The Best Horse Breeds for Beginner Riders is something that almost anyone who loves horse riding will be looking one for sure. This is because not every horse breed is for beginners. Some will require experienced riders with patience and skills to control the horse. If you ever wonder if some breeds are a better fit than others for someone with less experience then you’re not the only one. Whether you’re a beginner rider looking for The Best Horse Breeds for Beginner Riders is something that almost everyone loves horse riding will be looking one for sure.
This is because not every horse breed is for beginners. Some will require experienced riders with patience and skills to control the horse. If you ever wonder if some breeds are a better fit than others for someone with less experience then you’re not the only one. Whether you’re a beginner rider looking for the best horse breeds for beginners or you’ve made the decision to dive in and buy your own mount. It’s advisable to steer clear of breeds with a bad reputation for being “aggressive” or challenging to teach.
Why Is It Important?
Horses that are kind and forgiving, as well as simple to train and have strong memories, are necessary for a beginner to intermediate riders. New riders are more likely to fall off and suffer injuries. This is the reason that not all horse breeds are suitable for riding. Some best beginner horses have excellent qualities that make them ideal for beginning riders.
While riding horses, safety should always be prioritized first. When choosing a beginner’s mount, temperament and level of experience of the horse should take priority over lineage. The attention and ease of training that is characteristic of breeds like Morgans and American Paint horses make them excellent choices for beginner riders. When it comes to ranch or farm riding, few breeds can match the American Quarter Horse.
American Quarter Horse
This horse breed is in our list of the best horse breeds for beginner riders for all the right reasons. When it comes to ranch or farm riding, few breeds can match the American Quarter Horse. They are considered to be the easiest breed for beginners. Due to their hard work and not-so-picky keeper he is liked by most of the horse breeders. They are always prepared to go the additional mile.
According to their owners, American Quarter Horses normally don’t need a lot of extra veterinary care and are popular among recreational male riders because they have sturdy feet and a frame made for extended days under saddle, making them one of the most suitable horse breeds for riding. They often adapt well to being ridden alone but are friendly when grouped together. This type is preferred for outdoor activities like camping and trail riding. As a result of its intelligence and dependability, this adaptable horse is frequently used in film production.
Morgan Horse Breed
It won’t be wrong to call this horse breed the dog among the horses. Just like a pet dog, they have the characteristics that make them a perfect choice for being a family horse. They have attentive nature, love socializing, and have a strong will to please their caretaker.
These are the types of horses that suit beginner riders due to their forgiving nature. They are considered to be the first breed in America in the 18th century and they have a kind demeanor. It has muscle built and doesn’t have any health issues in most of his life span. They are considered to be the most suited horses for saddle seats.
Icelandic Horse
The Icelandic horse, which is related to the Shetland pony, is a wonderful balance for being the best horse breed for beginner riders. Riders who are intimidated ride horses that are too big. This little breed usually stands between 52-56 inches, making them a wonderful option for nervous or smaller riders.
Due to their height, which allows getting in and out of the saddle without a mounting block simpler, they may also be suitable for riders who enjoy riding on hacks. Icelandic horses are the best breeds of horses as they can withstand severe weather conditions for pets and have firm feet because of the temperature and topography of their native country. The Icelandic breed is known for its exceptionally smooth “tolt” stride, which generally is called a fast walk.
Welsh Cob
Welsh Mountain Ponies, which originally belonged to Great Britain. They are the resulting cross of bigger breeds, such as Stallion and Arabian horses, to create the Welsh Cob. The Welsh Cob is a popular and best horse breed for beginners since it is often barely over 13 hands high, but don’t be deceived by its petite stature. This battle horse still functions well as a hardy agricultural animal.
The Welsh Cob, which is well-known for being both intelligent and amiable and versatile in a range of disciplines, is frequently spotted at European riding schools. This horse enjoys hauling a cart as well. Welsh Cobs were developed to survive on little food. However, despite their hardiness and ability to navigate rough terrain, very little care and avoiding overfeeding is a must.
Draft Crossbreeds
If a full-blooded draft breed is intimidating for you, then this draft crossbreed is a good alternative for you. Thoroughbreds, paint horses, and quarter horses have successfully mixed with draft horse breeds including Shires, Clydesdales, and Percherons to create smaller-sized, docile horses. These hybrids have a more accessible height, making them the best horse breeds for beginner riders.
Connemara Pony
This breed of horse originated from western Ireland. They were first bred as farm workers. The Connemara pony, which has ancestry from both Spain and Scandinavia, is an average of 14 hands/ 56 inches tall, making it the best riding horse that can accommodate riders who are shorter than typical.
Connemara ponies are a great choice for young riders since they are kind and tolerant of kids. This breed requires frequent trips to the stables in order to maintain the best relationship since they love the human touch. This pony has the impressive jumping ability for a tiny breed, and it is also quite active and up for almost any riding sport.
Friesian Horse
The Friesian horse breed has a playful nature. This is another type of horse that one can call a dog among horses. They love frolicking through water and rolling about in the dirt. This is why they are sometimes known as Labrador retriever dogs due to their temperament. This breed, which is originally from the northern Netherlands, can easily be identified by its dense foot feathering, tail, and heavy mane. Friesian owners need to set up a time for braiding and grooming. However, this extra effort may be rewarding.
Friesians excel in a number of athletic sports, including Dressage and Driving. They are intelligent and well-rounded. They are very caring towards to their owners. And they are hard to spook. For a horse owner who wants a committed relationship with their mount, this breed is ideal.
Missouri Fox Trotter Horse
Another best horse breed for beginners is this gaited breed. This breed is popular for providing a smooth ride. They have the name foxtrot due to their distinctive ambling motion. The horse moves slowly, keeping one foot constantly in touch with the ground while keeping its head down and tail up. This horse is a great option for families because of its amiable nature.
Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse is just the American Quarter Horse. This breed was popular mainly to labor on American plantations. This makes it the perfect breed for horse owners who are practical. The gaited breed’s running walk is so fluid that you could comfortably drink a cup of tea while riding. This makes them the best riding horses for young riders. This horse could be the answer you’re looking for if other horses have given you saddle soreness.
The Tennessee Walker is a great horse for trail rides, but they are on the taller side, so they prefer a rider who is larger or who can get a leg up when necessary when out on a hack. Saddle Seating is another popular activity with this breed, in addition to hacking.
Horse Breeds to Avoid
While we were discussing The Best Horse Breeds for Beginner Riders, there are some breeds that are good for riding but not suited for beginners at all costs. In simple words, energetic and untrained horses are a big no for new riders. They can even be challenging even for new riders. Breed like Akhal-Teke is a horse breed that can be too fast and athletic for someone with little to no riding expertise.
The agility of Andalusian horses may often make them difficult for beginners to handle. As with other breeds, there are exceptions, and it depends on the particular horse. Their age, experience, training, and disposition are the most important factors. Horse riding is a fun activity. But just like any cat or dog breeds for beginners, you will need to make sure to know about the best horses for beginners. Then you can ride stress-free even when it is your first time.
