Breed-experts look here! :-P

Heya guys!
I would really like to some day invest in alot of horses, so my question to you is:
What breeds would you consider the most calm, friendly and loving?

I guess it depends a lot on the individual horse, but still, the average breed's temperament.

Also, how do you think of the Arabians and the Friesans temperament?

Thanks on behalf!

~MA01

I think my questions would be, how much experience have you had with horses? Thinking of investing in 'a lot of horses' seems strange to me. Is this with an eye to breeding in the future?

If so, then whatever breed you decide upon, you'll need to keep a very close eye on the market in that breed. At the moment, most breed markets are very depressed.

In your area, Friesians and Gypsy Horses are very popular but with so many breeders around, I already know several who are getting away from breeding and actually just keeping a couple of riding horses for themselves. You'd probably find a Gypsy as your best bet for being calm and quiet.

If I were you, I'd visit some stables and see and handle the breeds in person. Keep an eye on ads to see what the market is. Before jumping in I'd suggest deciding upon a breed and just purchase one horse and spend a year or so to see if this is the breed for you.

Whatever breed you decide upon, do a ton of homework before purchase. Get to know bloodlines and what to look for. There are millions of horses around for sale, but if you have an eye towards breeding, then only the best will do and it will take time and homework, for you to know the difference.

Good Luck

Lizzie

What I mean by investing in a horses, is that I want to buy horses for myself, for them to live in a herd. But i'd rather start of with for example one or two for starters, and preferably a calm breed.

If you're just getting some to look pretty and hang around in a herd, I'd suggest visiting your local rescue. You'd be surprised how many gentle, quiet, and none-too-bad looking horses there are just sitting there because no one could feed them.

Very true about the rescues. You can find some beautiful horses that just can't be cared for. Or you could even go to a local horse auction and save some horses from heading to slaughter. I saved my filly from going to auction and I love her best 'mistake' (I REALLY didn't need another horse but couldn't say no to her baby face) I ever made LOL But if your looking for a specific breed I'd go with the QH. I myself am a BS paint kinda person but I do have 2 QH's who are very sweet and mellow even kid safe considering they are 6months and 4years.

Why not the Knaubstrup, one of Denmark's native breeds?

Known for their kind and friendly attitude. Intelligent and eager to learn.
Often used as circus horses due to calm temperament and strong work ethic. Plus they have that beautiful spotted coat pattern

Oh it is? I didn't know, but that's a good suggestion!
Well, I think i'd rather buy horses from other horseowners, where they've had a nice and safe home from the start But maybe the horse auction, whereever that is! Never been to one.

The auction is often a last resort of horses before someone buys them for slaughter. I've been to a few, and horses there go dirt cheap, and they're not bad horses either. I saw the most beautiful, pretty boned little chestnut mare for auction there. She was doing all these tricks and spins, and had the kindest look in her eye; she only sold for $400.

So like I suggested earlier, if you just want something to look pretty and ride on occasion, I'd seriously consider rescuing a few from a local rescue (who are not all from bad homes either, a lot of horses just could not move out of state with their family, or their humans could not afford them any longer and could not sell them), or from an auction. Not pouring money into expensive bred horses who aren't bound to do anything out of the back yard. :)

Well, what type are you looking for? I am personally a big fan of Paints. They are really nice, laid back, great work ethics, and LOTS 'n LOTS of gorgeous color!
Get some experience working with breeds that you think you would like...that might help!
Referring the arabian and friesian question...

I have found arabians to be harder to handle. Definitely would not (generally speaking) fit into the "calm" area...friendly, yes...loving, definitely, can form a good bond, but not more so than any other horse i've known!
Friesians, are a typical draft horse, even though I haven't known any friesians super personally, i've come in contact with a few, and they were quite nice, not crazy and not dull...pretty good mix!
Basically, it depends on the horse you get, Arabians, may be hot, and a little flighty, but if you get the right one, it could be a Miss Calm!

Also, maybe you like showy horses, I can't tell, but it isn't all about looks! Sure, arabs and friesians are GORGEOUS and I would love to own one, you might have to think a little more practically if you're looking for a calm and sweet horse. (not saying that they can't be calm and sweet!)
Yeah, try to be around as many breeds as you can! You'll find out quickly which ones you like and which ones you don't!
Good luck!

Well if you're looking for just some sweet pasture pets, I would definitely go to a rescue. There's a gorgeous paint horse at our barn who's often too lame to ride but incredibly sweet. Horses like him often end up as rescues since he'll never be a reliable mount again. Maybe see if you can find some like that? Any reputable rescue organization should be able to tell you whatever history they have on their horses if any, and many of them are good at matching up horses and people.

I've ridden Arabians before and know a few who own them, and they're gorgeous! Very sweet, but can be hot as all hell! Every horse is different though, so you never know. :)

There are two Fresians and a Clydesdale at our barn, all owned by the same couple, and they are all very honest horses. They're kind, friendly, and don't tend to play dominance games as much as other breeds from what I've seen.

If you want a few mounts, keep in mind you can ride a horse of just about any size as long as you have the experience to handle them. Going back to rescues, they have plenty of rideable horses too! Just do what feels right and don't compromise on the things you find you need in your horses, whether they're show mounts or simply pasture pets.