Any ideas on a good breed for my first horse? My past riding experiences have been mostly with Quarter Horses. One summer, I spent time riding on a gorgeous horse who was an Arabian mix. I think I had the most fun when I got to ride an Tennessee Walker (such a smooth gait!)

This will be my first horse. I need a good all-purpose horse for pleasure riding, and was wondering if I should look at a certain breed first.

I am so green at this, and would love suggestions! I won't even probably get this horse until early 2009, but I am doing my homework early.

I would go for the QH type. They seem to be more level minded and not so hot. You could also look into Warmbloods, but they tend to get a bit pricy! Also, try to find one that is in their teens, the kind that have been there done that!

I have also always heard that the Quarter Horse is the best breed because of their temperment. I have heard that Icelandic Horses are good ones for a beginner. I hope this helps somewhat.

I know everyone says the QH is supposed to be a great first horse, but we have a few at our barn that are really not for the beginner. The ones I know are pretty hot. Maybe a lot of Thoroughbred blood in their ancestry.

I'm not one to recommend breed as specific needs for first horse. I think you need to go out with the mind set that you want a particular mind for your horse and who knows what you will find. You also need to know what you want to do. A Tennessee Walker isn't really going to be capable of doing the same things as a QH.

I have not seen Icelandic's but I have seen Norweigian Fjords around here. I'm not a fan of the movement, but that's just my particular taste.

You could always research a breed that you like based on what you want to accomplish with your horse, then look into bloodlines and the traits passed on. When I was looking for a stallion for my mare, I was interviewing owners of Dutch Warmbloods. When I explained that I wasn't looking for something hot, because my thoroughbred would bring that, they knew which stallions would not work and which stallions could. Particular bloodlines in different breeds can be known for throwing hotter babies or more level headed babies. I've ridden some amazingly level-headed Arabians and then some really hot ones. Same goes for Thoroughbreds.

Now...if I could get a Rugged Lark QH descendant, I'd be in heaven!

This was very helpful!!!

A couple of questions...
1. When you say "hot", do you mean really spirited? What are the positive qualities of a "hot" horse?

2. Do you have a suggestion for particular questions I should ask?

I really want an even tempered horse that would be a terrific first horse and pet. Plus, I have a child, and plan on him being around the horse (with my supervision, of course) I want to know my stuff to make sure that I don't get take for a "ride" (pardon my pun, please)

I need one that is seasoned so I don't have to do much training, but also not one who has absolutely no spirit left.

What do you think of horses who have been trail horses and such? I always wonder if have a tough time after being ridden by *so* many different people, many of whom have no clue and probably tugged to hard on the reins or dug in their heels too deeply.

This is SO helpful, thank you!!!

One positive quality of a "hot" horse is that they never seem to get tired, but if you want something that you and your child can ride, I'd look for mellow! LOL

Of course, you will find horses in every breed that are "hot", its just generally Quater type horses are more quiet. Any how, maybe you can look at horses that were used in lessons for beginners and trial horses are good ones to look at, although you can find not so great trails horses! LOL

You are basicly going to have to pretty much search horse by horse and go out and look at them yourself and watch others ride them, etc. Just, don't judge a book by its cover. Also, when inguiring about a horse, tell them that you are a beginner with little expierence with horses and you need something for you and your child and the seller can more or less (hopefully if honest) tell you if your horse is suitable or not.

Take in mind that is some sound advice but I would always consider an older horse for your first one. Don't go for the broke to ride horse. If you are just getting started you first horse could be an old rental string horse. Just make sure it is doesn't have alot of medical issues.

I would also consider some morgan lines. I have found them to be "mellow" but you are right there are some hot ones also. You just got to go kick some tires. But make sure someone else rides them first before you do.

And depending on price consider a vet check. It may save you money in the out of the gate vet bills which will dampen your spirits quickly.

Good luck and let us know what you find. Oh BTW take someone along who has some horsesense and can tell you if the horse is lame or Off and let them ride them before you.

How many times I have had on my "dream goggles" and a friend saved me from buying a broken down horse that was supposed to be automatic.

Take care Cat

I would definately not recommend a QH for a first time horse. I'm sure that there are level headed QHs out there, but I have one there are two on the farm I spend time with both and they are not. I must say that my mare is awesome on ground manners, my two year old can lead her around, but once you get into the saddle she is very hot. I know her bloodlines though and she was bred for racing. She's what I wanted, but the other QH we have was bred for western pleasure. She has no manners at all, one second she's fine the next she isn't.

Also, we have some walker racker mixes. I would say for a nice easy ride get a seasoned Racking Horse... Also, get a gelding... Get one that was gelded at the right age also, meaning under two, preferably 15 months. When you look at a gelded horse make sure that he wasn't cut "proud" when they are cut proud that means they still have the ability to make an abundance of testosterone. You don't just geld to remove baby making ability in my opinion, I geld to remove the attitude that so many stallions have. I had a thoroughbred stallion several years ago that I should not have parted with, but I was the only person that could ride him. So my biggest piece of advice, no matter what breed you decide to go with get a gelding. Once a horse is gelded and trained they are the same every time you ride.. Mares have mood swings.

As far as going with an older horse, I don't necessarily think you need to get one in his teens you could very easily find one that is 6-10 years old that could suit your needs. If he or she came from a great trainer. There are several farms online that sell great horses, that have experience with the breed but keep in mind you get what you pay for when you buy anything, horses are the same. If you intend to spend under 1,000 for a well trained, seasoned horse a child can ride you may be setting yourself up for failure. If I was you I would plan on spending around 3,000 to 4,000 for a well trained, child broke horse. One with vet records and the owner can show you how trained the animal is. You should also be able to take a test ride. Make sure the animal has a health certificate and tests negative for coggins. One other thing to remember, if the person you are buying the horse from is confident in the training and ability of the animal they should offer a 30 day buy back guaruntee... Every horse I've bought has come with that... Good Luck!

I am going to go off the beaten path here and say Rocky Mountain horse. I have had my first RM for about 6 weeks now, but have had riding eperiences with them for about a year and my only regret is I didnt discover the breed earlier in life.

Calm, willing , tough, hardy, longevity, trail , endurance, friendly, I cant say enough about the ones I have had contact with.

Just throwing another option out there.

Don't set yourself to a specific breed until you decide what you want to do. That can make a big difference.

What do you want to do with this horse? Discipline, etc For instance, stock-type horses (Apps, Paints and Quarters) tend to be more level-headed, relaxed, easy going and competative in a wider variety of events - especially in an open type circuit. They tend to be good dependable horses. There are, however, exceptions to every breed!

You'll need to take into consideration your experience, height, family members, etc. Once you answer all of these questions it will be easier to decide the right horse. For instance, if you are shorter, you are probably not going to want a 16+ hand horse..if you are tall, you are more than likely not going to be looking at ponies or shorter horses. You said you wanted a pleasure riding horse...you probably aren't going to want to start with something green or an OTTB.

Where it is your first horse, I recommend (like others have) to take an experienced horse person along, probably stick to geldings (so you don't have to worry about hormonal mares - not all are...), and probably to a more stock type horse that has been there done that. Make sure to get a vet check to help reduce the chance of surprises down the road with health issues and such.

You may want to talk to local trainers/barns and see if they know of anything available. A reputable barn will be very helpful to you.

Good luck!

Good luck!