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

    • 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.

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Comments

  • horseluvr Sep 17, 2008
    we are thinking about buying a horse or pony up to 14h, i have 3 kids that live with me and 3 step kids that live with their moms. i want a horse that has a great temperament for pleasure and trail riding, what would be a good breed?
  • horseluvr Sep 17, 2008
    we are thinking about buying a horse or pony up to 14h, i have 3 kids that live with me and 3 step kids that live with their moms. i want a horse that has a great temperament for pleasure and trail riding, what would be a good breed?

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