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When you’re learning to horse ride, you need a particular type of mount. These horses will have a patient, calm temperament and will have a tolerance for mistakes. While any horse breed could theoretically have these characteristics, certain breeds tend to have these traits over others.
Let’s introduce you to some of the amazing horse breeds that are best suited for beginners.
#1 The American Quarter Horse
The American Quarter Horse is one of the most versatile breeds in the world. They are found in many riding spheres, but you will mostly see them in western disciplines.
This breed is very athletic and is popular with competitors in reining, cutting, barrel racing, and even jumping. However, their sensible, gentle temperament also makes them great horses for beginner riders.
Most Quarter Horses are happy to take it slow but will also switch on at the drop of a hat if asked.
What many people don’t know is that the Quarter Horse was first developed as a racehorse. It is the fastest horse in the world over a ¼ mile distance, hence its name. They are still used for racing today, but you will more commonly find them doing ranch work.
In the early stages of the breed development, several horse types were bred to create the modern Quarter Horse we see today. This includes the Chicksaw, Galloway, and the Thoroughbred.
Quick facts about the American Quarter horse breed
- Stand 14 to 16 hands tall
- Weight 900 to 1250 pounds
- Come in nearly all colors, with chestnut the most common
- Well muscled bodies
- There are over 3 million in the world
#2 The Morgan Horse Breed
Like the Quarter Horse, the Morgan is a breed developed in the United States. The Morgan is a kind, willing horse that is not easily upset, all perfect qualities for a beginner rider. Morgans like to please their rider. Instead of protesting incorrect signals from a novice, they will try and figure out what is being asked.
It is an attractive horse with a compact body. They are not too tall, so they will be less intimidating for beginners.
The breed’s foundation sire is Figure, a horse owned by Justin Morgan in Massachusetts, 1792.
Figure’s exact breeding is somewhat a mystery, but the Thoroughbred is thought to be part of it. You will see Morgans in both English and western riding disciplines. They make wonderful pleasure riding, driving, and competition horses.
Quick facts about the Morgan breed
- Stand 14 to 15.2 hands tall
- Weigh 900 to 1,100 pounds
- Strong, compact bodies
- Most are bay, black, or chestnut
#3 The Tennessee Walking Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse is an American gaited breed. Gaited horses are very smooth to ride, making learning to ride easier since you aren’t getting bounced around so much. The breed originated to serve as a riding horse for plantations. They were so comfortable to ride for many hours in the saddle.
Their most unique gait is their walk, which they can do extremely fast and so smoothly the rider is barely jostled. They have sweet, gentle temperaments and are rarely spooked.
Breeds that influenced the Tennessee Walker’s development include the Mustang, Canadian Pacers, and Narragansett Pacers. They take part in a variety of equestrian activities, from trail riding to the show ring.
Quick facts about Tennessee Walking Horses
- Stand 14.2 to 17 hands tall
- Weigh 900 to 1,200 pounds
- Commonly come in black, bay, and chestnut. But also pinto, champagne, and dun
#4 The Appaloosa Horse Breed
The Appaloosa is famous for its beautiful spotted coat. While the breed is American in origins, the genetics that creates their amazing spots comes from ancient European horses. The breed was developed by the Nez Perce peoples who lived in the northwest of America.
They can have two types of coats. One is called leopard when most of the coat is white, and the rest is dotted with spots of different sizes in bay, black, or chestnut. The second type is called blanket Appaloosa.
These horses have a solid base color that is dark, such as bay or black. Over their back and haunches, you will see white hair covered in a pattern of spots in the same color as the main base coat.
The Appaloosa is a versatile horse suitable for many riding disciples.
They are prevalent in western riding activities. You will see them jumping, roping, reining, and trail riding. The breed is calm and willing, making it a great horse to learn how to ride on.
Quick facts About the Appaloosa
- Stand 14 to 16 hands tall
- Weigh 900 to 1,250 pounds
- Come in several coat patterns and all colors
- Most have striped hooves
#5 The Clydesdale Horse
At first, you might wonder why the Clydesdale is on this list since it is such a large, powerful horse. However, they are fantastic horses for beginner riders. The Clydesdale is a type of draft horse. Draft horses are cold blood breeds developed to carry out heavy work on farms and pull large loads for industry before machines took over.
To do these jobs, they needed to have steady, reliable temperaments and willing trainable personalities. In efforts to preserve this at-risk breed, uses outside pulling or farm work have been promoted. The Clydesdale has been found to make an excellent riding horse, especially for beginners.
They are particularly suited to tall or heavier riders due to their size. Even though the Clydesdale is one of the largest horse breeds, they are very gentle and calm.
Quick facts about the Clydesdale breed
- Stand 16 to 18 hands tall
- Weigh 1,800 to 2,200 pounds
- Originate in Scotland
- Most are bay with white socks and blazes
- Heavily feathered legs
- Extremely strong
Some Extra Tips To Choosing Your Horse As Beginner Riders
If you want to start horse riding, the best way is to sign up for lessons. Seek out a reputable riding instructor in the discipline you want to learn, be it western or English. Lessons are the best way to progress your riding skills in a safe environment. You will also start to learn how to take care of a horse.
You should never jump in and buy a horse before you have a good level of riding and horse management knowledge. If you put the cart before the horse, as the saying goes, you may end up overwhelmed and unable to care for your horse.
When you are ready to buy your own horse, your instructor can help you find one that is most suitable for your skills and goals. All of the horse breeds on our list will make suitable candidates.
Conclusion
We’ve introduced you to five of the most popular horse breeds for beginners. Others to consider include:
- The Friesian,
- American Paint,
- Connemara Pony,
- Gypsy Vanner,
- and the Shire.