Best Horse Breeds for Beginner Riders
If you are at all interested in horses you probably already have a favorite breed. This might be a horse you admire for its beauty or talent, but it might not be a horse breed suited for a beginner rider.
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Keep in mind this is for general information only, within every breed there are exceptions to the rule. Every horse breed has the potential to have some great horses for beginners as well as some that will be disastrous.
Quarter Horses are generally considered one of the most level headed horses. They are more common in North America and are an ideal horse for the Western rider. However to say that every rider should start out on a Quarter Horse is wrong. A lot of riders have no interest in starting out on such a horse, and not every Quarter Horse is safe for novice riders. There are many riding lesson stables that use Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Morgans, and so forth, but most use “Grade” horses, which we will discuss below.
So let us immediately scrap our title of “Best Horse Breeds” and instead look at “Best Horses” for beginner riders.
Geldings
Geldings are what we call stallions whose testicles have been removed. They tend to be more level headed than mares (who can be moody) and less dangerous than stallions.
Older Horses
Older horses who have had good training, but are now past their years of going to shows, or whatever, are often good mounts for beginner riders. They are usually more relaxed, less interested in being playful or silly (bucking/kicking). Older horses are often gentle, and willing to plod around in circles with a novice rider who is just getting their balance.
Grade Horses
When we speak of horses with no known breeding we call them “Grade” horses. Many of these horses make terrific mounts for novice riders. As these horses were not bred to compete in the breed shows, or races, they are often used more as pleasure riding mounts, and therefore tend to be good for beginners. Of course, as with any breed, other factors must be considered, but Grade horses are typically one of the most commonly used in riding lessons and trail rides.
So there you have it, there really is no “Best Horse Breed” for somebody who is learning to ride horses. All horses must be considered. The best horses for beginners are ones that are level headed and reliable, horses that have been well trained, and handled with care.
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Here, another wonderful and interesting article from you B.
Good to be reading and visiting with you again. Right now, I would love to have an 18 or 20 year old grade gelding for my grandchildren as Lolly is still too peppy. The best horse I ever had for kids though, was my gelding Quarter horse. He was the only horse I’ve ever had that I could put my 6 month old baby in front and my 2 1/2 year old behind and I knew that we would have a safe ride as he proved himself until the day he died. I sure miss him to this day.
Best regards from me and I wish we were neighbors so we could go ride together!
Thanks for this well researched and helpful article. I haven’t ridden in years but as a child we rode Quarter horses at my cousins ranch. I remember they were level headed and good with kids.
A very informative entry. After the lifetime achievement award, I guess I should give you a Nobel prize this time round. Am amazed at how much you know that we don’t.
Thanks for nice share.
another beautiful work from you. this is really helpful for anyone wanting to begin riding a horse. full of information and delightful photographs. thanks very much indeed for sharing. lovely.
a really enjoyable article on horse riding for beginners. i absolutely loved it all and also the photographs were a treat to the eyes. thanks very much indeed for sharing and providing so much information and help. beautiful work and i love it all.