a first-time owner you know the importance of doing your homework. Taking your passion for horses to the next level is a huge milestone and shouldn’t be taken lightly. While there is no perfect horse, with some research you can find the right horse for you.
As you start your search for the best horse breeds, you might find yourself quickly overwhelmed by the pros and cons of each horse. You might even start to wonder if there is a horse that’s good for a first-time owner.
In no particular order, below are the top 10 most common horse breeds that are considered good options for beginners:
1. American Quarter Horse
2. American Paint Horse
3. Morgan Horse
4. Tennessee Walking Horse
5. Appaloosa
6. Arabian
7. Mustang
8. Icelandic Horse
9. Thoroughbred
10. Clydesdale
Ten is still a lot of horses to consider, so to make things a little easier, we’ve narrowed down the options into our top three horse breeds for beginners.
Best Horse for Beginners: American Quarter Horse
Overview: American Quarter Horses get their name from their ability to quickly sprint a quarter of a mile. These versatile horses tend to be stocky and muscular, making them the ideal size for kids and adults. Their demeanor is gentle, confident and caring towards their riders. This is by far one of the most popular horse breeds.
Height – 56-64 inches
Weight – 950-1200 pounds
Best Horse for Beginners: Arabian
Overview: While the Arabian horse breed is known for its quick temper, these horses are built for speed, endurance and strength. They are quiet and trustworthy, and typically less likely to spook. Adult males in this breed tend to be the best choice for beginners because they are calm.
Height – 56-64 inches
Weight – 800-1000 pounds
Best Horse for Beginners: American Paint
Overview: Paints are everything you could want in a horse. They are smart, talented and athletic. They aim to please their riders, making them a great choice for kids and first-time owners. The versatile choice, Paints are willing to try anything.
Height – 56-64 inches
Weight – 950-1200 pounds
Ideally, you want to find a horse that typically excels in the things you are most interested in. If you’re looking to ride competitively, you might want to consider thoroughbred horses, if you are looking for a horse to grow along with your child, then you might lean towards the American Quarter Horse. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to buying your first horse. Just remember, it all comes down to the individual horse and the relationship you develop.
