Best Breeds for First-Time Horse Owners

Last week I shared the horse breeds I WOULD NOT recommend for new horse owners. This week, I'm sharing the top horse breeds I recommend for new horse owners!
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• 5 Horse Breeds I Would...
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[@dardenyerkes5757]

I am a late in life rider and ride a handsome, 19 year old, cheeky chestnut quarter horse. He started life as a ranch horse and hated the life. His owner purchased him at 6 years old, he took her daughter and granddaughter prelim and qualified for nationals. All while teaching young kids to ride and now supporting me in my riding journey. He is super stable, on the rare occasion that he spooks he makes sure I am still on before wanting to take off (he has never taken off, just thinks about it). I have known a few other quarter horses and they were the same. Steady, reliable and lots of fun. Great for a first horse, or late in life horse when hitting the ground hurts more than it used to.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

Lovely to hear. Maybe keep that "champion" forever. We don't sell or swap-out dogs or cats when they get old. Horses are no different. 😊

[@RoBA7]

While you talking it would be great to have the images shown of the different horses in question with this nice information! Thank you for the video!

[@ligt18098]

That does take some video editing skills that I'm not sure she is capable of - if she is that's awesome, I'm just not sure how good her skillset is in that regard

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Holding up a book with photos and close-ups of the horses would be simple. I do not know the different types of horses, either, except draft horses.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

Tennessee walkers are usually pretty placid and very smooth. She didn't mention Rocky Mountain horses but they're gaited, very easy keepers and tend to be wide bodied.

[@hannahswink4438]

And Kentucky mtn horses my sister has one as her first horse she’s an amazing horse

[@MyBloo1]

Tennessee Walking Horses are generally very gentle souls, I agree

[@Conny226]

I am 63 and just started riding I have an handsome fjord I love him so much❤❤❤❤❤

[@mahdrescher8059]

it's very interesting to hear which breeds are popular in America! I always saw quarter horses and paint horses as rare because there's barely any where I live

[@picobello99]

Same here. Quarter and Paint horses can be found, but are uncommon and therefore pricey. Under €10.000 would be a red flag. Haflingers, Fjords and Gypsy Vanners on the other hand are very common and therefore cheap, €2.000 - €5.000 (foals are less). Shetland Pony's are very numerous as well, they're literally everywhere. Foals go for €200 and the prices have gone up quite a bit over the last couple of years.

[@picobello99]

Oh, and don't get me started on gaited horses. The only gaited horses we have are Icelandic horses with the very occasional Rocky Mountain Horse. That's it.

[@mrsmacshome]

I have a Gypsy Cob with the sweetest temperament , definitely recommend as a first horse or like me getting back into riding after a 30yr break.

[@kevinyoung8651]

You might also look at a Morgan. They will do anything, have very good disposition and are fairly easy keepers. Plus, they can be very classy movers. I have to say though, that the appaloosa that I've owned could stay butterball fat on just very little feed and also had a good disposition.

[@MonAhgasInsomniAroELF]

morgans are awesome! very capable, versatile, and have some very cool unique colors

[@Groundedsquirrel]

Hi. Having ridden and cared for Morgans in my youth, I was wondering about that. The ones I rode weren’t typical because they weren’t being worked with much and many were pretty green. But I always got the sense that they could make excellent beginner horses. Especially the older ones.

[@kevinyoung8651]

@@Groundedsquirrel they also make good cow horses. My father put me on a Morgan that he had, when I was 7 or 8 years, and told me to drive about 10 shoats )young pigs)one quarter mile away, where they had never been before. I was mostly just a passenger the horse drove them exactly where they were supposed to go. In case you don't know,hogs are very hard to drive. Another good horse that we have in south Florida is the Cracker Pony. Getting hard to find though.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

I have found them to be sensible and versatile athletes. Many of them are good movers.

[@leanneadams2549]

I’m planning on buying a Morgan for my 5 yr old granddaughter to start her riding !! I think I’m more excited than she is !!! ❤️🐴💯

[@mhdb1930]

it's a nice video and me as an Syrian equestrian i get more knowledge about American horses but i hope next time if you include some photos of the horses you talked about like you did in other two videos. here in Syria we only have Syrian Arabians and they are so good and easy for most people

[@petrahartog5934]

Most breeds mentioned are European , not American . America has no native horses , all breeds started there with crossbreeding . Gated horses are bred from Hackney and Friesian lines who are naturally gaited . Arabians pure bred are the best in the world !

[@tnit7554]

Friesian horses are not gaited.

[@mhdb1930]

@@petrahartog5934 Most breeds in the world came from Arabians because it's the oldest breed that exist and there is even a naturally Gated Arabians

[@timallen4503]

Standardbreds are simply lovely to have. Retired harness racers are ridiculously easy to retrain.

[@Enjoythepour]

Agree. My family raised and raced them. They are wonderful ❤!

[@tracyjohnson5023]

They really are. Highly recommend the retired standardbred adoption non profit. Big advantage they've been fully vetted, behavior tested and started under saddle. Very supportive organization.

[@yourlocalfarm]

🎉yes they are, I just adopted an awesome girl is retired harness racer, she is turning 25 soon, she still looks great!

[@lisacarson6223]

Agreed! Great horses almost always overlooked and underestimated. I'm hoping, with the help of the internet, they will become more desired.

[@imafunnyperson]

BIG AGREE! I’m a first time owner. She’s learning how to canter and I’m learning how to teach her to canter. It’s amazing.

[@kimberlirae2863]

My Roxy is a Missouri Fox Trotter. She is my first horse and I bought her for trail rides. I am in love with her

[@beccavaughan5595]

You left out Welsh breeds, the Welsh mountain pony, Welsh pony, Welsh cob and Welsh pony of cob type, which are all amazing first horses, or for getting back into riding after many years. I started getting back into horses again a few years ago, after 23 years break. My first pony as a child was a Welsh mountain pony and I started back there to get going again. I got him as a 2 year old gelding, bonded with him as he grew and had him harness trained when he was 4. He's a beaut little pony and also great for a lead line pony for my grandkids. At one point he took a whole year off and then went straight back into harness for a drive without lunging or anything, when I needed to work him but I had a broken foot and couldn't lunge or ground drive him. Since getting him, I have acquired 2 Welsh ponies of cob type, a Welsh cob, and bought another traditional Arabian, plus hubby owns a quarter horse. My Welsh ponies are my favourite, they have the best temperament for the whole family, from my youngest toddler grandkids to my elderly mother that I care for at home. A Welsh mountain pony is a solid build and can be anything from 10hh to 12hh, the finer built Welsh pony and the very solid built Welsh pony of cob type are both usually between 12hh and 13.2hh and the Welsh cobs are also a solid build and anything from 13.2hh and above with no upper limit. Although it's uncommon for them to be much taller than 15hh you do find the occasional one above that height. They all share a similar temperament of being calm, kind and intelligent, easy to train and willing to please. They're one of the most popular breeds worldwide for first time horse owners, young riders, older riders and anyone who wants a calm and easy to work with horse or pony. They're also great as a grade pony, even crossed with a Thoroughbred or Arabian, because they usually retain much of the Welsh temperament and make a great sports horse or competing athlete when crossed with a finer build.

[@theresevanbarneveld6026]

I have an Icelandic horse, they are common here in Sweden and I love the breed. On the ridning school where I learned ridning they had only Icelandic horses. Eydis is my first horse and she was 25 when I bought her. I wanted someone older and calmer. She is just perfect . Sweet and lovely to handle❤. I can recommend this breed.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

Very nice to hear. Older horses are such a joy, and we must keep them and love them their whole life long. They have "paid their dues" and deserve a wonderful retirement with us. 💛🐴

[@meganw6007]

Thank you for these videos. I have loved working my way through some of these, even though we don't live anywhere close to land enough, nor have money enough to get horses, just to know for if I ever go riding or to better understand the horses that extended family have talked about Thank you for your educational content and guides and coaching and such!!

[@bigredd5171]

I’ve watched several of your videos so far, and thank you for making them. Your videos are so informative and great for the new/novice.

[@gallopinggrace]

Love this! It makes so much sense and helpful if you are getting your first horse. I just got a Quarter horse and I LOVE him.💖

[@martyp2138]

Looking to purchase my first horse sometime this year (likely Spring/Summer), been taking a couple of lessons a week for about 10 months now and have gained a good bit of confidence and now looking to continue to develop with my own. Have just purchased your course, and will be getting in to stable management to get to grips and be confident with that side of things too.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

Excellent. Good for you. 😊

[@l.loganboswell1761]

I’m partial to Quarter Horses. I’ve had them since I was 10 (66 now) there are good and bad ones but usually if they are handled properly most make good mounts. Depending on age and training they y will suit a wide variety of skill level riders, I recommend that beginners get lessons or advice and mentoring from experienced riders.

[@tiannakyker3175]

I’m surprised you did not mention American miniature horses even though they can’t really be ridden. But you can do in hand and driving competitions with them.

[@Groundedsquirrel]

These are great. Your outfit is cute. I had kind of become resigned to probably never riding again. But the more I learn about gaited horses I really hope to ride one at least once.

[@donnaschofield6947]

Thank you. Great video 🐎

[@xaussiesxhorsesx]

My horse is grade, likely qh and maybe tb? He does mounted shooting and posse work. Proof your horse doesn’t need to be registered to be an amazing horse

[@BrendaGross-li7pf]

Has my late husband used to say. You can’t ride papers 😉

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

No kidding! Yes yes yes.

[@dmgibbs1997]

Could you make a video in regards to the draft horse breeds?

[@diggingmary129]

Carm is spot on all!!! Gaited horses are so much fun to ride, they are so smooth! I wish gypsy vanners weren’t so expensive!!!! 🐴 ❤

[@tracyjohnson5023]

They're not gaited though

[@diggingmary129]

@@tracyjohnson5023very true! I think I was just having two thoughts at one time 😂

[@rebekah5429]

Love this thank you!!

[@marylowe9875]

My first horse was a QH&Tenn. Walker cross. He had nice gaits & was about 15.1 hands.

[@fionas2906]

I’ve been looking into getting a Fjord, Icelandic or Finnish horse! I live in Finland so they’re quite common. 😊

[@eholst1000]

Love your vids!!!!!!!!!

[@introvertedequinesamsara6593]

Gaited horses can also do any discipline not just trail riding, but dressage, jumping, barrel racing, reining, EXCA, etc. Champagne Whatchout was a TennesseeWalker who made it to FEI level dressage. Not to mention there's alot of gaited disciplines aswell, such as Gaited Dressage, English Pleasure, Speed Pacing/Rack, Style Pacing/Racking, All day pleasure, Country Pleasure, Trail Pleasure, Lite shod, Park, etc. That all are extremely fun and usually are pretty beginner safe (All day pleasure was specially made for green riders and horses).

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

As long as they have not been "trained" to hold their neck and head in that "high" position, which usually results in a sway back. I see it all the time. I can look at an older horse, and easily guess what they were trained for. Cranked up neck, high head carriage, undeveloped top line.

[@introvertedequinesamsara6593]

@@chuckthebrindlepittie6820 Swayback is rarely ever a result of having a high head set as it's connected to Lordosis which is a genetic trait. You'll never see a Racking/Ambling (high head set gaits) horse with Swayback unless they have a long back, a senior (it's 100% normal for many seniors to develop Swayback it has nothing to do with how they were ridden), or are like the Saddlebred (whose genetically disposed to Lordosis). Gaited breeds also naturally have a higher headset as their neck comes higher off the withers, and because many gaited breeds have a overstride it contradicts that dip in the back as the overstride rounds the back... 😅 Tho the majority of the disciplines I mentioned have a average headset for gaited horses.

[@introvertedequinesamsara6593]

@@chuckthebrindlepittie6820 here's a video by Gaye DeRusso of her TennesseeWalker free gaiting in the area with his head held high, not being forced in the slightest and no Swayback in sight. "From Pacing to gaiting and Trotting TennesseeWalker" by Gaye DeRusso kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rSmHtnZ6Z-rc0si=zq6ESwniuw3bJSUY

[@introvertedequinesamsara6593]

@@chuckthebrindlepittie6820 Gaye DeRusso has a video of her TennesseeWalker free gaiting in the area with a high head set, no force needed and no Swayback in sight. "From Pacing to gaiting and Trotting. TennesseeWalker" by Gaye derusso kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rSmHtnZ6Z-rc0si=zq6ESwniuw3bJSUY

[@introvertedequinesamsara6593]

@@chuckthebrindlepittie6820 Gaye DeRusso has a video of her TennesseeWalker free gaiting in the area with a high head set, no force needed and no Swayback in sight. "From Pacing to gaiting and Trotting. TennesseeWalker" by Gaye derusso

[@brooklineg7727]

Have you ridden Mangalarga marchador from Brazil. I was so impressed by their stability, endurance, strength, and temperament.

[@pinehearthorses]

Thank you for doing this video❤

[@txylzxe.-]

i had a norwegian fjord at my first riding lesson. Such a sweetheart very calm and he was a bit bouncy on a trot /on a lounge/ but super pretty and calm.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

"Bouncy" at the trot can be a good thing! Work on more FORWARD motion (moving off your leg) and fuller use of their haunches -- terrific. Be thankful!!!!

[@txylzxe.-]

@@chuckthebrindlepittie6820 Ah thanks! i stopped riding as it was a lesson my parents found once on instagram but im gonna start again soon!

[@sanniepstein4835]

Some Quarter horse lines have a lot of Thoroughbred in them, so they are prone to navicular disease. Look for a foundation bred QH. And don't force the poor thing to imitate a chess-piece warmblood in a dressage frame; they just aren't built for it.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

Agree.

[@jimparent4195]

Hi Carmella, I really like your videos, they are very practical and informative. I was looking for information/advice for people like me in my position. I am 58, 6'4, 280lbs (so likely 300+ including tack) and have very little horse experience but I am interested in buying my first horse. I do know the 20% rule and that I should be looking for a horse around 17 hands. Do you have any suggestions or a resource you could point me to so I can make the best first horse decision?

[@tammyrenfrow6433]

Saddlebreeds are gaited as well ❤

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Some gaited horses can be very pacey and require periodic re-training to correct this. TWHs are especially bad about this. I bought a nine year old green broke TWH mare who turned out to be a hard pacer and could not perform a decent four-beat gait.

[@AwakeMyBones]

My daughter is really hoping for a video meeting daffodil soon

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

We dont have any gaited horses in the Netherlands, never seen one! But we do have alot of cheap gypsy vanners, Haflinger, fjord etcetera. Much andalusian horses, Friesian, they are a bir more expensive. And lots of dutch warmbloods.

[@suusfenno]

Yess! ❤ im dutch!😊

[@piercebobo5754]

My first (current and only) horse is a (grade) TWH but I think she’s a TWH and American Paint mix though I’m not sure. She’s definitely docile but I will say she’s also super energetic and I feel like she would rather gallop everywhere than walk 😂

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

Lovely to hear. Keep her forever. So many people are not committed to taking care of their wonderful horses (pets) through their whole lifetime. Horses are pets. Who would sell or "swap out" their dogs or cats? Creeps.

[@natalieharwick4391]

My first two horses were a paint and a quarter horse

[@ilovehorses5970]

My horse is a Missouri foxtroter she is amazing and loves to jump

[@gwyns_farmlife]

I recently bought a 2yo chestnut quarter horse mare and shes incredible!

[@imafunnyperson]

Why’d you leave out Standardbreds when you mentioned gaited horses? They’re amazing!!

[@Midnight_themoonfxiry]

My 2 favorite horse breeds are marsh tacky and quarter horse my 1st horse was Quarter horse named precious and my second horse was a marsh tacky named Freya Freya is still in training currently I am extremely horse experienced but a beginner rider Me and Freya are technically learning together Under supervision of my mother

[@Midnight_themoonfxiry]

I'm only 12 and have been around horses my whole life But have not ridden much

[@user-iq4hz9un3z]

Can you tell as about Indian horses plz 🎉🎉

[@wildedibles819]

I have a 11hh pony he's very nice first horse for me... I think quarter horse is next :) about 14hh

[@ligt18098]

I love gaited horses, I feel like they make good beginner beginner horses as there's no super bouncy trot to sit or learn to post lol

[@teamsolarr9395]

Ever worked with a Dales?

[@rin-eri]

Why are there no pictures in this video 😢 idk what you’re talking about if I can’t see the horses. Nice video concept tho

[@user-yf4og7wy3c]

Hi, I am from Serbia & I am a school teacher. I bought horse two monts ago, She's now 8 months old and I am trying to teach her to pull trees but she is afraid. Can you give me advice if its free. Thank you.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

Eight months old is too young to start trsining at anything!!! Except simple halter training and easy-going ground work. And not too often. Horses who are started too early aren't physically, or psychologically ready for any other training!!! Start at age 2 or 3, and hire a professional trainer. Whoever your advisor was about purchasing a baby -- get rid of that person. Cruel and absurd advice.

[@user-ec8un2ir7b]

Would point anyone with kids to Haflingers. Hardy and patient

[@zainabkhazeemaoderuth4367]

Hi❤❤❤, love ur videos

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

What you call "small draft breeds" are not draft breeds at all. Haflinger and Fjords fall more into the type of "usage breed" - versatile, can do everything, excel at nothing particular - usually. There are exceptions to this though, particularly with the Haflinger. Especially if crossed with Arabs, they can be extremely high-strung and of hot temperament. So not for beginners at all. Icelandic horses are a whole different beast. At least here in Europe, they are often bred to compete with their special gaits and can be very showy. On the other end of the range, there are also ideal trekking horses among them. IMO, you can't generalize anything with beginner horses. There can be calm, nice and patient horses in every breed - be it an Arab or a Clydesdale. Ponies can be ideal beginner horses, but also real brats are to be found. And you do not see it when you expect the horse first. There are pluses and minuses to be found everywhere.

[@picobello99]

Those small draft horses are also known as "cobs". Pony's and draft horses have the same ancestors, cobs are basically the link in between. And yes, they're generally calm like a draft, but can also be stubborn like a pony. Icelandic horses aren't cobs though (and definitely not drafts). They're technically pony's, but the Icelandic people don't want to hear that.

[@tnit7554]

German here, never heard about a "great horse" or do you mean "grate horse" or "Grade horse"???

[@ruthhamilton4882]

I think she means "grade" as in, not a registered breed.

[@tnit7554]

@@ruthhamilton4882 thank you for the quick response...

[@angelinadaws4792]

Lol your horses name means food in Australia

[@joannesmartens9442]

What does you mean with grade horses? I don't know this breed, never heard about. Does you mean not registered horses? But why you present them as a breed? So that could be even a wild mustang, because they're not registrated. Even with tucker you can do ADN test to see witch breeds he has and each %. I think this does'nt work like this, because when you're looking for a horse, you know and feel imediatly you have a bond or something with that horse. And the horse also can show his interest in you. When you have a bond with a horse you will build trust really quickly, and that's the most important thing. You could also show their pictures and names, because i don't understood that grade or something like that. But i love to see your videos. Did you went to a kind of school to become teacher or instructor,and does this exist in USA? In the netherlands you have normaly to obtain a degree( diploma) by for example ORUN 1, 2 and 3, or a degree by NCSAH. There you have to study all about horses, bones, organes, musles, hoofs, body language.... All. And then you follow training with instructor, and afterwards you have to teach to other riders. And in all categorys, dressage, showjumping and crosscountry. There are also other posibilitys like freestyle academys for groundwork, lunging, working at the hand, but they're not so complete like the two oficials. And even GP riders who have those degree are learning more by other teachers, because by horses you have to learn always more and more. 🥰

[@MonAhgasInsomniAroELF]

a grade horse is any MIXED BREED horse, usually they are not registered, but that isn't what makes them a grade horse, it's that they are not purebred. yeah, they are technically not a breed, neither are mustangs, but they are distinct category of their own, which is probably why she included them :)

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

​@@MonAhgasInsomniAroELFAnd they can be fabulous athletes and companions.

[@chuckthebrindlepittie6820]

If you look at the top riders in the world, they all have trainers and coaches. All the time. Learning and developing as a rider is a lifelong pursuit. So wonderful. 😊

[@Fatimahorse]

🐴💜

[@IntuitiveUniversity]

I can't afford a horse. The whole industry is stupid expensive. Looking at $800+ for care.

[@ruthhamilton4882]

I have had horses for over 50 years, and you are exactly right. If I was a normal person, I could have quite a large and elaborate house for what I have spent on horses. But I wouldn't do anything differently. No regrets.

[@Enjoythepour]

Perhaps you could consider leasing one, there are plenty out there. Costs would be less.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

@@Enjoythepourexactly! Many barns that offer riding lessons usually have lease options.

[@MonAhgasInsomniAroELF]

there are a lot of ways to have a horse for cheap! if you do some searching, you can find a lot of resources for great prices (people have posted videos of finding perfectly adequate stuff at dollars stores, thrift stores, and DIY homemade). like most hobbies, it definitely can get expensive -- especially if you buy everything retail and go for the expensive brand name stuff, but there are a lot of reasonable alternatives to most of the expensive aspects. the most unavoidable cost is vet bills, so just always have savings set aside for emergency vet situations, and you'll probably be fine. but that's the reality of any kind of pet ownership. and sadly, yeah, some people just aren't cut out for it. but there's still many ways to be involved with horses even while not owning any, such as leasing a horse like others have mentioned, or even working/volunteering at barns/ranches/rescue organizations, etc.

[@Groundedsquirrel]

Hi! Respectfully, many people spend an awful lot on all sorts of hobbies and possessions. I think if someone determines that they want horses in their life, they figure out how to make it happen. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are rich to begin with. But it is a huge responsibility so they need to make sure they always have money on reserve for vet emergencies and such.

[@zainabkhazeemaoderuth4367]

I like riding horses 😊

[@CHOCOequestrian]

Same!

[@diggingmary129]

I don’t like riding horses, I LOVE riding horses!!! 🐴 ❤ 😊

[@CHOCOequestrian]

@@diggingmary129 yes! I love love love it

[@hedgehogfamily6775]

Hi!

[@CHOCOequestrian]

🎉 your first!

[@suzibee9796]

First! 💕🐴💕

[@Stasa.Nikolic]

Girl, you are not 1st