How to Choose a Horse Breed

If you're deciding to get a horse, there are several factors to consider when choosing a breed. The horse's height, temperament, maintenance costs and other facts must be factored into your decision. Whether you're getting a horse for riding, showing or racing, you'll need to choose which breed is best for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide why you are getting a horse. Different breeds are best for showing, racing or even riding styles. Choose the breed that best fits your needs.
2. Consider the space where you will stable the horse. If you have a small stall or stable, you will not want to choose a bigger breed, such as a Clydesdale.
3. Learn which breeds are best at certain behaviors. For instance, you would not want a Shetland pony or a Tennessee Walking Horse for racing, nor would you select a thoroughbred or Arabian horse as a work horse.
4. Determine your riding style if you are choosing a horse to ride. Some breeds are naturally more difficult to ride than others. If you like to take slow, quiet rides, choose a Tennessee Walking Horse. If faster rides over rougher terrain are what you are seeking, pick an American Quarter Horse.
5. Pick a horse for its color and markings if you are choosing a breed to show. The American Paint Horse is a breed well known for its markings. Some horses, like the Arabian, also have better temperaments for showing.
6. Get a breed that has a good temperament if you are getting a horse for riding. The Appaloosa and American Quarter Horse have great temperaments for riding.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a bigger, stronger horse for pulling carriages or wagons. The Clydesdale and Percheron are best, though work horses such as these are no longer very common in the United States.
• Do not choose a horse of any breed if you are not prepared to deliver the proper maintenance and time to the horse. All breeds need proper food, housing, exercise and grooming.
• Do not expect a horse to always conform to breed descriptions. The behavior and personality of each horse differs regardless of breed characteristics.