10 Top Best Horse Breeds for New Owners and Riders

You are looking for your first horse but don’t know what breed to choose.

When you are looking for a horse, everything from the horse’s gait which can make the difference between smooth or bumpy rides, to the horse’s temperament, should be considered.

It is also important to consider the size of the horse. A larger horse can make it more difficult for beginners. A horse is usually between 14.2 and 17 hands (4’10” to $5’8″ at the shoulder). If it is less than 14.2 hands it’s considered a pony.

We have compiled a list in alphabetical order of the top 10 horse breeds that are best for novice riders and owners to assist you in your search.

1. American Paint Horse Breed

In 1519, the American Paint Horse was brought to North America by Spanish explorers. Although it was believed that they were a mixture of Andalusian and Barb breeds, today’s Paint Horses are a combination of American Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred lines. Their large, multicolored patches are well-known. They can be found in white, brown, chestnut, and black.

The American Paint Horse is an easy-care breed and doesn’t require as much exercise as other breeds. These horses are approximately 14 to 15 inches in height and have a friendly, calm, and gentle nature that makes them great for beginners. They are intelligent and strong, making them easy to train.

2. American Quarter Horse

About 500 years ago, the Spanish conquistadors brought the American Quarter Horse to North America. These horses were a mix of Arabian, Barb, and Iberian breeds. They were bred with First Nation’s Cherokee, Chickasaw, and English Thoroughbreds. There are many colors available for these horses, including brown, palomino, gray, black, sorrel, sorrel, as well as buckskin.

Because of their calm and docile nature, the Quarter Horse is the most popular horse breed in America. They can be trained to 14.3 to 16 hands, and they are gentle and easy-to-ride horses.

3. Appaloosa Horse Breed

The Spanish brought their horses to Mexico in the 1500s. They eventually drifted into North America. Nez Perce, who lived near the Palouse River in North-Central Idaho, developed the famously spotted Appaloosa coats. They come in a variety of solid colors (chestnuts, black, grays, buckskin, and dun). They can be found at 14.2 to 16. hands and have some sort of spotting pattern.

Appaloosas are loyal horses who love their family and are gentle, intelligent, and playful. Appaloosas are great for beginners because of the strong bonds they have with their owners. Unfortunately, not all Appaloosas are like this. They can also be high-strung and require frequent exercise.

4. Connemara Pony Breed

The true origins of Connemara Ponies are unknown. The Connemara Pony’s origins are unknown. However, it is believed that the Andalusians and the Irish native breeds were combined with the Spanish Armada, which ran aground in County Galway in 1588. Connemaras are a pony. They can be ridden in between 13.2 and 15 hands. This makes them easier for beginners. You can choose from black, gray, brown, palomino, bay, chestnut, or brown.

Connemaras are tough yet agile, intelligent, gentle, and sensitive. Connemaras are great for beginners, whether they’re adults or children.

5. Friesian Horse Breed

Over 3,000 years ago, the Friesian Horse was born in Friesland (Netherlands). They are well-known for their beautiful, flowing manes. Sometimes they are gray or bay, but their main characteristics are solid black legs and long feathers (long hair). They can reach 14.2 to 17.6 hands.

Friesians are gentle, intelligent, and sensitive horses. They would make a great beginner horse. Friesians are friendly, calm, and eager to please nature. Their stunning appearance will be the talk of the town.

6. Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse

The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is a classic American horse that has been around for around 200 years. It was created in America’s southern states and especially around the Appalachians. You can find them in any color you like (black, brown, or dun), They have flowing, long manes and tails. They can typically be found between 13.1 and 16 hands.

The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse can be ridden by both children and seniors. They are calm, friendly, and easy to handle. They can also be ridden as gaited horses which will make them easy to ride for novice riders.

7. Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed

The Missouri Fox Trotter Horse, which was first bred in the 1800s Ozark Mountains, was created. Because they are smooth and easy to walk, they are called the “fox trot”. They can be 14-16 hands long and come in all colors. They usually have white markings on their legs and faces.

The Missouri Fox Trotter, a gentle and charming horse, is great for both children and adults. They are perfect for beginners due to their smooth gait and ability to navigate uneven terrain.

8. Morgan Horse Breed

The Morgan Horse is a top choice for novice horse owners. They were one of the first horses to be developed in America. They have been hardworking and strong horses. They can be anywhere from 14 to 15.2 inches tall and are available in all colors, but most often black, bay, or chestnut.

The Morgan Horse is a kind, gentle, and well-mannered horse that bonds with its owner. They love to spend time with people and are loyal and not easily scared. Morgans are thought to be the most affordable horse to care for since they eat less than other breeds.

9. Norwegian Fjord Horse

Around 2,000 B.C., the Norwegian Fjord Horse was domesticated for the first time. It is one of the oldest horses in the world. The Fjord Horse of today is smaller, with 13.2 to 15. hands. It is usually a brown dun color. The mane is cut so that it can stand straight up. This allows the black hair to be seen in the middle of the mane, which is then surrounded by white hair. This unique look gives the Fjord horse its distinctive appearance.

Fjord horses are a gentle, willing breed. They can be used as therapeutic horses or for training. They are gentle and can take care of their riders.

10. Tennessee Walking Horse

The Tennessee Walking Horse is a mix of several breeds, including the Standardbred and American Saddlebred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, Canadian Pacer, Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred, Morgan, and Thoroughbred. It was created in the late 1800s. They can stand between 15 and 17 inches tall and are available in many colors, but most commonly in brown, bay, black and roan.

Tennessee Walkers are calm, steady, gentle, and calm, making them a good choice for anyone who is looking to avoid flight. They can also be trained as willing learners and have smooth riding abilities.

Horse ownership costs

There are many factors that will affect the cost of owning a horse. You will need to decide whether your land is suitable for horses or if you have to pay for boarding. You also need to decide if you plan on using your horse for pleasure riding or shows.

These expenses may include:

• Boarding
• Veterinarian bills
• Feed
• Take action
• Farrier
• Various supplies
• Events, shows, and activities

You could be paying upwards of $4,000 per year for expenses, so do your research before you buy your first horse.

Learn to ride a horse

There are many factors that can affect the time it takes to learn how to ride a horse. It might take about 10 lessons to learn how to ride a horse. However, it all depends on your fitness level and previous experience. Even experienced riders can still benefit from lessons to improve their performance.

There are many steps and decisions you need to make, including:

1. Are you looking to ride in English or Western style?
2. Choose what you are interested in learning (pleasure or show, jumping, etc. ).
3. You will find a great riding school or instructor who will support you.
4. Are you looking to learn in a small group or private setting?
5. Find the right attire: footwear, clothing, and a riding helmet.

These are only the first steps. The rest is up to you and your instructor.

Horse Temperament

While the list below outlines the top breeds for beginners, it is important to remember that temperament is the most important aspect. There are some breeds that aren’t suitable for novices, like the Arabian (high-energy and headstrong), but there will be horses in the desired breeds that won’t suit beginners due to their temperament.

A horse should possess the following qualities for a new rider:

• Already highly-skilled
• Mature
• Even-tempered
• Gentle and well-mannered
• Keep calm and don’t get scared easily

These qualities are not common in all horse breeds. Even calmer breeds may have some horses that are more energetic than others. They are unique, just like people and dogs.

Consider these Things When Choosing a Horse

These are some tips to help you find the perfect horse once you have decided to buy your first horse.

• Consider the following and decide what horse you will use it for.
• Before you buy a horse, get some riding experience. You can also borrow a horse or take lessons.
• An older horse will be more experienced and slower than a younger one. You can learn dressage with an older horse if you are interested but not experienced. Your horse will be able to teach you.
• Before you buy the horse, take it on a ride and have it checked by your vet.
• Ask questions to the seller and verify their background.
• Take someone who is familiar with horses.

These are only a few of the considerations that you should make before purchasing your first horse. Research, research, and more research should be your first priority.