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**Which Breed of Horse is Right for Me?**

10K views 36 replies 26 participants last post by  aforred 
#1 ·
Well, I may be looking into getting a new new horse within the next year or so. I want a horse that anybody above 13 years old can ride. I'd prefer a smaller horse if not even a pony, but nothing built heavily, they must have a lighter build and less substance than a Welsh Mountain Pony for example [working type] I want a horse/pony that I can go trail riding with, endurance ride with, and train little tricks with. I need a horse/pony that is not very stubborn and mellow tempered.
 
#3 ·
I'm not sure what part of the world you are in but I am very partial to my Rocky Mountain horse. They are smaller in build than a lot of other breeds and are very people friendly. They average 14-16h and are great trail horses.
If they aren't available you may want to look at a pony mix. I had a quarterhorse dartmoor pony mix that was a wonderful trail horse. Very sure footed and friendly.
Will this be your first horse?
 
#29 ·
Me and boss once bought a Gray Arab gelding for $150 at an auction. He was bug-eyed and looked like he was about to burst at any given moment, but a little girl rode him in bareback with a halter and was perfect other wise. Ever since then he's been used as a trail horse at our barn, and he is probably the most trustworthy. If we ever have a scared or nervous kid, they always ride Shadow and come back happy that they decided to go instead of staying behind. He's short, 14hh, but is hardy. And that bugged eyed look never went away, but he seems to only do it when he's scared or nervous. So I guess that's just Shadow. :)

But if you still don't want to get an Arab go for a Quarter Pony, they're the best!
 
#13 ·
Agreed, AKPaint. QHs are great at going that quarter-mile really fast! But for endurance, they may not cut it in high-end competition. My Paint/TB trained for endurance with is previous owner. He did well, so it can be done, but they never planned to do national competition or anything!

Ria, when I first read your post, POA came to mind. My friend had one and he was very personable and like to learn tricks. He could also canter for days and days!!
 
#16 ·
Ria said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. =D

So now let's move to this subject : How much would a top quality Arabian cost. :shock:
Depends on what you'd call "top quality."

Breeding, age, training, etc can make the price vary.

What specifically are you looking for? Something a bit older that's "been there done that" or something younger that you can train a bit? Good bloodlines? Do you plan on doing just endurance?
 
#18 ·
Ria said:
Probably an experienced horse but yet still in his prime.
That could really vary too. lol.

As long as the horse is well cared for, conitioned and healthy, it can still be a great endurance horse. Most Arabs already have a nautrual "spirt".
There have been Arabs that have won the Tevis cup when they were in their teens.
 
#20 ·
First horse

I would look into the Bashkir Curlies. They are easy to train, come in a variety of sizes and body types, have AMAZING feet and legs, and are great for endurance and trail riding. They are extremly smart and you usually have to stay one step ahead of them in their mind process, but they keep you on your feet! lol Their personalities are soooo mellow, they have puppy dog personalities. Look into them! PM me if you want more information...
 
#21 ·
Advice,

I'd say a quarter horse, they are known to be calm and well tempered, just make sure that its broke well enough. I would say Arabian, but they have some spunk and can be a bit hyper.

Are you a beginner rider? Or very expirienced?

Have you ever owned a horse?

You can message me, I'd love to know more. Let me know.

mkl-
 
#24 ·
I'd say it'd be best to make friends with a really great trainer. I'd prefer a trainer who is really good but doesn't run a big operation. I'd take lessons on his horses and then ask him to help you.

I think it's probably more important to pick the right horse for you than to worry about a particular breed of horse.

Our boy is very young (3 1/2) but he's a great horse for my ten year old. Now, that wouldn't be the case for very many horses that young but this particular horse is a good choice for her. Our trainer went around and found the best, least expensive horse. The fact that he's a horse guy helped. He went around and looked at local horses for sale. He was able to get a very good deal on this wonderful boy.
 
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